ADELPHI UNIVERSITY 1
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Aberdeen: See page 367.
Adelphi University
One South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
Situated in a comfortable Long Island suburb within shouting distance of Manhattan,
Adelphi lets you taste urban life without being overwhelmed. Long established as
an innovator in public health and the arts, Adelphi’s strengths are professional
programs grounded in the liberal arts. Almost all undergrads are New Yorkers, two-
thirds are women, and 93 percent get some financial aid. Compare to Fairfield and
Quinnipiac.
Think of Adelphi as a Gen Y of higher education. After going through a tumultuous
time in the late 1990s, Adelphi began coming of age in 2002 thanks to new leader-
ship and a revamped mission. Enrollment has grown, and nearly 100 new faculty
have been hired in the last decade. Student financial aid has been expanded, and
Adelphi has a policy of keeping tuition lower than peer institutions. At the same
time, the school has focused on reducing class sizes and creating more hands- on
learning experiences. Students say that, as a result, there is a palpable sense of energy
among students and faculty.
Founded in 1863 as a prep school in Brooklyn, Adelphi morphed into a coeduca-
tional college in 1896 and in 1928 moved to Garden City, where it occupies 75 acres
in an attractive residential suburb that boasts a Gothic cathedral and an abundance
of stately homes. The campus is registered as an arboretum. A $34 million reno-
vation of the Harley University Center has added and enhanced dining and study
areas, high- tech event spaces, and an art gallery.
General education requirements have been revamped so that students now are
required to complete 30 credits through courses in the humanities, social sciences,
natural sciences, mathematics, computing, and logic. First- year students take part
in a writing seminar to hone their skills. Other
required courses include communications, quan-
titative reasoning, information literacy, and
global learning and civic engagement. All stu-
dents are required to complete a capstone course or project. Adelphi’s most popular
majors have a decidedly preprofessional bent: nursing, psychology, biology, and
management. Communication sciences and disorders, exercise science, and social
work are traditional strengths. The fine and performing arts are also notable, espe-
cially the theater program. New majors include nutrition and dietetics, supply chain
management, and an accelerated M.S. in nursing. Joint bachelor’s/graduate degree
programs have been established in a number of disciplines, and a B.S./M.B.A. pro-
gram in the business of science prepares students for executive careers in pharma-
ceuticals, tech, and other industries.
Adelphi has “a relaxed but still serious environment,” says a communications
major. “The students are generally working hard, but it never feels too intense.”
Forty- six percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Despite an increase in fac-
ulty hiring, students complain that it can be hard to find open courses come regis-
tration time, and the quality of teaching can be hit or miss. Still, a criminal science
major says, “It’s easy to form relationships with the instructors and network with
them for future opportunities.” Adelphi’s Learning Resource Program, for students
Website: www .adelphi .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 5,871
Undergraduates: 4,769
Male/Female: 32/68
Financial Aid: 93%
Pell Grant: 38%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 55%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 17,301
Accepted: 73%
Enrolled: 9%
Grad in 6 Years: 68%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (516) 877- 3050
Email Address: admissions @
adelphi .edu
Strong Programs:
Communication Sciences and
Disorders
Exercise Science
Social Work
Theater
Nursing
Psychology
Biology
Management
Business
“The students are generally
working hard, but it never
feels too intense.”
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2 ADELPHI UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
with learning disabilities, is said to be well staffed and effective, and Bridges to
Adelphi is an award- winning program offering career development and academic
support to students with autism spectrum disorder.
Adelphi has increased its emphasis on experiential learning and student
engagement in recent years. The Levermore Global Scholars program, open to
students in all majors, takes an interdisciplinary approach to addressing global
issues through special seminars, cultural excursions, activities at the UN head-
quarters in New York City, and opportunities for internships, study abroad, and
service projects. Students can choose from more than 100 study- abroad pro-
grams. The Jaggar Community Fellows Program places about 60 undergrads in
paid summer internships at local nonprofit organizations. Adelphi’s Innovation
Center research lab provides opportunities for students to collaborate with area
businesses and nonprofits on business plans and consulting projects. The Honors
College offers a rigorous liberal arts program and living/learning community for
exceptional students.
Eighty- six percent of undergraduates hail from New York, while 6 percent arrive
from foreign countries. A sophomore describes Adelphi students as “vibrant, outgo-
ing, and dedicated.” The student population reflects the university’s proximity to
the Big Apple: 9 percent are Black, 20 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 13 percent are
Asian American, and 3 percent are multiracial. Minority representation is growing
among Adelphi’s faculty as well. School- sponsored series like Diversity Dialogue and
Common Ground encourage students to share their experiences with diversity and
respond to national events, but a sophomore says, “Students tend to keep their
political opinions to themselves.” Adelphi offers merit scholarships, worth an aver-
age of $13,450 each, to qualified students, and athletic scholarships are awarded in
23 sports.
Despite several “comfortable and well- maintained” residence halls, a mere
20 percent of all undergrads live in campus housing. Gender- inclusive options are
available, as are two first- year living/learning communities. Many students reside in
university- arranged, off- campus apartments in
Garden City. Campus dining gets mixed reviews.
Mental health counseling access has been
expanded to include a Peer Education Program.
Students report feeling safe on campus, and a
sophomore says, “The school provides us with the resources we need to support one
another and not be afraid to talk about sexual assault.”
Adelphi has been bolstering on- campus social life with an increase in free
weekend and late- night programming aimed at encouraging students to stick
around on weekends, and students are active in more than 90 clubs and orga-
nizations. Greek life does play a role in the social scene, with 12 fraternities
and sororities that attract 7 percent of the men and 11 percent of the women,
respectively. Adelphi is a dry campus, and students say that the policy is strictly
enforced. In the fall, students look forward to Spirit Weekend, while spring
brings Pantherfest and the Spring Concert. One student describes Garden City
as “a very safe, low- key residential neighborhood.” About half of students get
involved in community service. A junior says, “Adelphi is very close to the city,
so many students choose to go there and adventure.” The Center for Student
Involvement offers discounted tickets to movies, Broadway shows, and profes-
sional sporting events.
Adelphi fields several competitive Division II teams (the Panthers). The soft-
ball team won a regional championship in 2022, while baseball, men’s tennis, and
men’s and women’s lacrosse have been successful in the Northeast- 10 Conference.
Among the school’s 11 club sports, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, Latin dance,
First- year students
take part in a
writing seminar to
hone their skills.
“All of our departments, as
well as our students, work
together to collaborate on
new ideas.”
In the fall, students
look forward to Spirit
Weekend, while spring
brings Pantherfest and
the Spring Concert.
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AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE 3
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and Bollywood dance are the most popular; half a dozen intramural sports are
also available.
At Adelphi, signs of renewal are everywhere, from the campus facilities to the
burgeoning enrollment. Although the university’s lingering commuter heritage can
leave some wanting for more social opportunities, most welcome the chance to play
an active role in shaping not just their education, but the community as a whole.
Says a senior, “I really feel that all of our departments, as well as our students, work
together to collaborate on new ideas, classes, events, and opportunities for the
campus community.”
Overlaps
Fordham, Hofstra,
Long Island
University, Molloy,
Pace, Fairfield,
Quinnipiac,
St. John’s University
If You Apply To ›
Adelphi: Early action, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Application includes optional
question regarding gender identity. Please consult Adelphi’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standard-
ized test requirements.
Agnes Scott College
141 East College Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030
Combines the tree- lined seclusion of Decatur with the bustle of Atlanta. All- female
school with exceptional facilities for a college of its size, Agnes Scott offers small
classes, sisterhood, a richly diverse student body, and a more exciting location than
some of its cohorts. Big emphasis on leadership and global learning. Socioeconomic
diversity a priority.
Agnes Scott College, founded by Presbyterians in 1889, offers a small- town
campus atmosphere and provides women with an intellectually challenging
institution— absent the distractions of men. The college is known for its science
and math programs, but it also produces skilled writers and artists and continues
to be one of the South’s leading women’s schools. Faculty have become increas-
ingly focused in recent years on designing a curriculum that cultivates globally
aware women leaders. ASC’s climate as a small, single- sex institution leads to close
relationships with the faculty and very involved students— both academically and
socially. “We believe in the power of women, of deep thinking, of honor, of social
justice, of learning for the sake of learning,” asserts one senior.
The Agnes Scott campus sits on 100 acres in the historic district of Decatur,
just outside of Atlanta. The well- maintained Gothic and Victorian buildings are sur-
rounded by gardens filled with rare shrubs, bushes, and trees— all evidence of thriv-
ing alumnae support. The Bullock Science Center includes an X-ray spectrometer,
nuclear magnetic resonance imaging equipment, and a scanning tunneling micro-
scope. As part of a campuswide sustainability initiative, the college has renovated
two residence halls, Campbell and Rebekah Scott, earning them LEED Gold and
Platinum certifications, respectively.
In addition to outstanding instruction in the sciences, Agnes Scott provides
students with solid grounding in the liberal arts, leadership, global learning, and
professional success through an approach called SUMMIT. As part of SUMMIT, all
first- year students participate in a two- day leadership immersion experience follow-
ing orientation in the fall, and then in the spring semester, during a week known as
Peak Week, embark on a faculty- led, global study tour to places like Ghana, Iceland,
Website: www .agnesscott .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,005
Undergraduates: 921
Male/Female: 0/100
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 40%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 63%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 1,879
Accepted: 67%
Enrolled: 22%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
Returning Freshmen: 79%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (404) 471- 6285
Email Address: admission @
agnesscott .edu
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4 AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and Peru. All sophomores are required to take an interdisciplinary SCALE course
focused on leadership development, which includes spending Peak Week shadow-
ing leaders of local business and nonprofit organizations, such as AT&T, Decatur
Housing Authority, and Zoo Atlanta. Juniors and seniors select an Applied Career
Experience during Peak Week to learn about topics and skills like data analysis,
graphic design, or digital literacy. Each student also assembles her own board of
advisors with faculty and staff members, a peer advisor, and a career mentor, and
documents her progress throughout her four years with a digital portfolio. A junior
praises SUMMIT for connecting students with “a group of people totally committed
to making sure you get where you want to be.”
Academically, Agnes Scott delivers strong programs in biology, math, astrophys-
ics, neuroscience, English literature, and creative writing. The school also offers a
top- notch German program, a rarity these days in U.S. higher education. Popular
majors include public health, psychology, biology, and business management.
Aspiring engineers may complete their degrees through a 3– 2 program with Georgia
Tech, while nurses benefit from a dual- degree program with Emory.
The overall academic climate at ASC is rigorous but collaborative, and students
are focused on learning first. “We are encouraged to find our own paths instead of
competing for the same one,” says a public
health major. Adds a senior, “In every course,
there is a cross- curricular approach. You will, at
the end of your four years, be an excellent writer,
speaker, and critical thinker.” An honor system, enforced by a student judiciary,
allows for self- scheduled and unproctored exams. Seventy- five percent of classes
have fewer than 20 students, which encourages close student/faculty interactions in
the classroom. A sophomore says, “I cannot emphasize enough how invested Agnes
Scott professors are in their students.”
For those students wishing to leave Agnes Scott’s idyllic campus behind for a
time, there are study abroad options available at more than 150 universities in more
than 50 countries. The Hubert Scholars Program combines experiential learning
with humanitarian service either at home or abroad. Past Hubert scholars have men-
tored refugee girls in the local community and developed gender- equality education
programs in Bangladesh. About two- thirds of students participate in research, and
many present their results at an annual conference held in the spring.
Agnes Scott students “recognize the value of two very simple things: the value
of diversity and the value of women’s education,” says a sophomore. Sixty percent
of students are Georgia natives, 2 percent are international, and most of the rest hail
from the Southeast. Despite the school’s small size, its
student body is hugely diverse; 31 percent of ASC deni-
zens are Black, 14 percent are Hispanic/Latina, 6 percent
are Asian American, and 6 percent are multiracial. The
school has made socioeconomic diversity a priority as
well— an impressive 40 percent of current freshmen are eligible for Pell Grants.
Ample support is available for students of diverse backgrounds, and the school has
implemented initiatives like the Transgender 101 Workshop and Diversity and
Racial Justice programs to educate the campus community. A business management
major comments, “I am challenged every day to think about the world from per-
spectives that I could never think about myself.” Most Scotties are liberal- leaning,
and national issues of equal rights and immigration have attracted attention on
campus recently. Under the new Agnes Assurance Scholarship program, all admitted
undergraduates receive guaranteed, renewable merit- based scholarships of at least
$23,000 per year.
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Psychology
Sociology and Anthropology
Astrophysics
Neuroscience
English Literature
Creative Writing
Business Management
Public Health
German
Biology
Math
“We believe in the power
of women, of deep
thinking, of honor.”
Faculty have become
increasingly focused
in recent years on
designing a curriculum
that cultivates globally
aware women leaders.
“We are encouraged
to find our own paths
instead of competing
for the same one.”
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AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE 5
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Seventy- nine percent of students live in Agnes Scott’s six dorms, which are
linked by tree- lined brick walks. “The residence halls are pretty nice. They have
walk- in closets, lots of storage, and all but one of them have air- conditioning,” says
a student. Juniors and seniors can live in Avery Glen, the college- owned apartment
complex, while incoming students are assigned to one of two first- year dorms.
Students say that dining services staff is friendly and receptive to student feedback,
and while the food is usually decent, options can be limited. They report feeling safe
on campus, and one student says, “Campus security is very tight. There are always
officers around keeping watch.”
As for the ASC social scene, there are no sororities, but the college itself is a
close- knit sisterhood. During the week, socializing tends to revolve around study
groups, student club activities, and events planned by the campus programming
board (“ProBo”), but when the weekend comes, social life moves off campus. “Parties
at other colleges, nightclubs, bars, and off- campus restaurants are common places to
find Agnes Scott students,” says a senior.
Enforcement of drinking policies falls under the
honor code; students of legal age can enjoy alco-
hol in their dorms and at certain functions. Every
October, students celebrate Black Cat week, a tra-
dition since 1915 that marks the end of orienta-
tion and recognition of each new class and ends with a formal dance. Other quaint
traditions survive, too, such as the ring ceremony where sophomores receive the
black onyx class rings that make them part of the ASC “Black Ring Mafia.” Seniors
who get into grad school or find jobs ascend to the top of the college bell tower,
ringing the bell to share the good news.
Decatur (population 25,000) itself is not really a college town, but there are
some attractions for Agnes Scott students. “There are nice little venues and coffee
shops; very hip and fun,” a student says. Convenient public transportation serves
cultural landmarks and provides access to the social scene in nearby Atlanta. Many
ASC students get involved with community service both on and off campus, with
organizations like the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center, Hands Across Atlanta, and Best
Buddies. Popular road trips include Stone Mountain and Six Flags or New Orleans for
Mardi Gras.
Agnes Scott competes in the Division III USA South Athletic Conference. Scottie
tennis has been the most successful of the school’s six varsity teams, winning
multiple conference championships, and softball and soccer are also competitive.
Students stay active with a variety of recreational and intramural activities, such as
Zumba, dodgeball, and club lacrosse.
Small but mighty, ASC stands out for the little touches that make students feel
they’re part of an intimate community, starting with pine- scented brochures sent to
accepted applicants. One Scottie Sister reflects, “Agnes Scott builds women who are
fearless, who change the world, who question things and inspire others.”
The Bullock Science
Center includes an
X-ray spectrometer,
nuclear magnetic
resonance imaging
equipment, and a
scanning tunneling
microscope.
“The residence halls have
walk- in closets, lots
of storage, and all but
one of them have air-
conditioning.”
Every October,
students celebrate
Black Cat week, a
tradition since 1915
that marks the end
of orientation.
Overlaps
Georgia State,
Spelman, Kennesaw
State, University
of Georgia, Mercer,
Emory, Mount
Holyoke, Smith
If You Apply To ›
Agnes Scott: Early decision, early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Accepts applications from students who were assigned female at birth as well as students who were assigned male or
female at birth but identify as female, transgender, agender, gender fluid, or nonbinary.
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6 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Alabama
Box 870132, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
“Roll, tide, roll” still says a lot— but not everything— about Alabama, which is one of
the fastest- growing public flagships in the country. Passion for the Crimson Tide is as
strong as ever, but also look for strong honors programs, emphasis on undergraduate
research, and pockets of professional excellence. Though its football team is among
the nation’s elite, ’Bama still lacks the academic luster of rivals University of Georgia
and University of Florida.
The University of Alabama first earned its national reputation on the gridiron, but
the state’s first university (with roots all the way back to 1820) is committed to
making an academic name for itself as well. In an effort to attract the South’s best
and brightest, UA has increased its emphasis on global perspectives, computer-
based technologies, freshman learning communities, and undergraduate research
and adopted a generous policy of merit scholarships, including for out- of- state
students.
’Bama’s thousand- acre campus combines pristine brick, classical, revival- style
buildings (a few of which survived the Civil War) with modern structures. One of
the most stunning in the South, the campus boasts an expansive lawn and majes-
tic trees and wraps around a shaded quadrangle, the home of the main library and
“Denny Chimes,” a campanile carillon that rings the Westminster Chimes on the
quarter hour. Hewson Hall, a $60 million building housing business programs,
opened in 2021.
The only course Alabama requires students to take during their first year is a
two- term English composition sequence. Before graduation, students must also
complete courses in natural sciences, math, humanities, and social sciences and
either two semesters of a foreign language or one of computer science. Optional
Freshman Learning Communities allow students to take two or three academic
courses together and a one- credit seminar taught by a full professor that ties the
other courses together. All students may also enroll in the two- credit Academic
Potential Seminar, which covers skills like personal responsibility, time manage-
ment, and test preparation. Incoming freshmen who are at the low end of UA’s
admissions spectrum may participate in the Crimson Edge Program, which requires
an academic support class and includes specialized academic advising.
The university is organized into eight undergraduate colleges and schools, which
together offer more than 80 undergraduate degree programs. The Culverhouse
College of Business offers strong programs in marketing and management informa-
tion systems. The College of Communication and Information Sciences is one of
the country’s top communication schools, while respected programs in the College
of Human Environmental Sciences include food and nutrition and athletic train-
ing. Among STEM fields, metallurgical and materials engineering is noteworthy. The
School of Music is a regional standout, drawing guest artists such as Itzhak Perlman
and Wynton Marsalis, and the studio art and art history programs are well regarded.
New College allows students to work with faculty to design their own interdisciplin-
ary major. The most popular majors include business, engineering, communication
studies, journalism, and health- related programs. An operations management and
marketing double major says, “Most of the professors have real- world experience
in the subjects they teach, which helps to keep the lessons engaging, valuable, and
applicable.”
Website: www .ua .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 32,518
Undergraduates: 28,886
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 40%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 48%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 54,072
Accepted: 80%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 73%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (205) 348- 5666
Email Address: admissions @
ua .edu
Strong Programs:
Marketing
Management Information
Systems
Communication Studies
Journalism
Food and Nutrition
Athletic Training
Metallurgical and Materials
Engineering
Music
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UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA 7
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The Honors College serves 7,300 students and houses UA’s three university- wide
honors programs: computer- based honors, international honors, and university
honors. “Honors classes can include a Habitat for Humanity course, Theory and
Practice of Mentoring, or the one that takes the
cake: the chocolate- tasting class,” explains one
participant. Honors students also get early regis-
tration privileges and the opportunity to write a
senior thesis. The University Scholars Program provides gifted undergraduates whose
objectives include master’s or doctoral degrees an opportunity to begin graduate
work during their senior year and become eligible for graduate fellowships and
scholarships. More than 2,000 undergraduates conduct research each year, and
other offerings include the May interim term, when students spend three weeks
focusing on one course in depth. Students can choose to study abroad through more
than 40 faculty- led programs, as well as reciprocal exchanges and third- party affili-
ate options around the world.
Just 42 percent of ’Bama’s undergraduates are Alabama residents, and 1 per-
cent are international students representing nearly 60 countries. UA students are
“competitive but also very community centered,” says a psychology major. Eleven
percent of UA undergrads are Black, 2 percent are Asian American, 6 percent are
Hispanic/Latino, and 3 percent are multiracial. The biggest social and political
issues on campus include free speech and race relations, and although UA tradi-
tionally leans right, a senior notes “the influx of out- of- state students has brought
a lot more political attention and representation to our school.” ’Bama awards
nearly 275 athletic scholarships in 21 sports and has expanded the number
of merit scholarships, which average $15,700. Consistent with its efforts to attract
strong students from outside of Alabama, the school spends over $157 million
on merit aid— more than double what it allocates to need- based scholarships
and grants.
Although UA requires freshmen to reside on campus, most students live in off-
campus apartments in the Tuscaloosa area; only 28 percent remain in campus resi-
dence halls. “UA has the best dorms around!” cheers a public relations major.
They’re “like apartments, with typical units
having four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a
common area and kitchenette,” adds a junior.
The living/learning communities get high marks for their tight- knit atmosphere.
Students report that some campus dining halls are better than others, and one rec-
ommends the made- to- order fare at Bryant Dining, adding, “I would gladly eat at
Bryant for the rest of my life.” A senior says that sexual assault awareness is “not
something that’s swept under the rug.”
Much of ’Bama’s social life revolves around the Greek system and athletic events.
Twenty- nine percent of men pledge fraternities and 44 percent of women join soror-
ities, and a sophomore says, “Something is always going on in the mansions we call
Greek houses.” Partying has remained a staple of the social scene in recent years,
despite administrators’ efforts to weaken it by prohibiting fraternities and sororities
from having parties on campus, but students say alcohol policies are well enforced.
Those looking for alternatives will find everything from the annual Kentuck Art
Festival in Northport to Bible study groups among the school’s 600- plus student
clubs. A modern trolley service connects the ’Bama campus to the city’s thriving
downtown. Tuscaloosa is described as “an awesome college town,” that is “mostly
centered around the university.” Advises a junior, “If Tuscaloosa is ever not enough
for students, locations such as New Orleans, Atlanta, Nashville, and the Gulf of
Mexico are all within four hours of campus for a weekend getaway.”
“Most of the professors
have real- world experience
in the subjects they teach.”
New College allows
students to work with
faculty to design their
own interdisciplinary
major.
“Any Alabama football
game is a festival.”
A modern trolley
service connects the
’Bama campus to
the city’s thriving
downtown.
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8 ALBION COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
’Bama football— whose legendary and recently retired coach, Nick Saban,
was the highest- paid public employee in the country— is a perennial Division I
power house, having won six national championship titles since 2009. The annual
Auburn– Alabama game— the Iron Bowl, one of the most intense rivalries in the
nation— is the highlight of the school year. “Any Alabama football game is a fes-
tival,” a sophomore says. Men’s baseball, basketball, women’s gymnastics, and
cross-country have brought home recent Southeastern Conference titles. ’Bama
sports a number of solid nonathletic teams as well, including the Alabama Forensic
Council, which consistently places in the top 10 in national competition. Intramural
and club sports draw about 13 percent of students.
Although sports are still an integral part of the UA experience, the university’s
declared emphasis is now on technology, merit scholarships, global perspectives,
and undergraduate research. It’s an approach that’s bringing in more serious, cos-
mopolitan students. Best of all, says one finance and marketing major, “The stu-
dents are so friendly, if you pass someone on the quad and say ‘Roll Tide,’ you’ve
pretty much made a friend for life.”
Overlaps
University of
Alabama at
Birmingham,
Auburn, University
of Mississippi,
University of
Georgia, University
of Tennessee
Knoxville, Florida
State, University of
Florida
If You Apply To ›
Alabama: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Alabama’s website for the most up- to- date
information regarding standardized test requirements.
Albion College
Albion, MI 49224
Nestled between evangelical Hope and Calvin and out- there Kalamazoo, Albion is
Michigan’s middle- of- the- road liberal arts college. Think Gerald Ford, the moderate
Republican president who is the namesake of Albion’s signature institute for public
service. Serious emphasis on hands- on learning. Future doctors, lawyers, and
businesspeople are well served.
Albion College is a small, private college in Michigan that emphasizes the importance
of mixing learning with hands- on experience, particularly when it comes to com-
munity engagement and service. Albion helps students achieve their goals through
personal attention from professors, internships, and a devoted alumni network, and
despite its small- town setting, the college has managed to attract an increasingly
diverse student body. In the words of a mathematics major, “The culture of Albion
College is centered around inclusion and helping people find out who they are.”
Founded in 1835 by the Methodist Church, Albion is located near the banks
of the Kalamazoo River, about 90 miles west of Detroit. In addition to its newer
Georgian- style architecture, the college has retained and restored several of its 19th-
century buildings. The campus is spacious, with statuesque oaks and a beautiful
nature center. Robinson Hall, the campus centerpiece, houses myriad departments,
including the Shaw Center for Gender Equity. The college’s equestrian center is
home to one of the largest indoor riding arenas in the United States.
Albion has a rich academic history and was the first private college in Michigan
to have a Phi Beta Kappa chapter (1940). Students are required to take core courses
distributed among humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and math.
They must also satisfy requirements in environmental science and gender and
Website: www .albion .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,441
Undergraduates: 1,441
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 47%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 74%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 6,827
Accepted: 67%
Enrolled: 9%
Grad in 6 Years: 59%
Returning Freshmen: 73%
Academics:
- - -
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ALBION COLLEGE 9
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
ethnicity studies. Freshmen take a first- year seminar designed to provide a “stimulat-
ing learning environment” in a small- class setting; recent offerings include Ancient
Aliens and Lost Civilizations, Fly Me to the Moon, and To Sleep or Not to Sleep. The
academic climate is described as competitive in certain departments but generally
supportive and positive. Sixty- eight percent of classes have fewer than 20 students,
and professors are said to be interested in students’ academic performance and their
emotional well- being. According to a senior, “The professors at Albion put the stu-
dents first in every situation.”
Consistent with Albion’s interest in developing civic leaders, the Gerald R. Ford
Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service takes an innovative approach:
students participate in a simulation of city government in which they play the roles
of community leaders. Visiting speakers include
senators and congresspeople, governors and state
legislators, and interest- group representatives.
Albion’s Wilson Institute for Medicine supports
the popular premed program. Three other established centers and institutes, dedi-
cated to business and management, sustainability and the environment, and teacher
development, offer courses, specialized academic advising, field trips, speakers, and
other immersive opportunities that enhance the learning experience. “Take advan-
tage of the academic institutes on campus!” urges a biology major. Albion’s econom-
ics and management, psychology, and exercise science majors are well respected, as
is the prelaw program. Other popular majors include biology and communication
studies. A new earth and environment department combines the sustainability,
environment, and geology departments into one interdisciplinary department,
which launched a new minor in environmental studies.
Launched in 2021, Albion’s School for Public Purpose and Professional
Advancement houses the college’s various institutes and centers, including the
recently created Institute for Race and Belonging. In addition, the school sponsors
an “experiential certificate” that combines coursework with hands- on learning
opportunities (internships, volunteer work, etc.) and professional training in areas
such as project management and human resources. The school also provides real-
world learning environments, including a student- run consulting firm and a social
innovation incubator. Albion’s Foundation for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship,
and Creative Activity, which pairs students from all disciplines with faculty men-
tors, is highly commended by students. One participant, a biochemistry major, says,
“My professor walked me through new and old techniques individually, so I feel
much more independent in the lab than most.” An honors program is available for
highly motivated students. For those looking to take their educational experience to
more distant shores, Albion offers more than 100 study abroad programs in 30 coun-
tries; 9 percent of students go abroad.
Albion attracts an ambitious, involved group of students. Michigan residents
make up 76 percent of the student population, and just 4 percent hail from abroad.
“Since my first semester here, the school has evolved in a big way in terms of diver-
sity,” says a junior; currently, 17 percent of stu-
dents are Black, 12 percent are Hispanic/Latino,
2 percent are Asian American, and 4 percent are
multiracial. Politically, the student body is a rel-
atively moderate mix of liberals and conserva-
tives concerned with issues like racial and social
injustice. There are a number of merit scholarships available, averaging $39,302, but
no athletic scholarships. The Albion College Promise covers full tuition and fees for
in- state students from families that make less than $65,000 per year. Forty- seven
percent of freshmen are now Pell- eligible.
(continued)
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (517) 629- 0321
Email Address: admission @
albion .edu
Strong Programs:
Public Policy
Economics and Management
Psychology
Exercise Science
Biology
Communication Studies
Environmental Studies
Premed
“The professors at Albion
put the students first in
every situation.”
The school provides
real- world learning
environments,
including a student-
run consulting
firm and a social
innovation incubator.
“My professor walked
me through new and old
techniques individually,
so I feel much more
independent in the lab.”
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10 ALBION COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Since Albion is a residential college, 94 percent of students call the co- ed resi-
dence halls home, and the general consensus is that the accommodations “could use
some updating to make them appear more modern and comfortable,” reports a
senior. The majority of the freshman class inhabits Wesley Hall. During their soph-
omore year, many students move to the suite- style rooms in Whitehouse Hall or
Mitchell Towers; seniors occupy apartment- style housing called The Mae. Meals are
served in the centrally located dining hall and are said to be “pretty good” but lack-
ing variety. Students rate campus security staff and counseling services— including
efforts to prevent sexual assault— highly.
Thirty- five percent of Albion men and 29 percent of the women belong to one
of the school’s six national fraternities and seven sororities. Greek parties draw
large crowds, composed of Greeks and non- Greeks, making them a primary part
of many students’ social lives. “Campus Safety monitors every party and there is a
curfew in place,” notes a sophomore. Students 21 and older may consume alcohol
in certain campus residence areas. A well- run union board organizes all sorts of
activities— films, lectures, plays, comedians, and concerts— to keep students occu-
pied in their spare time. On the weekends, Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and Chicago are
frequent road- trip destinations.
Students report that the town of Albion’s annual Festival of the Forks is always
highly anticipated, and the movie theater is free for students with a valid school ID.
“Downtown Albion may be quaint, but it is growing and thriving with support from
both the college and the community,” comments
a psychology major. Newer developments include
a brewpub, a bakery, a bookstore/coffeehouse, a
community center, and a community theater.
Students focus some of their energy by working
for groups supported by the Student Volunteer Bureau; in fact, half of the students
volunteer in the community on a regular basis, participating in “city clean- up day,
Habitat for Humanity, and volunteering at nursing homes and schools.” Some tradi-
tional events that offer a nice break from academics are the Big Show, which brings a
major artist or comedian to campus, and the Day of Woden, which is a picnic held
in the spring on the last day of class.
The Britons football team competes in the Division III Michigan Intercollegiate
Athletic Association and has won 38 conference championships— the most in MIAA
history. Other strong teams include men’s and women’s lacrosse and track and field,
as well as co- ed equestrian. Men’s and women’s wrestling and co- ed eSports were
recently added to the varsity roster. Hope College is a bitter rival, as is Alma College.
Some of the most popular intramural and club sports include basketball, sand vol-
leyball, soccer, and canoeing.
At Albion College, professors are accessible and interested, academics are chal-
lenging without being overwhelming, and students feel supported and motivated.
At the same time, increasing efforts to connect students with real- world learning
and service opportunities are garnering more applications from more diverse groups
of students. In the words of one senior, “Even though Albion is a small school in a
rural town in Michigan, we want to make a big impact on the world and make our
school known.”
The town of Albion’s
annual Festival of the
Forks is always highly
anticipated, and the
movie theater is free
for students with a
valid school ID.
“Since my first semester
here, the school has
evolved in a big way in
terms of diversity.”
Overlaps
Alma, Kalamazoo,
Adrian, Trine,
Hope, Ursinus,
Washington &
Jefferson, Michigan
State
If You Apply To ›
Albion: Early action, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Albion’s website
for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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ALFRED UNIVERSITY 11
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Alfred University
Alumni Hall, 1 Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802
BEST
BUY
Talk about an unusual combination: Alfred combines a nationally renowned and
state- supported college of ceramics, a school of art and design, an engineering
program, and a business school wrapped up in a university of 1,300 undergraduates.
The Finger Lakes is a region full of natural beauty, but it takes elbow grease to pry
coastal types to the hinterlands of western New York.
With about 1,300 undergraduate students, Alfred University isn’t a bustling aca-
demic factory; it’s a quiet, cloistered, self- described “educational village” in a tiny
town wholly dedicated to the “industry of learning.” The university, founded in
1836, boasts highly respected programs in art and design, as well as ceramic engi-
neering. Innovation not only shapes the curriculum but also has a profound effect
on campus life. Small classes and friendly competition support this diversity while
encouraging individuals to succeed. Along with being able to handle the academic
rigors of the college, students also have to weather brutal winters that dump snow
by the foot on the region.
Alfred’s campus consists of a charming, close- knit group of modern and Georgian
brick buildings, accompanied by a stone castle. The Kanakadea Creek runs right
through campus, and the town of Alfred (population 4,900) consists of two colleges
(the other is Alfred State College) and a main street with one stoplight. There are
a few shops and restaurants, but certainly no malls, parking lots, or tall buildings.
Notable campus facilities include the 36 kilns in Harder Hall and the five telescopes
at the Stull Observatory.
The university and its students share a no- nonsense approach to education.
Although prospective students apply directly to one of four colleges and declare a ten-
tative major, half of all requirements for a bachelor’s degree are earned in the liberal
arts college. Requirements are quite different in each school. However, the mix usu-
ally includes coursework in oral and written communication, quantitative reasoning,
humanities, social and natural sciences, global perspectives, and health and wellness.
All new students fulfill the one- credit Common Ground requirement, a series of dis-
cussions on diversity and inclusion.
Alfred, though private, is actually the “host” school for the New York State
College of Ceramics, which is a unit of the state university system and comes with a
modest public university price tag. Ceramic engineering (the development and
refinement of ceramic materials) is the academic cornerstone and the program that
brings Alfred international recognition. All engineering programs are found within
the Inamori School of Engineering, including uncommon majors in materials sci-
ence and engineering, renewable energy engineering, and glass engineering science.
The School of Art and Design’s art department, with its programs in ceramics, glass,
printmaking, sculpture, video, interactive media,
and teacher certification, is also highly regarded.
The College of Business gets good reviews from
students and provides undergraduates with work
experience through a small business institute where students have real clients. Art
and design majors are the most popular, followed by mechanical engineering, busi-
ness administration, and psychology. Newer degrees include a B.A. in computer sci-
ence and a B.S. in biochemistry. The Track II program enables students to design
their own interdisciplinary majors with personal guidance from top faculty
members.
Website: www .alfred .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,576
Undergraduates: 1,311
Male/Female: 47/50
Financial Aid: 87%
Pell Grant: 41%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 73%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 6,698
Accepted: 52%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 54%
Returning Freshmen: 72%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (607) 871- 2115
Email Address: admissions @
alfred .edu
Strong Programs:
Ceramic Engineering
Materials Science and
Engineering
Renewable Energy Engineering
Glass Engineering Science
Art and Design
Mechanical Engineering
Business Administration
Psychology
“Alfred is pretty competitive.
The studio courses are
challenging.”
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12 ALFRED UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“I would say that Alfred is pretty competitive,” says a junior. “The studio courses
are challenging,” adds a sophomore. Whatever their major, all students enjoy small
classes, and the quality of teaching is reported as high. Most classes are taught by full
professors, with graduate students and teaching assistants helping out only in lab
sessions. “Most teachers have high expectations, resulting in greater student perfor-
mance,” says one junior. Alfred’s academic advising and career planning services
stress the university’s commitment to helping undergrads plan their future. Through
the APEX (Applied and Experiential Learning) program, juniors and seniors can
apply for up to $1,000 in funding to help offset costs associated with pursuing
hands- on experiences like internships, apprenticeships, study abroad, and research
positions. Faculty- led study abroad programs are offered during the May term and
spring break, in addition to hundreds of exchange and affiliate programs, but only
3 percent of students study internationally. Seventy- five percent do research, often
as senior capstone projects.
Alfred students are “creative and like to be challenged,” says a business admin-
istration major. Seventy- four percent of the students at Alfred are from New York
State, and 6 percent are international. Black stu-
dents make up 12 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent, Asian Americans
2 percent, and multiracial students 2 percent.
Forty- one percent of freshmen are Pell- eligible, a
notable number for a school of Alfred’s size. Outstanding students can apply for
many merit scholarships, averaging $19,900. There are no athletic scholarships.
Eighty- nine percent of students live in campus housing, and no one seems to
mind the three- year residency requirement because the rooms in the co- ed dorms
are large and comfortable. Upperclassmen have a choice of single rooms, suites,
or apartments. Special- interest housing, such as Modern Language House and
Unity House, is another option. The school has two dining halls, and students
say the offerings include plenty of selections for vegetarians and vegans. “The
dining facilities are very nice and well equipped, and the food is both diverse and
edible,” says a junior. Campus security is good, according to most students. “AU
security will provide rides or walking escorts if you feel unsafe walking alone,” a
biology major says.
Alfred’s location in the Finger Lakes region, almost two hours from Buffalo
and an hour and a half from Rochester, is isolated. The other chief complaint is
the chilly, snowy weather. Social life is a challenge due to the rural atmosphere
and lack of Greek organizations, but the Student Activities Board brings many
diversions to campus, including musicians, comedians, lecturers, and movies.
Alfred is a dry campus, and students say the alcohol policy is largely respected
and enforced in the dorms. “Alfred doesn’t have too many problems with drink-
ing that I have heard of,” a student says. Because the university shares the town
with Alfred State College, students account for 85 percent of the population, all
of which makes Alfred a good college town and “a very close community,”
observes a biology major. The downtown scene provides students with an ade-
quate number of movie theaters and eateries, and many students volunteer in
the community. Every spring brings the annual Hot Dog Weekend, a big carnival-
like event that fills Main Street with game booths, bands, and lots of hot dog
stands.
Alfred’s Division III Saxons are ominous opponents on the football, soccer,
and lacrosse fields, and the softball team is a recent Empire 8 Conference cham-
pion. The equestrian team is competitive too. Many Alfred students are skiing,
hunting, camping, and rock- climbing enthusiasts, and favorite road trips include
Letchworth and Stony Brook state parks, as well as Ithaca, Rochester, Buffalo, and
Notable campus
facilities include the
36 kilns in Harder
Hall and the five
telescopes at the
Stull Observatory.
“The dining facilities
are very nice and well
equipped, and the food is
both diverse and edible.”
The Student Activities
Board brings many
diversions to campus,
including musicians,
comedians, lecturers,
and movies.
Overlaps
St. John Fisher,
Clarkson, Rochester
Institute of
Technology,
SUNY– Buffalo,
SUNY– Geneseo,
Alfred State,
Buffalo State
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ALLEGHENY COLLEGE 13
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Toronto. Intramurals and club sports draw nearly half of the students, with soccer,
basketball, and handball being most popular.
“Alfred University will prepare you to go into the real world,” says a freshman.
Although small and somewhat secluded, Alfred University is a good choice for those
students who want to concentrate on the ABCs of arts, business, and ceramic
engineering— just be sure to bundle up for the long, snowy winters.
If You Apply To ›
Alfred: Early action, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Applicants to School of Art and
Design must submit portfolio. Please consult Alfred’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized
test requirements.
Allegheny College
520 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335
An unpretentious cousin to more well- heeled places like Dickinson and Bucknell.
Draws heavily from the Buffalo- Cleveland- Pittsburgh area. The college’s powerhouse
athletic teams feast on their Division III competition. Fraternities and sororities give
Allegheny a robust traditional college life. If you’ve ever wondered what lake- effect
snow is, you’ll find out here.
Allegheny College is a down- to- earth Eastern liberal arts school boasting a rich history
of academic excellence in an intimate setting. Administrators here understand the
importance of providing students with real- world experience to complement their
classroom work, and the school places a special emphasis on the development of oral
communication skills. Allegheny’s small size means students get plenty of personal
attention, and despite the heavy workload, anyone struggling academically will get
help before the situation becomes dire.
Allegheny’s 80- acre campus is tucked away in Meadville, Pennsylvania, 90 miles
north of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1815 to bring New England– style education to what
was then the frontier, the school is nestled in the Norman Rockwell– esque rolling
hills of northwestern Pennsylvania. The campus is home to traditional architecture
and redbrick walkways, as well as newer additions such as apartment- style housing
for upperclassmen. A nationally acclaimed science complex supports already strong
programs, and the college also owns a 283- acre research reserve and an 80- acre pro-
tected forest. Recent campus projects include the Allegheny Lab for Innovation and
Creativity, which houses high- tech fabrication and computer labs and a total reno-
vation of the school’s oldest building, Bentley Hall.
Allegheny operates on two 15- week semesters each year, and each features an
Academic Programming Day: classes do not meet and students participate in a vari-
ety of college- sponsored programs, including open houses and advising and career
counseling workshops. Allegheny’s curriculum requires all students to complete at
least one minor in addition to their major, each in a different division. Students also
take at least one course in each of eight distribution areas: civic learning; human
experience; international and intercultural perspectives; modes of expression; power,
privilege, and difference; quantitative reasoning; scientific process and knowledge;
and social behavior and institutions. Freshmen enroll in two first- year seminars that
help them transition to college- level work and develop writing and speaking skills.
Sophomores complete a communication- focused seminar, juniors take a seminar in
Website: www .allegheny .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,525
Undergraduates: 1,525
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 90%
Pell Grant: 25%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 76%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 4,667
Accepted: 75%
Enrolled: 12%
Grad in 6 Years: 75%
Returning Freshmen: 83%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 521- 5293
Email Address: admissions @
allegheny .edu
Strong Programs:
Environmental Science and
Sustainability
Economics
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14 ALLEGHENY COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
their major field, and seniors pursue an intensive capstone project in their major,
where they are required to orally defend a work of independent research.
The school’s strongest programs include environmental science and sustainabil-
ity, economics, physical and biological sciences, computer science, and interna-
tional studies (which offers a track in Middle Eastern and North African studies).
Biology, psychology, environmental science, and eco-
nomics enroll the most students. Accelerated and
dual- degree programs include 3– 2, 3– 3, and 3– 4
options leading to degrees in engineering, public
policy and management, psychology, and several
health professions, from physician assistant to pharmacy.
“The courses offered at Allegheny challenge students to think independently
and develop complex ideas through integration of the course topics,” says a biology
major. Students praise the faculty for their passion, knowledge, and accessibility.
“All the professors I’ve had take my success very seriously and understand that my
learning is different from other students’,” comments an economics major. You
won’t find a teaching assistant at the lectern in any Allegheny classroom, and
82 percent of courses have fewer than 20 students. The college’s honor code allows
students to take unproctored exams.
The Maytum Center for Student Success works with students interested in study
abroad, community service, and undergraduate research, and the school encourages
students to have multiple experiences in these areas. While the Career Education office
helps students with career exploration, finding internships, and mentoring. “The
people working in the [Career Education] offices
are helpful and have a great network established,”
says a junior. Off campus, the college offers spon-
sored study- away programs in several U.S. cities
and 15 countries, as well as semester internships
and field- based research opportunities. Twenty- one percent of students partake in
some type of international experience. There’s also an on- campus independent study
option, and a three- or four- week Experiential Learning term in May that allows stu-
dents to pursue short- term study abroad programs and internships that aren’t available
during the year. Allegheny boasts an award- winning undergraduate research program,
and more than 100 students receive funding each summer to participate in faculty-
guided research.
Forty- nine percent of Allegheny’s students hail from Pennsylvania, and sizable
contingents come from Ohio, New York, and California. Four percent of students
are international. “I would describe the general student body as curious, hard-
working, and tolerant,” says a global health studies major. Black students make up
8 percent of the student population, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans
3 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. Politically, a sophomore reports, the
school “veers heavily left,” and students cite environmental sustainability as a top
concern; in 2020, Allegheny became the first college in the state to achieve carbon
neutrality. Merit scholarships averaging $33,000 are available, but there are no ath-
letic awards.
Allegheny students live on campus for all four years, a requirement that a senior
says “helps build community but also means that people live in a dorm room longer
than they may want to.” Options include all- freshman dorms, co- ed and single- sex
halls, small special- interest houses, and apartment- style housing for juniors and
seniors. Students are mostly satisfied with their on- campus food choices and note
that the dining staff encourages suggestions. A student organization called Why Not
Us? actively promotes sexual assault awareness and advocacy.
According to a senior, “People stay on campus on the weekends to hang out,
(continued)
Physical Sciences
Computer Science
International Studies
Biology
Psychology
“The courses offered
at Allegheny challenge
students to think
independently.”
Allegheny’s curriculum
requires all students
to complete at least
one minor in addition
to their major, each in
a different division.
“The people working in the
[Career Education] offices
are helpful and have a
great network established.”
Allegheny boasts
an award- winning
undergraduate
research program,
and more than 100
students receive
funding to participate
in faculty- guided
research.
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ALLEGHENY COLLEGE 15
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
since we all live here”— and because school policies allow alcohol on campus for
those of age. Fraternities and sororities draw 14 percent of the men and 9 per-
cent of the women and provide a great deal of nightlife, but no one describes
Allegheny as a party school. The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement
offers a campus theater series, free movies in the quad, and comedians, hypno-
tists, slam poets, and live bands. Homecoming, Wingfest in the fall (featuring free
chicken wings), and Springfest (a day full of bands, activities, and food) break
up the monotony of studying, and midnight breakfasts help ease end- of- semester
stress. When you’re crossing the campus’s Rustic Bridge at the start of the year,
remember to look down— it’s a long- standing Allegheny tradition for students to
steal the 13th plank.
Downtown Meadville is a 10- minute walk from campus and worlds away from
a college town, although a junior points out that “there are some hidden gems,
including great restaurants, a movie theater, and a bowling alley.” It also has sev-
eral community playhouses, as well as schools,
hospitals, children’s homes, animal shelters,
and other organizations that benefit from the
more than 60,000 hours of service that students
contribute each year. “We’ve really gotten to
know the local businesses and take pride in sup-
porting our local community,” says an English major. Large- scale philanthropic
events like Make a Difference Day and Service Saturdays are particularly popular.
When students hit the road, they usually venture to factory outlets in nearby Grove
City, Pennsylvania, or toward the bright lights of Pittsburgh, Erie, or Cleveland.
Nearby state parks, Conneaut Lake, and Lake Erie offer hiking, waterskiing, and
boating in warm weather and cross- country skiing in the winter.
Athletics play a big role in Allegheny life, and the Wise Sport and Fitness Center
gives students looking to break a sweat reason to cheer. About a third of Allegheny
students compete in Division III athletics, and the Gators field 23 varsity teams,
most of which compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. Baseball, men’s and
women’s cross- country, and women’s track and field, volleyball, and golf are the
most competitive teams. Ten percent of students participate in club and intramural
sports, with ice hockey, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, and equestrian sports drawing
the most interest.
In anticipation of future enrollment declines, Allegheny has recently reduced
the size of its faculty and eliminated majors in geology, religious studies, and film
and digital storytelling. Nevertheless, the college continues to augment its rich his-
tory of academic excellence with a growing emphasis on extracurricular experiences
designed to produce well- rounded alumni. The campus’s natural beauty and the
genuine affection students feel for it and for each other remain unchanged. What’s
more, students appreciate the value placed on individuality and involvement.
“Students are encouraged to explore their unusual combinations of interests, skills,
and talents,” says one junior. “The word ‘no’ is not often used here.”
About a third of
Allegheny students
compete in Division III
athletics, and the
Gators field 23
varsity teams.
“We’ve really gotten
to know the local
businesses and take pride
in supporting our local
community.”
Overlaps
Gettysburg,
Dickinson, Denison,
College of Wooster,
Kenyon, Bucknell,
Washington and
Jefferson, Franklin
& Marshall
If You Apply To ›
Allegheny: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement.
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16 ALMA COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Alma College
Alma, MI 48801- 1599
The college that put the “Alma” back in “alma mater.” As friendly a campus as you’ll
find, Alma savors its Scottish heritage and combines the liberal arts with strengths in
health and preprofessional fields. Students are fairly diverse socioeconomically, but
few out- of- staters enroll. If central Michigan eventually gives you cabin fever, join
the hordes who go abroad. Bring your bagpipes.
A tiny gem on Michigan’s lower peninsula, Alma College was founded in 1886 by
Presbyterians with an ambitious fourfold mission: “To prepare graduates who think
critically, serve generously, lead purposefully, and live responsibly as stewards of the
world they bequeath to future generations.” Located in the city dubbed “Scotland,
USA,” the college puts its strong Scottish Presbyterian heritage on display. “Every
spring, the city of Alma holds an annual Highland Festival that draws participants
from all over the world,” explains an environmental health major. “Our marching
band also wears traditional Scottish kilts to every football game.” Alma offers a wide
array of choices for its undergraduates, including distinctive programs in health and
preprofessional fields, as well as plenty of opportunities to learn abroad.
Alma’s campus, located an hour north of the state capital of Lansing, features
27 Prairie- style buildings of red brick and limestone surrounding a scenic central
mall. Although Alma was founded in 1886, most of the buildings have been built
or renovated in recent years. There are lots of trees and open places to sit, at least in
the warmer months. A major renovation of the college’s library was completed in
early 2023.
Alma’s recently updated general education requirements include a First- Year
Seminar to help ease the transition into college and coursework in writing, math,
and a foreign language. During their first two years, students take four Explore
courses, one in each of the following categories: making and understanding the arts,
self and society, applying scientific thinking, and engaging in equity and justice. An
interdisciplinary seminar is required in the junior or senior year. A peer mentoring
program places successful upper- class students in contact with new students to help
them adapt to the opportunities and expectations of the Alma community. Students
accepted to the four- year Presidential Honors Program complete a two- credit honors
seminar for each of their first two years, followed by an honors thesis or research
project their junior and senior years.
The college offers nearly 50 majors, of which integrative physiology and health
science, biology, business administration, new media studies, and political science
are some of the strongest. Alma’s most popular majors, by student enrollment, are
business administration, integrative physiology
and health science, education, nursing, and psy-
chology. A number of health- related preprofes-
sional tracks are available, ranging from dentistry
and optometry to physical therapy and sports medicine, in addition to preprofes-
sional programs for engineering and law. Students interested in the Scottish arts find
a range of opportunities to work with nationally known instructors of bagpipe and
Highland dance.
According to a psychology major, the academic atmosphere is “relaxed, but the
workload is busy.” Sixty- nine percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and
many of them incorporate service- learning opportunities. Undergraduate research
is big at Alma, too, with 39 percent of students pursuing an independent project
Website: www .alma .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,311
Undergraduates: 1,298
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 81%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 79%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 2,908
Accepted: 69%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 63%
Returning Freshmen: 79%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 321- 2562
Email Address: admissions @
alma .edu
Strong Programs:
Integrative Physiology and
Health Science
Biology
Business Administration
New Media Studies
Political Science
Education
Nursing
Psychology
“[The academic
atmosphere is] relaxed, but
the workload is busy.”
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ALMA COLLEGE 17
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
under a professor’s guidance or joining faculty projects. “Your professors double as
your advisors, which allows you to build great relationships with them,” explains a
communication major.
Alma’s student- centered philosophy is exemplified by the Alma Commitment,
which offers a promise that students will graduate on time (within four or four and
a half years, depending on the major) and a pledge that each interested student can
undertake an experiential learning opportunity, such as an internship, research fel-
lowship, or study abroad. Participating students receive up to $2,500 in Alma
Venture funding. Despite Alma’s small size and rural surroundings, the terms “pro-
vincial” and “insular” just don’t apply here. International study is highly encour-
aged, and 36 percent of students go abroad. Fittingly, Alma has a study abroad
partnership with the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, along with programs in 14
other countries. During the one- month spring term in May, students enroll in a
single intensive course; about a third of the courses offered involve off- campus
travel, such as studying social change in China, rainforest ecology in Costa Rica, and
backpack filmmaking in Italy. Additionally, the Posey Global Leadership Initiative
funds more than 30 fellowships each year for students to participate in international
internship, research, and leadership experiences. “I’ve been on five continents
in the past four years thanks to this program, and each time I was able to give back
to the community I went to,” enthuses an environmental science major.
“Most students are really friendly and willing to help other people out, even if
they do not know them well,” says a senior. The campus is largely homogeneous,
with 89 percent of the student population
coming from Michigan and 3 percent from
abroad. Black students account for 4 percent,
Asian Americans 1 percent, Hispanics/Latinos
5 percent, and multiracial students 3 percent of
the student population. Alma is generally not an overly political campus. Brainy
types can vie for merit scholarships that average $27,600; there are no athletic
scholarships.
Eighty- eight percent of Alma’s students reside on campus, and the college has
invested $24 million in remodeling and modernizing the residence halls. Freshmen
are assigned rooms in co- ed halls, while upperclassmen play the lottery and usually
get suites. Other options include an international house, a Model UN house, and
college- owned apartments in a historic, converted opera house downtown. For meals,
students go to the all- you- can- eat Hamilton Commons or Joe’s Place, a snack bar, and
most students describe the food as adequate. Students say they feel safe on campus,
and a senior comments, “When there is a report filed with the Title IX office, it is
handled promptly, discreetly, and respectfully.”
When it comes time to socialize, the Alma College Union Board provides plenty
of on- campus fun. “We offer music performances, movie nights, speakers, student
panels, and tons of events in the dorms,” says a senior. Twenty- three percent of the
men and 28 percent of the women go Greek. Parties at Greek houses are registered
and monitored by security officers who scan IDs and distribute wristbands; students
say these policies help keep underage drinking in check.
Town/gown relations at Alma are strong, with the vast majority of students
volunteering, taking part- time jobs, and otherwise getting involved in the commu-
nity. When it comes to nightlife, though, one student says the small city of Alma
(population 9,000) “does not offer too much to do,” other than a movie theater
and a few restaurants. The annual Highland Festival features traditional Scottish
games, bagpipers, and dancing; for members of the Alma marching band, who strut
in kilts stitched from the school’s own registered Alma College tartan, every perfor-
mance might as well be a festival. Students with wheels will find diversions within
During the one- month
spring term in May,
students enroll in a
single intensive course.
“Your professors double
as your advisors, which
allows you to build great
relationships.”
The annual Highland
Festival features
traditional Scottish
games, bagpipers,
and dancing.
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18 ALVERNO COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
easy reach, as Mount Pleasant, Saginaw, and the East Lansing campus of Michigan
State are less than an hour away, and ski slopes are just a bit farther. In the warmer
months, the beaches of two Great Lakes, Huron and Michigan, are two hours away.
The Alma Scots compete in Division III as a member of the Michigan
Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Alma offers 26 varsity sports— including an
eSports program— and some of the strongest include wrestling, men’s lacrosse, and
women’s volleyball. “The Alma community loves
supporting athletics, and you can always expect
a large student section at home events,” cheers a
sophomore. For nonvarsity types, there is an active intramural program— about
30 percent of the students participate. Alma’s Model United Nations team has
received top recognition at the National Model UN Conference in New York City for
a record 27 consecutive years (1997 through 2023), the longest streak of any college
or university.
Alma challenges students to take their learning beyond the classroom and
around the globe, and with caring faculty— and ample funding for off- campus
experiences— students feel supported every step of the way. While students enjoy
their school’s warm, inviting atmosphere, they’re also eager to venture out, explore,
and pursue their goals. But no matter where their futures take them, for Alma
alumni, bagpipes and the college choir’s version of “Loch Lomond” will ring in
their ears.
“The Alma community loves
supporting athletics.”
Overlaps
Albion, Adrian,
Trine, Olivet,
Hope, Kalamazoo,
Augustana (IL),
College of Wooster
If You Apply To ›
Alma: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with Alma supplement. Please consult Alma’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements
Alverno College
3400 South 43rd Street, P.O. Box 343922, Milwaukee, WI 53234
At last, a college that evaluates students on what they can do rather than how well
they can memorize. Forget oval- blackening; students here show mastery in their
chosen fields. Practical and hands- on, Alverno gives its all- female and economically
diverse students the real- life experience necessary to succeed beyond graduation.
If you’re the type of student who obsesses over your GPA, take heed: at Alverno
College, you can forget about earning an A. This Roman Catholic, women’s liberal
arts college emphasizes ability- based learning instead of letter grades. While its
roots go back to 1887, Alverno came into its own in the 1970s with its distinctive
approach to learning and, unlike other educational innovations of that era, has
found a continuing niche. The student body is diverse— in age, background, and
religion— and while the ability- based method centers on individual growth, the
learning environment is highly collaborative. “Alverno is empowering,” says a
music therapy major, because it’s all about “finding each student’s gifts and cele-
brating them.”
Alverno is located in a quiet residential area of Milwaukee. The parklike 46-
acre campus is just 15 minutes from downtown and a 10- minute walk from shops
and restaurants. The Sister Joel Read Center houses 73,000 square feet of science
labs, multimedia production space, and computer facilities. Alexia Hall features
Website: www .alverno .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,166
Undergraduates: 585
Male/Female: 1/98
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 59%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 86%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 652
Accepted: 90%
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ALVERNO COLLEGE 19
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a high- tech nursing simulation center, art and dance studios, classrooms, private
study rooms, and a student commons area.
Alverno students are required to show mastery in eight key abilities: communi-
cation, analysis, problem- solving, valuing in decision- making, social interaction,
developing a global perspective, effective citizenship, and aesthetic engagement.
Students move through interdisciplinary pro-
gressive levels toward a degree by being “vali-
dated” in these areas. For example, a course in
sociology might contribute to validation in com-
munication and social interaction, as well as in
making independent value judgments. The col-
lege offers detailed feedback rather than letter grades, and faculty find innovative,
“real- life” ways to assess students’ mastery of subject matter. First- year students take
a First- Semester Seminar and introductory courses in the arts and humanities,
science, psychology and social science, communication, and math. Religious
studies aren’t required, but a Catholic liturgy is available. The college recently has
added programs in public health and data science. Students are also required to
participate in off- campus, credit- bearing internships through Alverno’s highly
acclaimed internship program— one of the longest- standing programs of its type
in the country.
“The level of professionalism that Alverno students have compared to those at
other colleges or universities is amazing,” one junior says. Alverno’s nursing, educa-
tion, and business programs are well established and among the most popular
majors, along with psychology and biology. Students praise the communication,
social work, and music therapy programs as well. Many professors at Alverno teach
all levels of classes, so the quality of teaching is consistent throughout a student’s
college career, and regular academic advising keeps students on track. With 93 per-
cent of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students and a low student/faculty ratio,
students have easy access to faculty. “The faculty and staff really care whether you
are successful,” says a student. “They want to see you achieve and are willing to go
[above] and beyond to make sure you do.” Alverno also boasts a dedicated Career
Studio that provides career planning and job search assistance to students and alum-
nae, including frequent networking and on- campus recruiting events with employ-
ers. “We couldn’t have more help,” one junior says. A small number of Alverno
students study abroad, often heading out on short, 10- to 14- day trips that comple-
ment a semester- long course. Twenty- five percent of students undertake faculty-
guided research projects.
“Students are extraordinarily driven, and they know what it takes to succeed in
the real world,” says a junior. Ninety percent of Alverno undergraduates hail from
Wisconsin, and a quarter are above the age of 24; there are few international stu-
dents. Alverno is one of the most inclusive and
diverse colleges in the state, particularly socio-
economically: 59 percent of freshmen are eligible
for Pell Grants. Black students account for 16 per-
cent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinas
40 percent, Asian Americans 5 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. Thirty-
two percent of students are Catholic. According to a sophomore, the political cli-
mate is “fairly liberal, especially in relation to immigration, prison reform, and
women’s and LGBTQ rights.” Merit scholarships are awarded based on a personal
evaluation of each incoming student.
A two- day orientation program serves freshmen, transfer, resident, and commuter
students. The majority of students are commuters, though dorm rooms house 18 per-
cent of students, who say the residence halls offer clean, spacious rooms with fully
(continued)
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 52%
Returning Freshmen: 72%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
%
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (414) 382- 6100
Email Address: admissions @
alverno .edu
Strong Programs:
Nursing
Education
Business
Communication
Social Work
Music Therapy
Psychology
Biology
“The faculty and staff want
to see you achieve and are
willing to go [above] and
beyond to make sure
you do.”
The college offers
detailed feedback
rather than traditional
letter grades.
“Milwaukee is a thriving
city of the arts— visual,
theatrical, and
performance.”
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20 AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
equipped lounges, laundry, and cooking facilities available on each floor. Male visitors
are allowed, but they must sign in and be out by midnight on weekdays. Dining ser-
vices draw complaints for offering limited options (especially for those with dietary
restrictions), inconvenient hours, and overpriced meals. Events like Love Your Body
Week and Denim Day promote student wellness and prevention of sexual violence.
Dozens of cultural, dance, theater, and other student groups are active on
campus, and the school has an on- site childcare center and a fitness center. But most
of the social life takes place off campus at local clubs, bars, restaurants, coffee shops,
and nearby colleges. “Milwaukee is a thriving city of the arts— visual, theatrical, and
performance— not to mention the festivals that go on every year,” says one art edu-
cation major. In addition to a Performing Arts Center, free outdoor concerts, and
multicultural festivals, the city also offers professional sports teams, parks, and shop-
ping centers. Students look forward to Alverno’s annual homecoming festivities and
Community Day, which allows students and faculty to participate in an annual day
of service. “Many of our programs are family friendly and inviting for students with
children to attend,” explains a sophomore.
Alverno competes in Division III athletics, including basketball, cross- country,
golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. The Inferno tennis and basketball teams
have been the most successful programs, having recently set school records for
wins. An informal intramural program occasionally offers activities like kickball and
board- game tournaments. One- credit wellness courses on skills ranging from yoga
and meditation to self- defense and crochet are offered every semester.
Attending a school like Alverno promises an experience far afield in some ways
from the traditional college world. The emphasis on real- world applications builds con-
fidence in one’s actual ability to perform, rather than the ability to score an A. Diverse
students and faculty are often on a first- name basis from the start and build relation-
ships that help students cultivate their personal strengths. The result? In the words of
one biology major, “My school is the most uplifting place that I’ve ever encountered.”
Dozens of cultural,
dance, theater,
and other student
groups are active
on campus, and the
school has an on- site
childcare center and
a fitness center.
Overlaps
UW– Milwaukee,
Mount Mary
University, Carroll
University, Cardinal
Stritch
If You Apply To ›
Alverno: Rolling admissions. Does not accept the Common Application. Admits students who consistently live and identify
as women, regardless of biological sex, and female students who identify as nonbinary or gender nonconforming. Please
consult Alverno’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20016- 8001
If the odds are stacked against you at Georgetown and you can’t see yourself on GW’s
ultra- urban campus, welcome to American University. The allure of AU is simple:
Washington, D.C. American’s campus is an accredited arboretum in a suburban- like
northwest Washington neighborhood with easy access to the Metro and endless
internship opportunities. American is smaller and less selective than GW.
Located just a few miles from our country’s seat of power, American University has
been a breeding ground for the next generation of reporters, diplomats, lobbyists,
political leaders, and policymakers since it opened its doors in 1914. Alongside these
eager buzzhounds is a host of students who take advantage of AU’s strong programs
in the arts, sciences, and business and who recognize that Boston and New York
Website: www .american .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 10,616
sbk-fiske2025.indb 20sbk-fiske2025.indb 20 5/9/24 10:47 AM5/9/24 10:47 AM
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY 21
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
City are not the only tempting urban destinations for college students. “American
University is a diverse, pulsing, and dynamic school driven by some of the best
faculty, staff, scholars, and students in the world,” a senior says. Thanks to phe-
nomenal internships, a comfortable location, and a strong international focus, AU
continues to attract students from around the world.
AU’s 84- acre residential campus is situated in the northwest corner of Washington,
D.C., in an upscale (and safe) area that’s just minutes from downtown; free shuttle
buses transport students to the nearby Metro (subway) station. There’s a mix of clas-
sical and modern architecture. Flower gardens line the parking lots, and the quad has
numerous sitting areas for reflection and study.
The 70,000- square- foot, environmentally friendly
School of International Service building is LEED
Gold– certified. In 2018 AU became the first uni-
versity in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality. AU has been boosting
research efforts in the sciences and recently opened the 125,000- square- foot Hall of
Science, housing four life sciences departments. And in Fall 2021, the Don Myers
Technology and Innovation building opened, which houses high- tech laboratories,
classrooms, and research space.
AU’s core curriculum aims to develop students into “effective citizens” and lifelong
learners. First- years begin by taking Complex Problems, a small- group seminar focused
on analyzing a special topic, and a yearlong AU Experience sequence that acclimates
them to university life. In addition to coursework in writing, math or statistics, and
diversity, students fulfill Habits of Mind requirements that cover five areas, ranging
from ethical reasoning to creativity and aesthetics. “I was impressed by my professor’s
unwavering commitment and enthusiasm,” raves one film major. Finally, all students
complete a capstone course or project in their major. The core still leaves plenty of
time for students to study abroad— choosing from more than 100 programs in over
40 nations— or participate in an internship or community- based research facilitated
by the school’s relationships with hundreds of private, nonprofit, and government
institutions. The school also uses these connections in its Washington Semester, which
combines academic seminars with internships and career guidance. The Cornerstone
program, new in 2021, offers internships and a UK study- abroad for freshmen. Nearly
70 percent of AU students study abroad and 89 percent complete internships.
In the classroom, says a junior international relations major, “I have always felt as
if I was collaborating with my classmates to gain more knowledge, rather than com-
peting for grades.” AU has outstanding programs in political science, international
studies, business, communication studies, journalism, public relations, and environ-
mental science. A popular interdisciplinary major in communication, legal institu-
tions, economics, and government combines many of AU’s traditional strengths, and
students also have the option to design their own interdisciplinary major. In all, stu-
dents may choose from more than 80 programs, including the new Japanese Studies
major. Three- year bachelor’s degree tracks are available in international studies; public
health; and politics, policy, and law; as well as BA/MA degree options. One media arts
and film major who’s pursuing the dual degree says the program “lets me apply one
class’s credit to both my undergraduate and graduate requirements.” Sixty- one per-
cent of all classes taken by undergraduates have fewer than 20 students, and teaching
assistants do not teach classes. A four- year honors program offers a select group of
entering students small seminars, special sections of many courses, and designated
floors in the residence halls.
“Students at AU are smart, compassionate, politically aware, and driven to make
the world a better place,” a senior says. AU prides itself on drawing students from
every state and more than 120 foreign countries; just 18 percent of undergrads come
from the D.C. metro region, and nine percent hail from outside the U.S. “AU is a
(continued)
Undergraduates: 7,411
Male/Female: 36/65
Financial Aid: 71%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 19,510
Accepted: 41%
Enrolled: 22%
Grad in 6 Years: 79%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (202) 885- 6000
Email Address: admissions @
american .edu
Strong Programs:
Political Science
International Studies
Business Administration
Communication Studies
Journalism
Public Relations
Environmental Science
Politics, Policy, and Law
“Students at AU are smart,
compassionate, and
politically aware.”
AU recently opened
a 125,000- square-
foot Hall of Science,
housing four life
sciences departments.
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22 AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
very international campus,” observes one senior. Eight percent of undergraduates
are Black, 12 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 7 percent are Asian American, and 5 per-
cent are multiracial. A relatively high proportion— nearly two- thirds— are women.
A freshman political science major says, “I absolutely love how we have so many
diverse gender identities and sexualities on campus.” Not surprisingly, AU is polit-
ically active. And one freshman notes it “definitely leans more center- left.” But a
junior adds, “You’re able to go about your life on campus without politics being
shoved down your throat.” The university offers hundreds of merit scholarships,
averaging $13,300, and $29,000 in athletic scholarships to new students.
More than two- thirds of AU students live in campus housing, which is guaranteed
for the first two years. AU offers traditional, suite- style, and apartment- style options;
students report that the quality varies. Living/learning options are available for
first- years— one freshman says they “offer a sense of closeness”— including the two-
year Community- Based Research Scholars program, which involves opportunities for
service- oriented research. Campus dining receives mixed reviews. A junior says, “AU
is an open campus and feels very safe,” and educational programming on personal
wellness and preventing sexual assault is extensive. The Center for Well- Being
Programs and Psychology Services has now been integrated into one unit to aid
mental- health support. The school has been affiliated with the United Methodist
Church since its founding.
On- campus social life can be limited, students report, and tends to revolve
around club activities and functions organized by the student government. A small
portion of the student body goes Greek, but a sophomore says, “Most social life
happens downtown at clubs or bars.” The AU
campus is officially dry. The immediate area
around AU has restaurants and shops, and D.C.
offers ample entertainment, much of it free— the art house movie theaters, gallery
openings, pro soccer games, and more. “You just jump on the Metro to get any-
where,” says a communication studies major. Each year, Family Weekend brings
games, rides, and popular bands to campus. Another annual favorite is Founder’s
Week, featuring late- night drag bingo and the Founder’s Day Ball, a formal dance
held at a museum or other location in downtown D.C. Popular road trips include
Baltimore, Williamsburg, Richmond, and Ocean City.
The American University Eagles compete in the Division I Patriot League.
Without a football team, students are most enthusiastic about men’s basketball,
which has been among the most successful teams, along with men’s soccer, wom-
en’s volleyball, and field hockey. Games against Bucknell, Holy Cross, and the Naval
Academy highlight the schedule. Students also take part in roughly 28 intramural
and club sports, ranging from beach volleyball and ultimate frisbee to sailing and
eSports, which are divided into different levels of competitiveness.
AU is heaven on earth for news junkies. But even if you are not addicted to
watching C-SPAN 24/7, AU and Washington, D.C., are still a top combo for a rich
college life. The opportunities for real- world experience— in fields ranging from
business to international studies to political science— are outstanding. But AU is
small enough to keep students from feeling lost in the fast- paced world inside the
Beltway. As a junior explains, “We are a small campus, which gives the feeling of
being out of the city, yet the city is at our fingertips.”
Family Weekend
brings games, rides,
and popular bands to
campus, along with a
carnival on the quad.
“Living/learning options
offer a sense of closeness.”
Overlaps
George
Washington,
University of
Maryland, Syracuse,
NYU, Boston
University, Penn
State, University
of Michigan,
UW– Madison
If You Apply To ›
American: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
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AMHERST COLLEGE 23
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Amherst College
Amherst, MA 01002
Original home to the well- rounded, superachieving, gentle- person jock. Compare
to Williams, Middlebury, and Colby. Not Swarthmore, not Wesleyan. Amherst has
always been a standout in part because there are four other local institutions in easy
reach to add diversity and depth. Among the few liberal arts colleges with nearly as
many men as women. National leader among elite privates in seeking socioeconomic
diversity and moving away from legacy admissions.
Amherst was founded in 1821 when the president of Williams College decided that
Williamstown was too remote. With a handful of Williams professors and students
in tow, he relocated 50 miles closer to Boston and set in motion centuries of fierce
rivalry. Amherst has traditionally been a bastion of New England’s elite, but over
the last several decades, it has done an about- face. It has used its $3.3 billion endow-
ment to become a national leader in extending high- quality liberal arts education
to a diverse student body. Indeed, about half of those admitted in the fall of 2022
were domestic students of color. In 2020, the president formally apologized to Black
students and alumni for past inequities and published a detailed antiracism plan.
Emphasizing “freedom to explore,” Amherst puts the spotlight on learning and
allows students to focus not on racking up high grade point averages, but rather on
becoming people who base their thinking on a strong foundation in the liberal arts.
“If your education is really your first priority,” says a sophomore, “then I don’t think
there’s a better school.”
Amherst’s 1,000 acres overlook the picturesque town of Amherst and the
Connecticut River Valley and offer a panoramic view of the Holyoke Range and
the Pelham Hills. On campus, a plot of open land housing a wildlife sanctuary and a
forest shares space with academic and residential buildings, athletic fields, and facil-
ities. Amherst looks like a college is supposed to look, with trees and paths winding
through the buildings to offer long, contemplative walks. While Amherst’s predomi-
nant architectural style remains 19th- century academia— red brick is key— everything
from a “pale yellow octagonal structure to a garish, modern dorm” can be found
here. A $242 million makeover of the east side of campus included the construc-
tion of four new residence halls and the 255,000- square- foot, interdisciplinary
Science Center.
Amherst offers a dynamic open curriculum in the traditional academic disci-
plines and in numerous interdisciplinary fields and students choose their program
based on their own individual interests and plans for the future. To graduate, stu-
dents must take a first- year seminar, declare a major at
the end of sophomore year, and satisfy all major program
requirements. First- year seminars, limited to 15 students
and occasionally taught by two or more professors, help
foster interdisciplinary approaches across topics and are offered in several subject
areas. About 45 percent of students choose to undertake a yearlong senior honors
thesis in their major.
The most popular of Amherst’s 41 majors include mathematics, economics, psy-
chology, computer science, and English. About half of the students typically pursue
double majors, and a few overachievers even triple major. Students may create their
own courses of study from Special Topics classes if the subject of their interest is not
available. Amherst’s unique Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought program is not a
prelaw major; instead, it’s an interdisciplinary study of the law, drawing on fields as
Website: www .amherst .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,898
Undergraduates: 1,898
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 63%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 26%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 14,864
Accepted: 7%
Enrolled: 43%
Grad in 6 Years: 92%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (413) 542- 2328
Email Address: admission @
amherst .edu
Strong Programs:
Mathematics
Economics
Psychology
Computer Science
English
Law, Jurisprudence, and Social
Thought
“Professors are
wildly intelligent and
very passionate.”
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24 AMHERST COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
diverse as psychology, history, philosophy, and literature, with a strong theoretical
focus. New offerings include a major in education studies. Amherst’s membership in
the Five College Consortium means that students can also take courses from partner
schools Mount Holyoke, UMass Amherst, Smith, and Hampshire—a benefit that
significantly expands students’ options.
The academic climate at Amherst is intense, but on such a small campus, the
classroom environment is supportive and interaction with faculty is encouraged.
Through the Take Your Professor Out program, students receive funding to invite
their professors out for dinner off campus once per semester. “Professors are wildly
intelligent and very passionate,” says an economics and sociology major, “and have
a deep understanding of effective pedagogy and teaching.” Students also praise the
college’s robust career services.
Amherst’s commitment to academic flexibility extends beyond traditional
coursework. Students report that, with no graduate students around, it’s easy to get
involved with faculty research as early as your first semester and many praise the
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, which comes with a stipend and hous-
ing for STEM research. The Meiklejohn Fellows program provides summer intern-
ships and research opportunities for low- income and first- generation students. For
those who want to study abroad, there are more than 150 programs in dozens of
countries to choose from; participants are able to apply their financial aid packages
to approved programs. Amherst also has a sister university in Göttingen, Germany,
and another in Kyoto, Japan, where one of the college’s colonial- style buildings has
been duplicated.
“Students at Amherst are passionate, involved, and driven,” says a psychology
major. Only 13 percent of Amherst students hail from Massachusetts, and 11 per-
cent are international. A linguistics major comments, “Amherst is a politically
active campus with the loudest voices being lib-
erals. While other views are not silenced, they
are sometimes drowned out.” The student body
is notably diverse; 14 percent are Asian
American, 16 percent are Hispanic/Latino,
11 percent are Black, and 7 percent are multiracial. As part of its ongoing efforts to
increase diversity, Amherst no longer considers legacy status in admissions— a
practice that gives preference to the children of alumni. Furthermore, admission is
need- blind for all students, and all financial aid is awarded based on need, mean-
ing no merit or athletic scholarships. Amherst guarantees to meet 100 percent of
admitted students’ demonstrated financial need with loan- free financial aid pack-
ages, which has helped attract a substantial number of low- income and Pell- eligible
students.
Housing at Amherst is guaranteed for four years, and 97 percent of students
live on campus. “First- year students live together in seven dorms on the First- Year
Quad, which is really good for community- building,” says a sophomore. Those
who don’t want to take their chances with the room draw can participate in a
lip- synch competition; the winner receives the top room pick for his or her class.
Everyone who lives on campus, and anyone else who wants to, eats in Valentine
Hall, which includes a buffet- style central serving station and five dining rooms.
Much of the produce comes from Book and Plow, the on- campus farm, but stu-
dents give the meals lukewarm reviews. Students agree that the campus feels
safe, and a Black studies major comments, “There is definitely a culture here of
sexual respect, and in instances where that culture is breached, the college takes
swift action.”
Although frats are nothing more than a faint memory, social activities are con-
ducted almost entirely on campus. They range from dorm study breaks to club
Amherst has used
its $3.3 billion
endowment to
become a national
leader in extending
high- quality liberal
arts education to a
diverse student body.
“Amherst is a politically
active campus with the
loudest voices being
liberals.”
Students may
create their own
courses of study
from Special Topics
classes if the subject
of their interest is
not available.
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AMHERST COLLEGE 25
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
events to low- key gatherings. Sports teams host most of the parties, which are gen-
erally open to all students, and a history and computer science major reports, “The
college takes a realistic approach to handling student alcohol use.” The Powerhouse,
a building that originally served as a campus steam plant at the turn of the 20th
century, has been converted into a nightlife venue for live performances, dances,
movie screenings, art exhibits, pub nights, and other special events. Although some
students bemoan a lack of campus traditions, seasonal festivals in the fall, winter,
and spring and Farm Fest are popular. Students also take advantage of the Five
Colleges membership for social life and cultural events.
The town of Amherst is “small but charming,” says a sophomore, with a few
coffee shops, bars, and late- night dining options. The nearby city of Northampton
offers more in the way of restaurants, concerts, and nightlife. Many students take
part in community service projects, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Habitat for
Humanity, and the college funds roughly 150 summer public service internships
every year. For the many outdoorsy types, good skiing in Vermont is not far, and
Boston (an hour and a half) and New York (a little over three hours) are close enough
to be convenient road- trip destinations.
Sports are taken seriously, both varsity and intramurals; about 30 percent of
the student population participates in varsity athletics, and roughly 80 percent
competes in intramurals. The school has removed its century- old unofficial
mascot, “Lord Jeff” (Lord Jeffery Amherst was a
British general who sought to exterminate
indigenous people), and introduced a new
mascot, the Mammoth. Amherst competes in
Division III, but the strong baseball team takes on Division I opponents as well.
Women’s basketball has won two national championships in recent years, while
men’s basketball, baseball, and cross- country and women’s ice hockey and soccer
have brought home recent New England Small College Athletic Conference titles.
“We have an athletic rivalry with Williams dating back 200 years,” says a senior,
drawing fans from all corners of campus. Amherst students pioneered the devel-
opment of ultimate Frisbee in the mid- 1960s, when players were still using metal
cake pan lids, and the college’s intramural and club programs continue to be well
supported.
In recent years Amherst has become an outspoken proponent— and model— of
the value of diversity and inclusivity for the liberal arts, and these institutional
values are not lost on its students. “It feels very much like home,” remarks a senior.
“People are inquisitive and interesting and ready to share everything they’ve learned
with you.” The lack of restrictive requirements, a cadre of professors who are focused
on teaching, and a devoted alumni network make it clear why most students love
their institution. Says a junior, “The Amherst community goes far beyond your years
on campus.”
Students take
advantage of the Five
Colleges membership
for social life and
cultural events.
“We have an athletic rivalry
with Williams dating back
200 years.”
Overlaps
Williams,
Middlebury, Colby,
Bowdoin, Carleton,
Yale, Brown,
Princeton
If You Apply To ›
Amherst: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Amherst’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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26 ANTIOCH COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Antioch College
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Part social activist, part granola, and part anarchist with plenty of none- of- the- above
mixed in, Antioch is a haven for square pegs. After shutting its doors in 2008 for
three years, Antioch returned to offering its signature co- op program: academic
study interspersed with 11- week work experiences. March and protest to change
the world, then get a job. Cool.
Antioch has long been the poster child for the funky diversity that characterizes
U.S. higher education. Since its founding in 1852 by abolitionist and social reformer
Horace Mann, this small liberal arts college in the Ohio boondocks has nurtured
outspoken and socially aware students who thrive under the rigors of refreshingly
nontraditional education. In 1902 Antioch pioneered the concept of co- op edu-
cation, in which students alternate time in the classroom with jobs in the “real
world.” It is one of only 10 Federal Work Study colleges (see also Warren Wilson).
The college was forced to shut its doors in 2008 because of inept management,
but in 2011 it reopened, phoenix- like, thanks to loyal alumni and others unwilling
to allow Antioch’s signature approach to education to become a footnote to history.
As it grapples with inevitable enrollment and financial challenges, Antioch is rely-
ing on a new generation of pioneers— students included— to reinvent the college for
the 21st century.
Antioch is located in the progressive village of Yellow Springs (population 3,700),
which has grown up around the college and become a popular destination for week-
end tourists, thanks to its restaurants, art, and music. The campus is a mixture of
traditional and eco- friendly buildings in various states of repair, including the giant
Main Hall that looks like Hogwarts. The campus includes a working farm and dozens
of geothermal wells, and it abuts the 1,000- acre Glen Helen Nature Preserve that
serves both hikers and science students looking for field experience.
The academic climate is informal and collaborative, with most everyone called
by their first name, but the overall atmosphere is hardly laid- back. “Because we are
on an 11- week quarter system, we do the same amount of work that most people do
in a semester,” explains a psychology major. “Then there’s the workload of helping
to run a new college. That can be very mentally taxing.”
Classes tend to be discussion- based, and take- home tests are common. The fac-
ulty is highly regarded but small, which means that turnover can be a problem. “A
department can go from rock solid to extremely fragile in a matter of weeks,” says a
junior. Antioch’s general education program
includes a core curriculum with distribution
requirements, as well as mandatory courses on
dialogues across difference, race/ethnic studies,
gender/sexuality studies, and a class that prepares students for cooperative educa-
tion. In addition, all students complete a capstone project for which they create and
present original work based upon their self- designed major.
Rather than selecting preset majors, all Antioch students design their own degree
plans, picking and choosing courses from broad areas that suit their academic inter-
ests and needs. A redesigned curriculum launched in spring 2023 offers several areas
of focus, including culture, power and change; global studies and engagement; inter-
disciplinary arts; social innovation; and sustainability and the environment. Students
praise the biomedical and other sciences. “We have well- equipped labs and do a lot of
sustainability projects, such as learning about climate change, recycling, composting,
Website: www .antiochcollege
.edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 127
Undergraduates: 127
Male/Female: 24/76
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 79%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 88%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 176
Accepted: 83%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 32%
Returning Freshmen: 73%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (937) 319- 6082
Email Address: admission @
antiochcollege .edu
Strong Programs:
Sustainability & the
Environment
Biomedical Science
Global Studies & Engagement
Psychology
Literature
Interdisciplinary Arts &
Creative Practice
“We have well- equipped
labs and do a lot of
sustainability projects.”
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ANTIOCH COLLEGE 27
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and other things that would help save our planet,” says a sophomore. A peer men-
toring program supports first- year and first- generation students, while Early Alert
and First Watch programs ensure that students do not fall through the cracks. Career
and other counseling services are said to be caring but understaffed. Antioch, which
views itself as a laboratory for democracy, is governed by a Community Council.
“Students, staff, and faculty get elected and make important decisions for our school.
Our shared governance is pivotal to Antioch,” says one denizen.
Under Antioch’s flagship co- op program, students engage in full- time coopera-
tive education experiences, generally off campus, for three or four quarters through-
out their time at the college. “By the time you graduate, you have four amazing jobs
on your résumé,” gushes a sophomore. Each student is assigned a co- op advisor to
help with the nearly continuous job hunt, which is eased by Antioch’s extensive
network of alumni. The downside: with students constantly coming and going, it is
sometimes hard to maintain friendships and engage in extracurricular activities.
Antioch has no study abroad program, but about 10 percent of students do co- ops
in foreign countries.
Antioch students tend to be independent spirits. “We’re all self- motivated and
driven,” says a freshman. “We’re weirdos and proud.” The student body is fairly
diverse geographically, with 46 percent coming from out of state, but rural Ohio is
an unlikely destination of choice for many stu-
dents of color, and there are no international stu-
dents. “It’s an adjustment, especially if you’re
coming from a diverse area,” says a junior. Black
students currently make up 20 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos
19 percent, American Indians 1 percent, Asian Americans 1 percent, and multiracial
students 5 percent— but with such a small student body, these figures can shift sig-
nificantly with each incoming class. “Our campus is almost entirely ‘liberal’ with a
mixture of Marxists, Democrats, and Socialists,” claims a student. “There are maybe
two Republicans in the student body.” A huge 79 percent of freshmen are eligible for
Pell Grants. The college offers a handful of merit scholarships, but most financial aid
is need- based.
Antioch operates a single dining facility with an all- or- nothing meal plan— 19
meals a week or cook for yourself— and much of the food is supplied by local farmers
and the student- staffed campus farm. That means, as a junior points out, that “Students
can work on the farm and later eat their work.” Students are required to live on campus
in one of two residence halls or apartments until they are within a year of graduation.
“There is no trouble finding housing,” says a freshman. “Everything is very comfort-
able.” Antioch was the first college to have a Sexual Offense Prevention Policy (SOPP)
mandating verbal consent at every step of a sexual encounter, and entering students
receive SOPP training during orientation. “We were famously mocked for it on SNL,
but the rest of the country has slowly been following along,” notes a political econ-
omy major.
In the absence of Greek organizations, social life tends to be rather low- key.
“There’s hiking, movies, two bars, and plenty of art and music events to attend both
on campus and off,” says a history major. Other diversions include the Camelot
bike ride and quarterly dances before students head off on their co- ops. Dayton
is 30 minutes away, Columbus and Cincinnati one hour. All sports at Antioch are
intramural.
Antioch College is happily back on its feet but showing some growing pains.
“We lose a lot of students due to the stressful environment,” says a junior. “I think
once we understand our institutional personality and promote it, we will have better
retention rates.” For many students, however, Antioch’s search for an updated iden-
tity for the 21st century is part of what makes the place exciting. “Almost every
The academic climate
is informal and
collaborative, with
most everyone called
by their first name.
“Students can work on
the farm and later eat
their work.”
Students engage in
full- time cooperative
education experiences,
generally off
campus, for three
or four quarters
throughout their
time at the college.
Overlaps
Warren Wilson,
Sterling, Prescott,
College of the
Atlantic, St. John’s
College, Allegheny,
Beloit, Agnes Scott,
Ohio State
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28 UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
person here has a different idea of what Antioch needs to be,” observes a psychology
major. “A perk of coming here is that you get to lend your hand in deciding what
that will be.”
If You Apply To ›
Antioch: Early decision I and II, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supple-
ment. Application includes option to indicate gender identity and preferred pronouns. Art applicants must submit portfolios.
University of Arizona
1200 East University Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85721
Tucson is an increasingly popular academic destination, and not just because of
the scenic mountain views. A large and highly regarded honors college attracts top
students, as do excellent programs in the sciences, arts, engineering, and business.
Generally viewed as a cut above ASU in academic quality. Offers generous merit
scholarships to eligible out- of- staters. Bring plenty of shorts and sunscreen.
With a campus that’s encircled by mountain ranges and the beautiful Sonoran
Desert, lined with palm trees, and set against a backdrop of stunning Tucson sun-
sets, it’s no surprise that students at the University of Arizona love to hang out at
the Mall. Not the shopping center, mind you— but a huge grassy area in the middle
of campus where 39,000 Wildcats gather between classes. Despite its size, students
are quick to point out that Arizona has a strong sense of community. “On an aver-
age day, people are having picnics, walking their dogs, playing games, tanning, etc.,
on the Mall,” says a senior. With all the natural beauty that surrounds them, many
Wildcats simply purr through four satisfying years.
Architecturally, Arizona’s campus distinguishes itself from the city’s regiment of
adobe buildings with a design that seems a study in the versatility of red brick. Old
Main, the university’s first building, is into its second century, but it has plenty of
modern neighbors, including high- tech science facilities, such as the new $85 mil-
lion Applied Research Building that houses a thermal vacuum chamber, an echo- free
room, and more. Eager shutterbugs can pore through photographer Ansel Adams’s
personal collection at the first- rate Center for Creative Photography. The campus
offers three state- of- the- art recreation centers, and the Student Success District cen-
tralizes health and wellness, tutoring, and academic advising services, in addition to
providing access to library and technology resources like 3- D printers.
Arizona’s general education curriculum incorporates opportunities for students
to engage in interdisciplinary learning, showcase their work in e-portfolios, and
reflect on their experiences. In addition to a first- year writing requirement and a
one- credit general education capstone course, students complete coursework that
focuses on different Perspectives (Artist, Humanist, Natural Scientist, and Social
Scientist) and Attributes (Diversity and Equity, Quantitative Reasoning, World
Cultures and Societies, and Writing).
Arizona, whose origins date to 1885, has 20 colleges and hundreds of undergrad-
uate majors. Sciences are the school’s forte— the astronomy department is among
the nation’s best. Students have access to leading astronomers, including those who
have created instruments to help NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope peer deep
into the universe. The small but rigorous College of Architecture, Planning, and
Website: www .arizona .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 37,175
Undergraduates: 30,294
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 87%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 41%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 48,202
Accepted: 87%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 68%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (520) 621- 3237
Email Address: admissions @
arizona .edu
Strong Programs:
Astronomy
Psychology
Biomedical Engineering
Management Information
Systems
Legal Professions and Studies
Entrepreneurship
Business Management
Speech Communication and
Rhetoric
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UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 29
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Landscape Architecture is a national leader in sustainable planning for arid regions.
Programs in management information systems, psychology, law, hydrology and
atmospheric sciences, and physiology are particularly well regarded, and the English
and history departments are also standouts. The university also offers the first B.A.
degree in law in the country.
“The academic climate is challenging but rewards student initiative and hard
work,” comments a history major. Some first- year courses are taught by graduate
students, and 33 percent of all classes enroll fewer than 20 students. “Most of my
professors are very well versed in their fields and continue to do research,” says one
student. Students also praise the THINK TANK tutoring program that operates out of
several academic buildings and residence halls for academic support.
Arizona’s Student Engagement and Career Development office connects stu-
dents with real- world learning experiences, whether through courses that involve
experiential learning components or through out- of- classroom opportunities like
internships and fieldwork. “The U of A is very
strong in research, and they have specific pro-
grams to help undergrads get involved,” reports
a senior. Career educators in the LifeLab assist
students with career planning. The W.A. Franke
Honors College offers one of the nation’s largest and most selective honors pro-
grams, serving more than 3,900 students. In addition to offering a variety of honors
courses, the college features smaller classes, personalized advising, and the Honors
Village living/learning community. For those seeking new vistas, there are study
abroad programs available in more than 60 countries.
“The energy is so high all of the time,” says a senior of the campus tenor. “It
is a very loud, rowdy bunch of extremely passionate people.” Out- of- staters con-
stitute 37 percent of the undergraduate student body; another 4 percent hail
from foreign countries. Hispanics/Latinos account for 28 percent, Black students
8 percent, Asian Americans 11 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. A
diversity action council, a student minority advisory committee, and cultural
resource centers help promote positive race relations and several students praise
the campus’s diversity. There is a mix of political views, and one senior shares,
“Our student body government is an amazing group of students who care about
allowing everyone to share their voice and are determined to bring this campus
together.” Merit scholarships averaging $11,300 and hundreds of additional
scholarships are available to eligible students; out- of- staters with decent GPAs
enjoy more generous merit scholarships here than at some of Arizona’s biggest
competitors. Arizona guarantees that incoming students’ tuition and fees won’t
increase for four years. In addition, through a new Arizona Native Scholars Grant,
the university covers all fees for Native Arizona resident undergraduates seeking
their first bachelor’s degree.
A junior says the quality of Arizona’s 23 residence halls is “all over the board,”
but all are generally well maintained: “The U of A gives students the option to live
in communities based on religious affiliation, major, nationality, or anything else
that student asks,” reports a senior. Only 22 per-
cent of undergraduates live in the dorms; some
first- years and most older students flock to the
abundant and less expensive apartments near
the school. Several restaurants are located in the
student union food court and sprinkled around campus, but many students express
a desire for more traditional dining halls and healthy choices. In regards to the
national issue of campus sexual assault, a sophomore says that the university
“emphasizes consent” and that “students seem to take the issue seriously.”
The new $85 million
Applied Research
Building houses a
thermal vacuum
chamber and an
echo- free room.
“On an average day, people
are having picnics, walking
their dogs, playing games,
tanning, etc., on the Mall.”
Sciences are the
school’s forte— the
astronomy department
is among the
nation’s best.
“Students get way more
than a degree out of
attending the University
of Arizona.”
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30 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Despite the high percentage of off- campus residents, students stream back
to campus on weekends for parties, sports, cultural events, and other activities
organized by more than 400 student clubs and organizations. Four percent of
the men belong to fraternities, and 8 percent of the women join sororities; stu-
dents say Greek groups have an outsize influence on the social scene. The
campus is technically alcohol- free, though some question whether the frats
have realized that yet. Homecoming, with its Homecoming Olympics competi-
tion between student orgs on the Mall and its massive bonfire, is always a crowd-
pleaser. “Dusk music festival is a must- go,” adds one senior. On Reading Day,
the day before final exams begin, the university offers free snacks and stress-
relieving activities like yoga, meditation, and
coloring. “What makes Arizona special is prob-
ably Tucson, because we have a unique desert
climate, beautiful views, and Tucson itself has
amazing food and culture,” says a journalism
major. Students enjoy the city’s shops, restaurants, bars, and various dance
clubs, not to mention easy access to hiking and other outdoor activities. Phoenix
is less than two hours away.
The university is home to 500 athletes who, as of 2024, compete in 18 sports in
Division I of the Big 12 Conference. The Wildcats men’s basketball, baseball, and
golf teams have won conference titles in the last few years, and women’s golf, bas-
ketball, and softball are competitive too. Football and basketball enjoy national
prominence and provide great weekend entertainment, especially when the oppos-
ing team is big- time rival Arizona State. As one Wildcat points out, “Every time we
play against ASU in any sport, there are T-shirts, stickers, and people asking, ‘A-S-
who?’” Arizona’s battle cry, “Bear Down!”— frequently heard at sporting events— dates
back to 1926, when a campus football hero, fatally injured in a car crash, whispered
his last message to his teammates: “Tell them, tell the team to bear down.” Nearly
100 years later, the enigmatic slogan still appears all over campus.
The University of Arizona offers a wide variety of academic options along with
spectacular weather. “Everyone just seems happy and blessed to have the opportu-
nity to come to this amazing place,” says a senior. And with so many out- of- this-
world programs on offer, as another student shares, “Students get way more than a
degree out of attending the University of Arizona.”
“The U of A is very strong
in research, and they have
specific programs to help
undergrads get involved.”
The university is
home to 500 athletes
who compete in
18 sports as a member
of the Division I
Big 12 Conference.
Overlaps
CU Boulder, Grand
Canyon University,
San Diego State,
Indiana University,
University of
Washington,
Arizona State,
Northern Arizona,
University of
Oregon
If You Apply To ›
Arizona: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Arizona State University
Box 870112, Tempe, AZ 85287
ASU is the largest university in the nation— with ambitions to grow even larger,
enhance interdisciplinary applied research, and increase socioeconomic diversity.
Location in the metro Phoenix area attracts plenty of out- of- staters who like the idea
of seeing the sun every day. Administration’s emphasis on offering an education
to anyone who wants one and is qualified to succeed makes the professional
schools and Barrett, The Honors College, the best bets. Strong student support
services.
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ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY 31
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
With a history that dates to 1885, Arizona State University has transformed itself
over the last decade into the nation’s largest public university. With no pretense of
modesty, this mega- university, situated in a desert oasis that is one of the nation’s
fastest- growing metro areas, describes itself as the model for a New American
University— one where “massive innovation” is the norm and where an interdis-
ciplinary culture is seen as the best means of developing “world- changing ideas.”
ASU’s stated goal is to serve any Arizona student qualified for college- level work
and, in the process, it has become a national model of how to navigate the emerg-
ing demographics of U.S. higher education. Research spending is up, as are student
retention and graduation rates. Not surprisingly, ASU can seem fast- paced at times,
but, says a biomedical sciences major, “ASU really stresses the ideas of working
together in order to get more perspectives to make differences we as students want
to see.”
The most populous of ASU’s four locations, the Tempe campus offers a beautiful
blend of palm- lined walkways and contemporary urban architecture. It is home to
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, business, art and design, and engineering
programs. Fifteen minutes by light rail brings
you to the Downtown Phoenix campus, which
looks like it sounds. It houses journalism, nurs-
ing, public service, and law programs and has a
young professionals feel. The Polytechnic campus,
a converted Air Force base, specializes in science and technology and boasts a desert
arboretum, while West campus has the feel of a liberal arts learning community, with
a large central lawn and a focus on interdisciplinary, collaborative studies. Each of the
four campuses has a Pat Tillman Veterans Center, which brings together academic and
student support services that serve the university’s continually growing enrollment
of veterans and their dependents. In addition, the ASU Local program allows students
to pursue hybrid degrees, taking online courses and participating in hands- on
learning experiences two days a week at satellite locations in Los Angeles and
Washington, D.C.
The academic star at ASU is Barrett, The Honors College, a selective school-
within- a- school living and learning community that is home to more than 7,000
students from every school and college across all four campuses. Most of these den-
izens reside in a cloistered complex on the Tempe campus that was designed by
students, faculty, and staff working with nationally renowned architects. It features
multiuse classrooms and meeting spaces, a dining hall, a fitness center, numerous
outdoor courtyards, and a central amphitheater. The nation’s first four- year resi-
dential honors college within a major public university, Barrett has more than
40 dedicated faculty members who oversee students’ ambitious honors projects. “It
doubles the resources and opportunities available to students,” raves an environ-
mental design major.
ASU has 14 undergraduate schools and more than 400 undergraduate degree
programs. Regardless of major, all students must fulfill distribution requirements
that include courses in three awareness areas: global, historical, and U.S. cultural
diversity. The most popular majors are in business and management, engineering,
and biological and biomedical sciences. The School of Sustainability, part of the
College of Global Futures, emphasizes the study of land use and planning models
that minimize environmental harm. The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and
Mass Communication enjoys state- of- the- art facilities and a strong national reputa-
tion, while the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts features nationally recog-
nized majors in architecture, art, design, music, dance, and the Sidney Poitier New
American Film School. The sciences (including biochemistry, chemistry, geology,
and biology) and social sciences boast first- class facilities, notably the largest
Website: www .asu .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 71,147
Undergraduates: 59,765
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 88%
Pell Grant: 29%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 41%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 68,789
Accepted: 90%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 69%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (480) 965- 7788
Email Address: admissions @
asu .edu
Strong Programs:
Journalism
Architecture
Art
Design
Performing Arts
Education
Engineering
Business
Health Professions
“ASU really stresses the
ideas of working together
in order to get more
perspectives.”
The ASU Local
program allows
students to pursue
hybrid degrees,
taking online courses
and participating in
hands- on learning
experiences two
days a week.
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32 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
university- owned meteorite collection in the world. All students can participate in
Dreamscape Learn, a new virtual- reality experience that teaches students by putting
them in the middle of a story. The School of Earth and Space Exploration is a leading
center for research in astronomy and astrophysics. Anthropology benefits from its
association with the Institute of Human Origins’s Donald Johanson, who discovered
the 3.2- million- year- old fossil skeleton named Lucy. ASU also offers the largest
teacher preparation program of any American university.
Engineering programs, especially microelectronics, robotics, and computer-
assisted manufacturing, are sure bets; the facility for high- resolution microscopy
allows students to get a uniquely close- up view of atomic structures. The Fulton
Schools of Engineering, composed of seven discipline- specific schools, offers a tradi-
tional engineering education with an emphasis on designing and creating innova-
tive and entrepreneurial solutions. Future engineers can opt for a B.S. degree or,
for those with broader interests, a B.A. The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
eProjects program brings students, faculty, and industry together to find solutions
to real- world problems.
Faculty members are expected to do both teaching and research, preferably with
a practical emphasis. As one administrator explains, “We don’t do 30- year longitu-
dinal studies.” And while, according to a geological sciences major, many professors
are “excited and passionate about what they do,” a
junior warns, “due to large class sizes, [it is] harder to
know them personally.” Forty percent of under-
graduate classes have fewer than 20 students, and
one senior says the academic climate is “mostly
relaxed, but focused.” The university has made seri-
ous efforts to provide students with strong support services. The First- Year Success
Center connects new students with upperclassmen and graduate students for weekly
coaching sessions on topics like time management, finances, and health and well-
ness. Incoming freshmen who are undecided on a major participate in the Major
and Career Exploration program, which involves seven- week courses offering oppor-
tunities for hands- on career exploration. ASU has drawn national attention for its
innovative and patented eAdvisor system that keeps students on track to meet
degree requirements and is backed up by a corps of full- time professional advisors.
The 5 percent of students who study abroad have access to more than 300 programs
in some 65 countries worldwide.
“Sun Devils buckle down and focus on what needs to get done,” says a senior.
“We love to have fun, but we also love to succeed.” Sixty- five percent of ASU stu-
dents are Arizona residents, while 7 percent come from abroad. Twenty- six percent
of the undergraduate student body is Hispanic/Latino; Black students contribute
4 percent, Asian Americans 9 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. Students
here can be divided in their politics, but a senior says, “we have free- speech zones
where people can share ideas.” ASU offers merit scholarships averaging $9,600 to
qualified students and awards more than 410 athletic scholarships annually to ath-
letes in 24 sports. It also guarantees to meet the demonstrated need of any student
from Arizona and now covers the full tuition costs for Pell- eligible students.
Twenty- four percent of ASU students live in the co- ed dorms. “Our dorms are so
nice! I’ve visited several other schools, and ASU has some of the largest rooms,” says
one junior. Gender-inclusive housing is now
offered. Students don’t have to buy a meal plan,
no matter where they live, and they praise the
variety of options. Some complain about the campus’s “walk- only zones” that pre-
vent students from using bikes (of which there are thousands), skateboards, or other
modes of transportation in certain high- traffic areas. Students say campus security is
The Ira A. Fulton
Schools of Engineering
eProjects program
brings students,
faculty, and industry
together to find
solutions to real-
world problems.
“[Barrett, The Honors
College] doubles
the resources and
opportunities available
to students.”
Devils in Disguise,
an annual, student-
run day of service,
sends students out
to complete various
volunteer projects
in the community.
“ASU has an incredible
amount of school spirit.”
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UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS 33
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
sufficient, and the Devils in the Bedroom student group helps promote awareness
regarding sexual assault prevention.
“Sometimes I feel there is so much stuff going on that I have to pick between
two or three things on a day or night or weekend,” says one junior. “But, hey, that’s
a good problem to have!” ASU’s Greek system attracts 8 percent of the men and
10 percent of the women, and “small kick- backs
in dorms are just as common as huge house par-
ties,” says a sophomore. The campus is officially
dry, so many students head off campus on
weekends— often far off campus. Those with cars
have easy access to the mountains of Northern
Arizona, the lakes on the outskirts of town, and the natural beauty of the Grand
Canyon. “Tempe itself has a lot of available activities, such as paddle boarding,
attending a Broadway touring show, fine dining, and night life,” enthuses a senior.
Devils in Disguise, an annual, student- run day of service, sends students out to com-
plete various volunteer projects in the community.
“ASU has an incredible amount of school spirit,” says a junior. Arizona State’s
Division I athletics department— supported by a fee required of all students in
exchange for free access to athletic events— is consistently ranked among the
nation’s best. As of 2024 ASU is competing in the Big 12 Conference. Women’s
triathlon has won multiple national championships in recent years. Softball was
a recent conference winner, and football, men’s wrestling, men’s swimming and
diving, and women’s golf are also highly competitive. Teams are known as the Sun
Devils after a meteorological phenomenon, and the biggest rival is the University
of Arizona, normally referred to simply as “that school down south.” The first- rate
Sun Devil Fitness Complex hosts dozens of intramurals and the huge club sports
program, which boasts more than 50 club teams.
Arizona State may seem like an overwhelmingly big school with a reputation for
rowdiness, but that’s not the full story. “What characterizes ASU is the ability to be
involved in so many different communities,” says a senior, “to be exposed to such
diversity that is only found on a large university campus.” To its credit, ASU likes to
pride itself on how many students it accepts, not how many it turns away, and on
its strong student support services. For those not intimidated by its sheer immensity,
ASU may be a good place to earn a degree while enjoying a four- year relationship
with the sun.
“Tempe itself has a lot of
available activities, such as
paddle boarding, attending
a Broadway touring show,
fine dining, and night life.”
Overlaps
UCLA, Michigan
State, University
of Minnesota, Ohio
State, UT Austin,
University of
Arizona, Northern
Arizona, San Diego
State
If You Apply To ›
Arizona State: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
University of Arkansas
200 Hunt Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701
University of Arkansas occupies the second tier of Southern public universities
alongside Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss. Though somewhat conservative by national
standards, Fayetteville is a relatively progressive Arkansas city. With traditional roots
in agriculture, aided by Walton family largesse, U of A has also developed strong
programs in business, engineering, architecture, and other professional fields. Its
most popular program takes the field on Saturday afternoons in the fall.
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34 UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The flagship public institution for the state of Arkansas, the University of Arkansas
is a nationally competitive, student- centered research institution. Freshman class
enrollment has increased by more than 55 percent in the last 10 years, and the uni-
versity has grown to keep pace. A $300 million cash gift from the family of Walmart
founder Sam Walton created the undergraduate Honors College and endowed the
graduate school. More recently, Walton philanthropy has funded the School of Art
and the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research.
The Arkansas campus is nestled among the mountains, lakes, and streams
in the northwest corner of the state. “Come to a Razorback game in the fall when
the leaves are changing,” says one student, “and you will be totally won over.” The
community is friendly and safe, and the moderate climate means recreational
opportunities abound in all seasons. Architectural styles range from modern con-
crete to collegiate Gothic buildings constructed during the Depression. The center of
campus is the stately brick Old Main, dating to 1875, which once housed the entire
university. New facilities include a 70,000- square- foot academic and career support
center and a 154,000-square- foot studio and design center.
Established as a land grant institution in 1871, with agricultural and mechani-
cal roots, U of A serves 23,395 undergraduates and includes 10 colleges, as well as
more than 50 research and outreach centers. U of A’s core requirements include
credits in English, history, math, humanities,
fine arts, science, and social sciences. The more
than 3,800 undergrads who join the Honors
College complete research or creative work cul-
minating in an honors thesis. “Do it if you can,”
raves a freshman. “You get first pick on classes,
more scholarships to go abroad, and first pick on housing.” The Sam M. Walton
College of Business offers three of the strongest and most popular majors on
campus: marketing, finance, and supply chain management. The college’s recently
formed strategy, entrepreneurship, and venture innovation department launched
its first major in 2021. Other popular disciplines include nursing, industrial engi-
neering, communication sciences and disorders, English (particularly creative writ-
ing), and studio art. The Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences is
home to the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, a national leader in research
on poultry epidemiology. The Jones School of Architecture and Design’s architec-
ture program is also notable.
U of A’s academic climate is “laid- back, but still demanding a high standard
of excellence,” says a senior. To help ease into the college transition, students rec-
ommend ROCK Camp, an optional summer orientation weekend, as well as the
tutoring services of the Harrington Center for Success. “We have lots of accessible
resources and engaging and involved faculty and staff,” cheers a communication
major. While there is a healthy portion of large lecture classes taught by teaching
assistants, 40 percent of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. Undergraduates in all
disciplines are encouraged to conduct research, and 37 percent do so, often with
generous funding. “Getting involved in campus research is very easy and often just
requires talking to an enthusiastic professor with room in their lab,” says a biol-
ogy major. The university sponsors study abroad programs in nearly 30 countries
across six continents, including its flagship Rome Center and roughly 40 short- term,
faculty- led programs; 12 percent of students participate.
Forty- nine percent of undergraduates are Arkansas residents, with Texans repre-
senting the next largest contingent at 31 percent; 1 percent are international. Black
students make up just 4 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 11 percent,
Asian Americans 3 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. One student says the
political climate leans Republican, but a variety of political views are visible on
Website: www .uark .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 25,144
Undergraduates: 23,395
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 36%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 47%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 26,210
Accepted: 79%
Enrolled: 34%
Grad in 6 Years: 69%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (479) 575- 5346
Email Address: uofa @ uark .edu
Strong Programs:
Marketing
Finance
Supply Chain Management
Architecture
Nursing
Industrial Engineering
Communication Sciences and
Disorders
Creative Writing
“Getting involved in campus
research is very easy
and often just requires
talking to an enthusiastic
professor.”
New facilities include
a 70,000- square- foot
academic and career
support center and
a 154,000-square-
foot studio and
design center.
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UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS 35
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
campus. “There are women’s marches and people asking you to sign petitions to
legalize weed,” observes a biology major. Arkansas awards thousands of merit schol-
arships each year, averaging $5,400, as well as roughly 400 athletic scholarships in
19 varsity sports. The New Arkansan Non- Resident Tuition Award gives scholarships
to incoming students from neighboring states who meet certain academic require-
ments, but the largest increases in scholarship funding are designated for students
from Arkansas.
Twenty- nine percent of all undergrads at Arkansas live in the residence halls;
most move to Greek houses or other off- campus digs after their first year. About 150
students participate in six living/learning community options. A unique “Adopt- a-
Prof” program places designated faculty members in residence halls to spend time
interacting informally with students. Campus dining is described as “fine.” Campus
police are said to be effective, and they have a presence at Greek parties. A senior
reports, “The Title IX office has stepped up and improved procedures and outreach”
related to the issue of campus sexual assault.
Arkansas’s Greek chapters attract 26 percent of the men and 39 percent of the
women, and Greek parties “set the tone for sure,” says a pre- nursing student, aside
from the revelry that accompanies Razorback athletics. School- sponsored Cardinal
Nights offer alternative programming on Fridays,
and students look forward to the annual Spring-
time of Youth music festival. Dickson Street, the
core entertainment district in the town of Fayette-
ville (population 95,000), is full of restaurants and
bars that are popular with upperclassmen. “We have a very outdoorsy culture because
we’re surrounded by mountains and rivers,” explains a horticulture major. “So week-
ends are filled with hiking and camping.” Students are also big on community service,
especially through programs like Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry, Dream B.I.G.
Believing in Girls, and Make a Difference Day. Those with cars will find Dallas, Tulsa,
Oklahoma City, Memphis, and St. Louis all within a six- hour drive.
The Razorbacks (wild hogs) compete in the Southeastern Conference, and the
beloved Hog Call “Wooo! Pig sooie!” rings out during football and basketball week-
ends, although according to one senior, “No matter the time, place, or situation,
it is always considered appropriate to call the hogs.” Red Razorback logos are all
over town— on T-shirts, napkins, book covers, license plates, and on game day, the
cheeks of ecstatic fans. Other powerhouse teams include baseball, softball, track and
field, golf, and women’s soccer and gymnastics. Recreational sports— everything
from flag football and sand volleyball to ballroom dance and bass fishing— are
hugely popular.
At the University of Arkansas, Southern hospitality means poultry science stu-
dents aren’t the only ones flocking to the state for a solid education at a bargain
price. Northerners may feel outnumbered, and those who frown on football should
keep their feelings to themselves. But all students here look forward to graduation
day, when their names will join those of more than 210,000 other alumni, engraved
into the nearly four- mile network of sidewalks on campus.
A unique “Adopt- a-
Prof” program places
designated faculty
members in residence
halls to spend time
interacting informally
with students.
“No matter the time, place,
or situation, it is always
considered appropriate to
call the hogs.”
Overlaps
University of
Oklahoma,
Louisiana State,
University
of Missouri,
University of
Nebraska– Lincoln,
Iowa State,
University of
Alabama, Texas
A&M, Texas Tech
If You Apply To ›
Arkansas: Early action, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Arkansas’s
website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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36 ATLANTA UNIVERSITY CENTER
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Atlanta University Center
Atlanta is viewed as the preeminent city in the country for bright, talented, and successful Black people. It became
the capital of the civil rights movement in the 1960s— a town described by its leaders as “too busy to hate.” Atlanta
evolved in the 1970s to become known as the “Black mecca of the South,” it economically burgeoned to “Olympic
City” in the 1990s, and it currently reigns as the hub of Black Hollywood.
At the heart of this storied culture is the Atlanta University Center (AUC), the largest African American educa-
tional complex in the world. The center consists of two undergraduate colleges (Morehouse and Spelman) as well
as two that offer graduate degrees (Clark Atlanta University and the Morehouse School of Medicine) on adjoining
campuses in the center of Atlanta, three miles from downtown. Two other institutions, Morris Brown College and
the Interdenominational Theological Center, are no longer members. Students at the affiliated schools can enjoy
the quiet pace of their beautiful magnolia- studded campuses or plunge into all the culture and excitement of this
most dynamic of Deep South cities.
AUC, serving 10,000 students, is home to a myriad of unique offerings, including Spelman’s Innovation
Lab; Morehouse’s cinema, television, and emerging media studies major; Clark Atlanta University’s Center for
Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development; and Morehouse School of Medicine’s Satcher Health Leadership
Institute. The four component institutions have educated numerous generations of Black leaders. The Reverend
Martin Luther King Jr. graduated from Morehouse, while his grandmother, mother, sister, and daughter all attended
Spelman. Both schools gained national reputations at a time when they were among the best of the few colleges to
which talented Black students could aspire. Even now, when the options are almost limitless, alumni continue to
send their children back for more.
The six original schools— all but the medical school— became affiliated in 1929 using the model of California’s
Claremont Colleges, but the remaining members are fiercely independent. Each has its own administration, board
of trustees, and academic specialties, and each maintains its own dorms, cafeterias, and other facilities. There is
cross- registration among the institutions (Morehouse students, for example, go to Spelman for drama and art
courses) as well as with Georgia State and Emory University. The governing body of the consortium, the Atlanta
University Center, Inc., administers a centerwide dual- degree program in engineering in conjunction with Georgia
Tech, and it runs campus security, a student crisis center, and a joint institute of science research. There is also a
centerwide service of career planning and placement, where recruiters may come and interview students from all
four institutions.
Dating and social life at the coeducational institutions tend to take place within the individual schools, though
Morehouse, a men’s college, and Spelman, a women’s college, maintain a close academic and social relationship.
The Morehouse– Spelman Glee Club takes its abundance of talent around the nation, and its annual Christmas
concert on the Spelman campus is a standing- room- only event.
Morehouse and Spelman (see full write- ups) constitute the Ivy League of historically Black colleges and univer-
sities (HBCUs). The following is a sketch of the other institution within the AUC system offering undergraduate
degrees, Clark Atlanta University.
CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY (WWW .CAU .EDU)
Formed by the consolidation of Clark College, a four- year liberal arts institution, and Atlanta University, which
offered only graduate degrees, CAU is a comprehensive coeducational institution that offers undergraduate, grad-
uate, and professional degrees as well as nondegree certificate programs. The university draws on the former
strengths of both schools, offering quality programs in the health professions, public policy, and mass communi-
cations (including print journalism, radio and television production, and filmmaking). Graduate and professional
programs include education, business, library information studies, social work, and arts and sciences. CAU is the
only private, independent graduate research institution in the HBCU community, and the only HBCU member of
the Georgia Research Alliance. The university enrolls 3,300 full- time undergraduates; about two- thirds come from
out of state, and 76 percent are women.
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MOREHOUSE COLLEGE 37
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Morehouse College
830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Along with sister school Spelman, Morehouse is the most prestigious of the
historically Black schools. Alumni list reads like a Who’s Who of Black leaders. Best
known for business and popular 3– 2 engineering program with Georgia Tech. Built
on a Civil War battlefield, Morehouse epitomizes the new South. “Morehouse Men”
share a special bond.
Founded in 1867, Morehouse College has the distinction of being the nation’s
only historically Black, four- year liberal arts college for men. Top students come to
Morehouse because they want an institution with a strong academic program and
a culture that focuses equally on developing global leaders and fostering a sense of
brotherhood among students. Notable alumni include the Reverend Martin Luther
King Jr., Senator Raphael Warnock, Samuel L. Jackson, and Spike Lee. Says a psy-
chology major, “Morehouse is a college of young, assertive, ambitious Black men.”
Located near downtown Atlanta, the Morehouse campus was built on 66 acres
that were once a Civil War battlefield. The campus is home to 42 buildings, many
of them historic, including the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. The
college has continued to evolve over the last decade, as it has enriched its academic
program, conducted a successful national fund- raising campaign, increased student
scholarships and faculty salaries, and improved its physical plant.
Morehouse’s general education program includes not only coursework in four
major disciplines (humanities, natural sciences, math, and social sciences), but also
the study of “the unique African and African American heritage on which so much
of our modern American culture is built.” A cornerstone of that study is a scheduled
series of campuswide assemblies called the Crown Forum, which brings in community
leaders and national figures from an array of industries for special presentations, artistic
performances, and dialogues on topical issues. Students must attend at least six Crown
Forum events per semester for six semesters to graduate. The academic climate at the
House can get intense: “Morehouse offers an academic structure that is both compet-
itive and rigorous,” states a freshman. Fifty- six percent of the classes have fewer than
20 students, and students say their classmates strive to be the best in the classroom but
take time to support each other too. A sense of mentorship pervades the campus, and
students consider the school’s full breadth of counseling services to be quite strong.
Undergraduate programs include the traditional liberal arts majors in the human-
ities and social and natural sciences, but as a rule of thumb, the more preprofessional
your plan, the better Morehouse fits. While STEM fields have been traditionally strong
at Morehouse, business and economics have
risen in prominence, and business administration
is now the most popular major. Engineering,
another popular choice, is actually a 3– 2 program
in conjunction with Georgia Tech and other larger universities. Many students major
in economics, biology, English, and political science. The cinema, television, and
emerging media studies major is growing, and a major in Chinese studies is available.
Notable minors include journalism and sports, sustainability, and neuroscience.
Programs that receive less favorable reviews from students are art and drama, and the
administration admits that some of the humanities offerings could use strengthening.
A four- year honors program is available for the highly motivated, and research oppor-
tunities in the sciences abound, including a research partnership with NASA. Thirty-
one percent of students study abroad in more than 200 programs worldwide.
Website: www .morehouse .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,183
Undergraduates: 2,183
Male/Female: 100/0
Financial Aid: 83%
Pell Grant: 56%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 80%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 5,221
Accepted: 60%
Enrolled: 22%
Grad in 6 Years: 59%
Returning Freshmen: 80%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (844) 512- 6672
Email Address: admissions @
morehouse .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Economics
Biology
English
Political Science
Cinema, Television, and
Emerging Media Studies
Chinese Studies
Pre- engineering
“Morehouse is a college of
young, assertive, ambitious
Black men.”
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38 MOREHOUSE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Seventy- one percent of Morehouse students come from outside the state, with the
majority hailing from Southeast and Mid- Atlantic states; less than 1 percent come
from other nations. Ninety- eight percent are Black, and one student attests, “Many
students are here to get a greater understanding of their heritage and to promote it.”
Fifty- six percent of incoming freshmen are eligible for Pell Grants. Merit scholarships
averaging $12,600 are available, in addition to many scholarships for athletes.
Morehouse now accepts transgender students who self- identify as male; however,
enrolled students who transition to self- identifying as females would be asked to leave
because, as administrators explain, being a men’s college is central to Morehouse’s
identity. Morehouse has come under fire in recent years over how it has handled alle-
gations of sexual misconduct and accusations of a “hypermasculine” culture.
Students are required to live on campus for their first three years; seniors find
their own off- campus accommodations. Some students grumble that campus hous-
ing is “too small” and “not well maintained.” For freshmen, students recommend
Graves Hall, the college’s oldest building, con-
structed in 1889. Themed residential academic
programs are available for students interested in
the arts, business, global learning, and STEM.
The meal plan at Morehouse is mandatory for
students living on campus and draws its share of complaints as well, although dining
services have expanded recently to include fast- food options and a coffee shop.
Morehouse’s membership in the Atlanta University Center expands students’
academic, social, and extracurricular options, particularly with neighboring Spelman
College. Homecoming week, for instance, is a joint effort with Spelman and is one of the
nation’s largest at a historically Black college or university (HBCU), with events like pep
rallies, hip- hop and R&B concerts, step shows, and a jazz brunch drawing thousands of
alumni and community members. Spelman women have been known to quip, “You
can always tell a Morehouse man, but you can’t tell him much.” Morehouse’s four
fraternities, which sign up just a small fraction of the students, hold parties, though
most students concur that “drinking is not a big deal here.” Community service is an
important emphasis, through student organizations as well as service- learning courses.
Going out on the town in Atlanta is a popular evening activity, and on- campus foot-
ball games, concerts, movies, and religious programs all draw crowds.
In its early years, Morehouse left much to be desired in the area of varsity sports,
but the Maroon Tigers now compete well in the Division II Southern Intercollegiate
Athletic Conference. The basketball and track and field teams have enjoyed the most
success, but it is the intramural program that allows students a chance to become the
superstars they know are lurking within them. During football season, students road-
trip to follow the games at Howard, Hampton, and Tuskegee universities.
Benefiting as it is from the recent surge of interest in HBCUs, Morehouse is well
equipped to serve the contemporary heirs of a distinguished tradition. Morehouse
students don’t just attend Morehouse. They become part of a prominent and proud
network of Morehouse Men who share the bonds of having had the Morehouse
experience. Graduates find that alumni stand ready and willing to help them with
jobs and other opportunities as they work to effect positive change in their commu-
nities and the world.
Research
opportunities
in the sciences
abound, including a
research partnership
with NASA.
“Many students are here to
get a greater understanding
of their heritage and to
promote it.”
Themed residential
academic programs
are available for
students interested
in the arts, business,
global learning,
and STEM.
Overlaps
Spelman, Howard,
Davidson, Furman,
Millsaps, Rhodes,
Georgia State,
Florida A&M
If You Apply To ›
Morehouse: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: required. Accepts the Common Application.
Accepts applications from students who live and self- identify as male.
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SPELMAN COLLEGE 39
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Spelman College
350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
With a strong tradition of academic excellence, Spelman is a historically Black
women’s college that draws students from all corners of the country. Particularly
strong in the sciences with noteworthy emphasis on undergraduate research.
Wooded 42- acre Atlanta campus adjacent to brother school Morehouse offers
easy access to urban attractions. Has dropped varsity sports to emphasize lifelong
physical fitness.
As one of only two surviving Black women’s colleges in the United States (along
with Bennett), Spelman College holds a special appeal for Black women seeking to
become leaders in fields ranging from science to the arts. Students flock here for that
something special that predominantly white institutions lack: a supportive environ-
ment with first- rate academics and a tight- knit sisterhood where Black women can
develop self- confidence and leadership skills before venturing out into the wider
world— exactly the reasons for the current national resurgence of interest in histor-
ically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “It’s a true sisterhood,” enthuses a
psychology major. “The bonds are everlasting. There is no one on this planet who
will know what you’re going through except for your Spelman sisters.”
Spelman was founded in 1881 by Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles, two
pioneers in women’s education from New England who were concerned with the
lack of educational opportunities for Black women. John D. Rockefeller was an early
funder, and the school was named in honor of his wife, Laura Spelman Rockefeller,
and her parents, who were longtime activists in the antislavery movement. Spelman
was traditionally the starting point for teachers, nurses, and other Black female lead-
ers. Today’s emphasis is on getting Spelman grads into boardrooms, courtrooms,
and engineering labs. Honing women for leadership is the main mission, and that
nurturing takes place on a classic collegiate- green campus with a $463 million
endowment.
These are heady times for Spelman. Although it finds itself competing head- on
with the Seven Sisters and other prestigious and predominantly white institu-
tions that are eager to recruit talented Black women, the college is holding its
own. Spelman offers a well- rounded liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes the
importance of critical and analytical thinking and problem- solving. Usually, by
the end of sophomore year, students are expected to complete 40 credit hours of
core requirements, including English composition, foreign language, mathemat-
ics, African diaspora and the world, international or comparative women’s studies,
wellness and health, and computer literacy. In addition, freshmen are required
to take a First- Year Experience course, and sophomores must take Sophomore
Seminar.
Spelman’s established strengths lie in the natural sciences (especially biology)
and the humanities, both of which have outstanding faculty. Biology is among the
most popular majors, as are psychology, political science, and economics. An inter-
disciplinary major in health sciences is one of
the fastest- growing offerings, along with a minor
in food studies. Over the last decade, the college
has greatly strengthened its math and science offerings; extensive undergraduate
research programs in these areas provide students with publishing opportunities,
and many end up attending grad school. In fact, Spelman leads the nation in the
number of Black women who go on to earn Ph.D.s in STEM fields. Premed and
Website: www .spelman .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,325
Undergraduates: 2,325
Male/Female: 0/100
Financial Aid: 74%
Pell Grant: 43%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 67%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 13,649
Accepted: 28%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 982- 2411
Email Address: admiss @
spelman .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Psychology
Political Science
Economics
Health Sciences
Mathematics
Premed
African Diaspora Studies
“It’s a true sisterhood. The
bonds are everlasting.”
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40 SPELMAN COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
prelaw programs are strong, and the 3– 2 dual- degree program in engineering in
cooperation with Georgia Tech is also a standout. The Women’s Research and
Resource Center specializes in women’s studies and community outreach.
“The academic climate is very competitive,” says an English major. “The school
is made up of the top students from around the country, and the courses are designed
to be a challenge for the best of the best.” Individual attention is the hallmark of a
Spelman education. Many faculty members are Black and/or female— and thus,
excellent role models, ones the students find very accessible. “The professors here
genuinely love what they do,” says a sociology major. Except for some of the required
introductory courses, classes are small; 66 percent have fewer than 20 students.
Through the Spelman MILE (My Integrated Learning Experience), all students com-
plete internships or undergraduate research projects in their majors. Students who
want to spread their wings can venture abroad, as 19 percent do, through a variety
of programs in 40 countries, or try one of the domestic exchange arrangements with
Wellesley, Mount Holyoke, or Vassar.
“Spelman’s personality is definitely ‘Black Girl Magic,’” cheers a biology major.
“We exude positivity, happiness, and success.” Spelman’s reputation continues to
attract high- achieving, goal- oriented Black women from all over the country, includ-
ing a high proportion of alumnae children, and
the school has become increasingly selective.
Twenty- seven percent of students come from
Georgia, and less than 1 percent come from abroad.
Ninety- eight percent are Black; American Indian, Hispanic/Latina, Asian American,
and white students combine to make up 2 percent of the student body. The political
atmosphere is liberal, and according to a history major, “Hot topics on campus include
the gentrification of the city of Atlanta (particularly the West End neighborhood that
the campus is located in), women’s rights, and issues related to the preservation of
Black lives.” Spelman offers a limited number of merit scholarships, and 43 percent of
freshmen receive Pell Grants. There are no athletic scholarships.
Fifty- eight percent of students live on campus in Spelman’s 11 residence halls.
Older halls add to the school’s historical charm; students recommend that fresh-
men check out Howard- Harreld Hall. Students report that there are more juniors
and seniors who would like to live on campus than there are beds to accommodate
them. The meal plan is mandatory for campus- dwellers, and the food gets average
reviews. A psychology major says the school’s security efforts, gated campus, and
Title IX procedures help students “feel protected” on campus.
In part because of the Atlanta University Center, students have plenty of chances
for social interaction with other nearby colleges, especially Morehouse. “Students
mingle in the student centers of all four schools all the time, especially on Fridays,”
one denizen explains. Spelmanites also take advantage of the big- city nightlife; they
attend plays, symphonies, and the hot Atlanta nightclubs. Lenox Square is popular
for shopping. “Atlanta is a great college town!” gushes one junior. About half of the
students get involved with service opportunities in the city. Sororities are present
but only in small numbers. The attitude on drinking leans toward the conservative.
Says one student, “No alcohol on campus— period.” The most anticipated annual
events include sisterhood initiation ceremonies, homecoming, and the Founders
Day celebration. Varsity sports, never all that important, have been replaced with a
general fitness and nutrition program that features an extensive list of physical
activities such as running and yoga. The college has also introduced an intramural
program that includes basketball, flag football, soccer, and volleyball.
Spelman College has spent more than 140 years furthering the education and
opportunities of Black women. It has adapted its curriculum to meet the career aspira-
tions of today’s youth, built up its bankroll, and successfully met the recruitment
Today’s emphasis is on
getting Spelman grads
into boardrooms,
courtrooms, and
engineering labs.
“Spelman’s personality
is definitely ‘Black Girl
Magic.’”
Spelman leads the
nation in the number
of Black women who
go on to earn Ph.D.s
in STEM fields.
Overlaps
Agnes Scott,
Morehouse, Vassar,
Wellesley, Xavier
University of
Louisiana, Howard,
Clark Atlanta,
Hampton
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COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC 41
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
challenge posed by diversity efforts at other universities. As elite an institution as ever,
Spelman is staking its future on its ability to provide a unique kind of education that
gives its graduates a competitive edge in the 21st century. As one satisfied student
says, “If there is any place that a student can be academically enriched, it is here.”
If You Apply To ›
Spelman: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Accepts applications from stu-
dents who consistently live and self- identify as women, regardless of their gender assignment at birth. Please consult
Spelman’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
College of the Atlantic
105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
In today’s status- driven world, COA is as out- there as it gets— a haven for community-
minded, environmentally conscious students who would rather save the world than
make a buck. Lacks many of the usual trappings of college life, such as sports teams
and Greek life. But with roughly 350 undergrads, it makes its distinctive blend of
smallness and diversity an academic and social virtue. Students get lots of hands- on
experience and have a big voice in running the school.
The College of the Atlantic attracts rugged individualists concerned with the world’s
pressing issues, notably climate change, social justice, and food systems. The col-
lege’s curriculum and sole major is focused on human ecology— the study of the
relationship between humans and their natural, social, and built environments.
COA bucks the national obsession with growth— seeing smallness as the key to edu-
cation that cuts across disciplines— while taking a personalized approach to teach-
ing and learning. “I chose COA because I found no other school that gave me as
much freedom to create my own educational path,” says one sophomore.
The 35- acre campus, covered in lush flowers, vegetable gardens, and lawns, sits
on Mount Desert Island (pronounced “dessert”), along the shoreline of Frenchman
Bay and adjacent to the magnificent Acadia National Park. In addition, the col-
lege maintains two offshore island research centers, two organic farms, a 100- acre
wooded protectorate, and wood- pellet- heated “green” dorms. Founded by local resi-
dents in 1969, COA’s mission is reflected in the facilities: sustainability is prized, and
the college uses environmentally responsible materials as much as possible. “We
believe the most sustainable building is that which isn’t built,” says an administra-
tor. The $13 million Davis Center for Human Ecology, houses classrooms, science
labs, art studios, and a teaching greenhouse.
Instead of traditional academic departments, COA has three broad resource
areas: environmental sciences, arts and design, and human studies. “Many classes
are project- based, with fewer tests and more essays, presentations, field trips, class
discussions, and self- directed assignments,” says a sophomore. Students may choose
to concentrate on more narrowly defined topics within human ecology, such as cli-
mate change and energy, environmental law and politics, educational studies, farm-
ing and food systems, or sustainable business. With advisors and resource specialists,
each student designs an individual course of study. The natural sciences are stel-
lar, with excellent instruction in marine science, field ecology and natural history,
and food systems and sustainability. Allied Whale, the school’s marine mammal
Website: www .coa .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 365
Undergraduates: 358
Male/Female: 32/68
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 25%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 48%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 486
Accepted: 60%
Enrolled: 33%
Grad in 6 Years: 58%
Returning Freshmen: 74%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 528- 0025
Email Address: inquiry @
coa .edu
Strong Programs:
Human Ecology
Environmental Science
Climate Change and Energy
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42 COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
laboratory founded in 1972, offers opportunities for hands- on field research. For the
entrepreneurially minded, the Hatchery is COA’s sustainable business incubator,
offering eligible students academic credit, a variety of resources, and 10 weeks to
develop a business venture and build a prototype. The emphasis is on interdisciplin-
ary exploration, and the most compelling ideas get a $5,000 grant from the college
along with a year of professional services.
Student life at COA is intense and semicommunal, beginning with an optional,
rugged five- day wilderness orientation preceding the first trimester. Before graduat-
ing, students must complete 40 hours of community service, a 10- week off- campus
internship, and a 10- week senior project. Other
requirements are few: first- years must take the
human ecology core course, and two courses are
required in environmental sciences, human
studies, and arts and design. Sophomores must
submit a writing portfolio for evaluation. All stu-
dents incorporate research into their studies, whether it is a development impact
study for the local government or a study on the aggression of fire ants for Acadia
National Park.
“The classes at COA are unique, innovative, and tailored to the students,”
explains a senior. Ninety- four percent of all classes have fewer than 20 students, and
since the student body is so small, students can become close to faculty members.
“Most COA classes are discussion- based; thus, much of the professors’ work is about
facilitating conversations while inserting their knowledge into the discussions,”
says a sophomore. In addition to traditional grades, students receive in- depth writ-
ten evaluations of their work. They must reciprocate with a self- evaluation of their
performance.
COA offers regular study abroad programs in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and in
Vichy, France. In the Yucatán, students do ethnographic, agricultural, or scientific
research of their own choosing. In France, they take literature, philosophy, politics,
and/or art classes. Both programs include a strong language immersion component.
COA also supports student participation in other study abroad programs through
partner institutions such as the EcoLeague. Sixty percent of students go abroad
during their time at COA.
“COA is funky. We are a collection of eclectic personalities, people from diverse
backgrounds and interests who come together with shared values and goals for a sus-
tainable, peaceful future,” says one sophomore. Fifteen percent of students are native
to Maine, but another 61 percent hail from nearly
40 other states. The student population also has a
strong international flavor— 24 percent of stu-
dents come from nearly 50 countries— driven by
the school’s affiliation with the Davis United
World College Scholars Program, an international
scholarship program. The student body is roughly 1 percent Black, 2 percent Asian
American, 6 percent Hispanic/Latino, and 3 percent multiracial, and women outnum-
ber men more than 2 to 1. The college’s governance system gives students and admin-
istrators almost equal voices in how it’s run; anyone may raise concerns or vote on
policy changes or the hiring of new faculty at the All College Meeting. The overtly
liberal student body isn’t shy about speaking out on global issues either. But a sopho-
more notes, “I don’t think there are many political differences on issues like climate
change, abortion rights or queer rights.” Nearly 60 percent of students receive merit
scholarships, worth an average of $15,020.
With the opening of two new residential buildings in 2022 and 2023 and the
purchase of multiple off- campus townhouses, COA has been working to address a
(continued)
Environmental Law and Politics
Farming and Food Systems
Marine Science
Field Ecology and Natural
History
Zoology
“Many classes are project-
based, with fewer tests and
more essays, presentations,
and self- directed
assignments.”
The college maintains
two offshore island
research centers, two
organic farms, and
a 100- acre wooded
protectorate.
“COA is funky. We are
a collection of eclectic
personalities who come
together with shared
values.”
With advisors and
resource specialists,
each student designs
an individual
course of study.
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AUBURN UNIVERSITY 43
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
housing crunch created by an expanding tourism season that has driven up prices
and limited the availability of rental housing in and around Bar Harbor. Roughly
64 percent of students now live in college- owned housing. Dining fare in the TAB
(“Take- a- Break”) Dining Hall and the Sea Urchin Café gets generally high praise.
“The meals themselves are made by students and chefs together with a lot of love,”
according to one student. The university has expanded mental health counseling
and students say COA “is a safe campus situated in a safe town in one of the safest
states in the U.S.” All students are required to take bystander intervention training
once a year to learn strategies for preventing sexual assault.
Bar Harbor is a tourist community that “nearly shuts down in the winter,”
according to one student, although they do enjoy the coffee shops, bakeries, restau-
rants, and movie theaters that stay open. Students get to know the townspeople
through community service. On- campus activi-
ties include open- mic nights, talent shows, con-
certs, dances, and, during the winter, “weekly
Fireside Fridays with free cookies, hot chocolate,
and coffee,” says a sophomore. There are no fraternities or sororities— “this is an
alien concept to us,” says a student. Instead, many kick back at small off- campus
house parties, which often revolve around potluck meals, since campus dining ser-
vices are closed on weekends. Drinking is permitted on campus for those of legal
age, only in private student rooms, but students agree that alcohol has little influ-
ence on the social scene. There are no varsity sports (not even ice hockey), but many
students sign up for programs at the local YMCA, which offers sports such as soccer
and volleyball. Outdoor programs, which take students hiking, sailing, cross- country
skiing, and rock climbing in the wilds of Maine, are very active.
College of the Atlantic is a place where Earth Day really is cause for celebration,
where students have been known to cut class to march on Washington, and where
everyone who wants to, from students to trustees, jumps into frigid Frenchman Bay
on the first Friday of the fall term to swim the stretch of water between the school’s
pier and the neighboring island. At COA, “You can’t escape good conversations, or
controversies, or being challenged, or learning something you never thought you’d
learn or try,” observes a senior. “You can’t just play it safe. This community, the
professors, your fellow students, won’t allow it.”
College of the Atlantic
is a place where Earth
Day really is cause
for celebration.
“We have no Greek
organizations. This is an
alien concept to us.”
Overlaps
Bennington,
Warren Wilson,
Hampshire, Eckerd,
University of New
England, University
of Vermont,
University of Maine
If You Apply To ›
COA: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Application includes space for applicants to describe their gender identity.
Auburn University
202 Mary Martin Hall, Auburn, AL 36849
Sweet Home Alabama, where the skies are so blue and the spirit of football lasts
year- round. Auburn was once called Alabama Polytechnic Institute, and today
AU’s programs in engineering, agriculture, and the health fields are still among its
best. AU’s down- home, small- town atmosphere may feel claustrophobic to those
from outside the Deep South. As for the role of football, the $14 million scoreboard
says it all.
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44 AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Founded in 1856, Auburn University is a public land grant university that excels in
professional and technical fields such as architecture, engineering, and agriculture.
But the school also welcomes students with frenzied athletics, warm and cozy hos-
pitality, and Southern charm. “It truly is a family atmosphere. We are here to learn
and help each other,” says one happy Tiger.
The town of Auburn, which grew up amid miles of forest and farmland largely
to serve the university, is called the “loveliest village of the plain,” a moniker taken
from a line in an Oliver Goldsmith poem. The campus stretches for nearly 2,000
acres, graced by mossy trees, lush lawns, and majestic colonnades. Most buildings
are redbrick and Georgian in style, with some more modern facilities grouped in a
compact central location. Newer facilities include the $70 million Gogue Performing
Arts Center and the $35 million Mell Classroom Building, which includes 26
state- of- the- art engaged learning spaces, along with dining venues and study areas.
Auburn’s core curriculum includes courses in the humanities and fine arts, science
and mathematics, and social sciences. A writing- in- the- disciplines program bolsters
every major with significant writing instruction. To ease the transition into college life,
freshmen undergo the two- day Camp War Eagle orientation. Auburn’s SKILL Program
provides academic coaching for students with learning differences and ADHD. The
academic climate varies by department, and a senior says, “Rather than students com-
peting with each other for higher grades, they are more willing to help their classmates
through tutoring or group study sessions.” Regardless of the rigor, students say profes-
sors generally go the extra mile for them. “Although I have not liked every teacher I’ve
had, every teacher has taught me something new and useful,” reasons a junior.
The engineering, architecture, agriculture, and pharmacy programs are stellar.
Auburn boasts a first- of- its- kind program in wireless engineering for students who
want to design network hardware or software for cell phones and other mobile
devices. The Ginn College of Engineering also
offers aerospace engineering, and Auburn has
produced six NASA astronauts. The most popular
majors include marketing, mechanical engineer-
ing, nursing, and finance, and the environmen-
tal science, pharmacy, and interior architecture programs also draw attention.
Accelerated degree programs in numerous fields allow eligible students to count
approved graduate hours toward both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, with the
goal of completing both in as little as five years.
Many Auburn students are eager to get started on their careers, so the co- op pro-
gram, which provides pay and credit in several professional fields, is increasingly
popular. Five interdisciplinary areas identified as “strategic research clusters” com-
pete for millions of dollars in special funding, which means more opportunities for
undergrads to assist faculty with research in areas including health disparities, phar-
maceutical engineering, climate and earth systems science, omics (yes, it’s a word)
and informatics, and scalable energy conversion science and technology. Thirty per-
cent of undergrads have worked with faculty on research by the time they graduate.
Twelve percent of students join the Honors College, which culminates in a six- credit
Senior Year Experience that may involve a traditional thesis, enhanced study abroad,
service learning, or other capstone project. Through the Auburn Abroad Experience,
20 percent of all students can partake in more than 50 faculty- led expeditions. Closer
to home, the Rural Studio program sends students in the College of Architecture,
Design, and Construction to live in economically underserved Hale County, Alabama,
to design and build innovative community buildings and homes for locals.
Auburn students are “mostly Southern people who are from Alabama and who
have family that went to Auburn,” says a junior. Indeed, 59 percent of Auburn under-
graduates are Alabama natives, and many are second- or third- generation legacies.
Website: www .auburn .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 26,479
Undergraduates: 22,979
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 46%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 38%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 45,693
Accepted: 44%
Enrolled: 26%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (334) 844- 6425
Email Address: admissions @
auburn .edu
Strong Programs:
Mechanical Engineering
Architecture
Agriculture
Prepharmacy
Environmental Science
Human Development and
Family Studies
Interior Architecture
Marketing
“[Students] are willing
to help their classmates
through tutoring or group
study sessions.”
The Ginn College
of Engineering also
offers aerospace
engineering, and
Auburn has produced
six NASA astronauts.
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AUBURN UNIVERSITY 45
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Black students account for a mere 4 percent of the largely homogeneous student
body, Hispanics/Latinos represent 4 percent, Asian Americans make up 3 percent,
and multiracial students add 3 percent; 3 percent hail from foreign countries. The
conservative tone of this public Bible Belt campus makes it hospitable for more than
30 Christian student groups. “Half of Auburn
students love politics and enjoy the political pro-
cess, while the other half wouldn’t know where
their polling place was if you gave them a map,” quips one senior. In an effort to
increase diversity and address racial disparities on campus, Auburn has tripled the
amount of money that it allocates to need- based financial aid for incoming fresh-
men. The university also awards merit scholarships averaging $7,700 and more than
400 athletic scholarships in 21 sports.
The majority of Auburn’s 24 residence halls are co- ed by floor, but there are sev-
eral single- sex halls; 17 percent of undergrads live in college housing. First- year stu-
dents compete for rooms on a first- come, first- served basis with returning students,
and the dorms fill up fast. “Get on a waiting list ASAP,” advises a junior. The univer-
sity helps those moving off campus find apartments and roommates. Twenty- seven
percent of Auburn men join fraternities, and 44 percent of women join sororities,
perhaps because chapters get space in the best dorms. Students grumble about the
mandatory— and pricey— meal plan, but say the dining has improved considerably in
recent years. “The food continues to diversify and get healthier,” confirms a student.
Aside from varsity sporting events and off- campus fraternity and apartment par-
ties, students enjoy school- sponsored concerts, free movies, and plenty of intramural
leagues. “Social life is great whether you are Greek or not,” says a freshman. The
campus is officially dry, except on game days, and students say the alcohol policy is
enforced. Long- standing traditions include Hey Day, when everyone wears a name
tag and walks around saying, “Hey!” Forty- six percent of students participate in a
variety of community service programs, frequently as part of service- learning courses.
Auburn is a football powerhouse with pockets as deep as its location in the South
and values to match. The school’s $14 million video scoreboard was hailed by the
athletic director as “a great asset, not only for our fans but also our students and our
prospective student- athletes.” Okay! On fall Saturdays, nearly 90,000 screaming fans
turn the campus into Alabama’s fifth- largest city, and the rallying cry “Warrrrr Eagle!”
rocks the place each time an Auburn back runs to daylight. The annual Iron Bowl pits
Auburn against Southeastern Conference archrival Alabama. Other solid Tigers teams
include men’s basketball, baseball, softball, and women’s equestrian. Aubie, the offi-
cial tiger mascot, has won a record 10 titles (mascots compete in national champi-
onships too) at the UCA Cheer and Dance competition. The Auburn Recreation and
Wellness Center is a 240,000- square- foot facility containing everything from weight-
training areas to a virtual golf simulator and an outdoor leisure pool.
The Auburn Creed, a beloved tradition, states a belief in the value of “work, hard
work,” and Auburn is working hard to increase the caliber of its students and aca-
demic programs. “Auburn has become more focused on the future,” one senior says.
But students agree that certain key characteristics have stayed the same— and that’s
a good thing. Says one student, “We just keep getting cooler.”
“The food continues to
diversify and get healthier.”
On fall Saturdays,
nearly 90,000
screaming fans turn
the campus into
Alabama’s fifth-
largest city, and
the rallying cry
“Warrrrr Eagle!”
rocks the place.
Overlaps
Clemson,
Mississippi State,
North Carolina
State, University
of Alabama,
University of
Tennessee
Knoxville, Georgia
Tech, University of
Florida, University
of Georgia
If You Apply To ›
Auburn: Early action I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Portfolio required for art
applicants. Audition required for music, dance, and theater applicants. Out- of- state enrollment is capped on a year- to- year
basis; there are no set limits. Please consult Auburn’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized
test requirements.
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46 AUSTIN COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Austin College
900 North Grand Avenue, Sherman, TX 75090
The second most famous institution in Texas with Austin in its name. Half the size
of Trinity (TX), runs neck and neck with Southwestern to be the leading small
liberal arts college in Texas— and supports a more diverse student body. Combines
the liberal arts with strong programs in business, education, science, and health,
including premed. Don’t look for the ’Roos on a map of the city of Austin. The college
is just north of Dallas.
For historical reasons over which reasonable persons can and do disagree, the Kangaroo
has become the symbol of all things Austin College. All freshmen receive #RooNation
T-shirts at orientation, and students hold a trick- or- treat alternative known as ’Roo
Boo for local children. The college was founded by a Presbyterian missionary in 1849,
and its continuous ties to the Presbyterian Church (USA) are evident in the empha-
sis on values in core courses and high participation in service activities. Professors
here even serve students breakfast at 10 p.m. the night before finals. It’s just another
example of the personal style that is typical of this charming Southern institution,
which also boasts preprofessional programs, most notably premed, that are among
the strongest in the state.
Austin College’s 100- acre campus is in a residential area in the city of Sherman
(population 45,000), an hour’s drive from Dallas. The campus is designed in the tra-
ditional quadrangle style and comprises beige brick buildings, tree- lined plazas, dec-
orative fountains, and an impressive 70- ton sculptured solstice calendar. Residence
halls are conveniently located about 200 yards from most classrooms, which eases
the pain of early morning classes. The IDEA Center for hands- on learning in the
sciences features laboratory classrooms as well as a $1 million, 24- inch telescope and
astronomical image camera in the building’s domed observatory.
The core curriculum begins with a first- year seminar. Each professor who teaches
the course becomes the mentor for the 20 freshmen in his or her class. Then stu-
dents select from courses in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well
as classes that focus on writing skills, quantitative literacy, and diversity. Students
must complete one major and a minor or a double major to graduate. Additionally,
all students satisfy an applied learning requirement by completing an internship,
practicum, or similar experience. Adds one senior, “Austin College is very good for
volunteering. Every year, they offer the Great Day of Service, where we can sign up
for different places around Sherman to volunteer.” During the January term, stu-
dents focus on just one course, and many use that time to study abroad or undertake
off- campus internships.
When it comes time to apply to grad school, premed, predentistry, and prelaw
students at this little college have some of the highest acceptance rates of any
Texas school. A new BA2PA track has been added for undergrads who are inter-
ested in becoming physician’s assistants. Those
interested in the healing arts benefit from strong
programs in neuroscience, public health, bio-
chemistry, health care administration, and a
new minor in mindfulness and health studies. The noteworthy Austin Teacher
Program allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five
years. Business administration, psychology, biology, and business finance are the
most popular majors, while minors in social justice and nonprofit organizations
and public affairs are also available. For students who want to dive into global
Website: www .austincollege
.edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,179
Undergraduates: 1,164
Male/Female: 49/49
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 32%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 60%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 5,129
Accepted: 55%
Enrolled: 12%
Grad in 6 Years: 73%
Returning Freshmen: 84%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (903) 813- 3000
Email Address: admission @
austincollege .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Kinesiology
Neuroscience
Public Health
Biochemistry
Healthcare Administration
Psychology
Biology
“Austin College students
choose to lend a helping
hand and a smile.”
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AUSTIN COLLEGE 47
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
education, the Jordan Family Language House is home to the first- year Global
Living Learning Community, where 20 new students can build camaraderie with
like- minded friends and immerse themselves in a variety of modern languages. A
cooperative engineering program links the college with other schools.
Of the academic climate, an art major says, “I’ve really enjoyed the small class
sizes, breadth and depth of study, and the academic student services available.”
Sixty percent of all classes have fewer than 20 students. “Teachers always make time
for students, they’re approachable, and the mentor program really helps when it
comes to registering for classes and looking for summer research programs or intern-
ships,” says a student. The college also offers independent study and departmental
honors programs. The Posey Leadership Institute offers seminars and courses, and a
minor in leadership studies is available. AC provides five research areas in Grayson
County, including the Sneed Prairie Restoration Project. Students are able to con-
duct faculty- mentored undergraduate research, and can choose to study abroad in
programs offered in more than 60 countries. The Global Outreach fellowship pro-
gram gives 10 to 15 students the chance to volunteer in educational programs
around the world.
According to one junior, “Even within the smallest interactions, Austin College
students choose to lend a helping hand and a smile.” Ninety- two percent of
students hail from the Lone Star State, with 1 percent from abroad. Hispanics/
Latinos comprise 26 percent of the student body, Black students 7 percent, Asian
Americans 12 percent, and multiracial students 3 percent. Politically, students say
the campus leans liberal. AC offers merit scholarships worth an average of $27,700
but no athletic scholarships.
Eighty- six percent of undergraduates live on campus, and all are required to do
so for their first three years. “Housing is above average,” a business administration
junior says, although can be “quite competitive,”
adds an English major. Residence halls are co- ed,
except for one all- female and one all- male dorm.
Juniors and seniors choose from suites, flats, and
cottages. Dean Hall is a popular choice for freshmen, despite (or perhaps because of)
its reputation as being loud and social. As for campus dining, “The cafeteria has
really stepped it up recently,” cheers one student. “There are always a lot of options,
and the food is genuinely good.” The Pouch Club, an on- campus joint, serves pizza
and burgers, as well as beer and wine for those of legal age. Students report feeling
safe on campus thanks to thorough campus security and sexual assault prevention
programs.
Most of the social life is either on or near campus. “There is always something
to do, from smaller activities and club meetings to big dinners and guest speakers,”
a junior says. Twenty- one percent of the men and 29 percent of the women belong
to local fraternities and sororities, respectively, but Greek groups are not allowed to
advertise off- campus parties without the college’s permission. Students can have
alcohol in their rooms if they are 21 or older. Mega Texas is a campus carnival in the
fall, and Kangapalooza brings a big- name musician to campus in the spring. Popular
weekend excursions are a drive to Dallas or to the college’s 28- acre recreational spot
on Lake Texoma (a half hour north). Of Sherman, one junior says, “There are super
cute coffee shops, bookstores, antiques malls, and parks all around town.”
The Kangaroos compete in Division III, and the women’s water polo team cap-
tured back- to- back Collegiate Water Polo Association national championships in
2021 and 2022. Other solid teams include women’s basketball, men’s soccer, and
men’s and women’s swimming and diving. The recreational sports program draws
a third of the students, with flag football, volleyball, and soccer proving popular.
At this college with roots in the Presbyterian Church, students praise the
AC has added a new
minor in mindfulness
and health studies.
“I’ve really enjoyed the
small class sizes [and] the
breadth and depth of study.”
Mega Texas is a
campus carnival
in the fall.
Overlaps
Southwestern,
Hendrix, St. Mary’s
University (TX),
Trinity University
(TX), Rhodes,
Baylor, UT Austin,
Texas A&M
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48 BABSON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
preprofessional programs and the intimate, supportive environment. “Austin
College cares for each student, and no one falls through the cracks,” says a senior.
“If you need help, often before you need it, people are reaching out to provide it to
you.” And while Sherman may seem to be a sleepy little place, Austin College is
definitely hoppin’.
If You Apply To ›
Austin: Early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (only considered if a student elects them to be used
in admission review). Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Babson College
Babson Park, MA 02457- 0310
The only college in the Fiske Guide devoted entirely to business. Babson is the
birthplace of entrepreneurial studies— which continue to define the campus ethos.
Only 10 miles from college student mecca Boston and tougher to get into than
ever. About two- thirds the size of Bentley, its closest competitor, and 28 percent of
students are international. The one college in Massachusetts where it is possible to
be a Republican with head held high.
Babson is a preeminent training ground for budding entrepreneurs and corpo-
rate bigwigs. The college is a pioneer in the study of entrepreneurship, dating to
the 1970s— a time when people thought it couldn’t be taught. Here, hands- on
experience is the norm; students get school funding to start businesses during their
first year and may hone their stock- picking skills by managing part of the college’s
endowment. Always the foremost business college in the Boston area, Babson
attracts budding tycoons and entrepreneurs from around the globe.
Founded in 1919 by financier Roger Babson, the college sits on 370 acres near
the sedate Boston suburb of Wellesley. The campus features open green spaces,
gently rolling hills, and heavily wooded areas. Buildings are gently shaded and park-
ing lots (filled with expensive foreign cars) are discreetly hidden. Architecturally, the
campus is mainly neo- Georgian and modern. Park Manor West doubles as a first-
year residence hall and the home of the Schlesinger Innovation Center, offering an
amphitheater, classrooms, and collaboration spaces.
Although Babson is a business school, with that as its only academic major,
students take business classes blended with coursework in the liberal arts and
sciences. Babson’s core curriculum emphasizes three major components. In the
first, the yearlong Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship course,
first- year students split into groups to develop start- up business plans; each
group gets up to $3,000 in seed money from the college to get their concept up
and running. At the end of the year, the business is liquidated and profits go
to charity. Former FME groups have developed Babsonopoly (a Babson- themed
version of Monopoly), published children’s books, and sold solar- powered smart-
phone chargers. Second, sophomores take Socio- Ecological Systems, a cotaught
course where they imagine sustainable solutions to real- world challenges.
Finally, the Advanced Experiential course pairs juniors and seniors with an out-
side company or nonprofit organization for a semester- long, business- oriented
project.
Website: www .babson .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,989
Undergraduates: 2,761
Male/Female: 58/42
Financial Aid: 44%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 37%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 7,607
Accepted: 22%
Enrolled: 39%
Grad in 6 Years: 93%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (781) 239- 5522
Email Address:
ugradadmission @ babson .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Entrepreneurship
Finance
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BABSON COLLEGE 49
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
All Babson students major in business and may select from 24 concentrations,
such as business analytics, operations management, or real estate— or even iden-
tity and diversity studies or literary and visual arts— to further refine their studies.
(The Sorenson Visual Arts Center has painting, ceramics, and sculpture studios; labs
for photography and digital art; a student art gallery; and workspace for artists- in-
residence.) Finance, economics, marketing, and entrepreneurship are the most pop-
ular concentrations, and the entrepreneurship program is one of Babson’s strongest,
bringing in venture capitalists and executives from such companies as Dunkin’
Donuts and Jiffy Lube for how- to lectures.
In the classroom, Babson relies on the case- study approach more typically
employed by M.B.A. programs. Students break into groups or act as officers of
pseudo- corporations to address specific business situations and solve marketplace
problems. “Even though most of our classes are
group project– based, there is still a very intense,
competitive atmosphere,” says a student. Just
13 percent of classes have fewer than 20 stu-
dents, but others rarely exceed 50. “Professors know your name and know what your
struggles are in the class,” shares a junior. Accounting students may take graduate
classes at Babson in the summer and fall after finishing their bachelor’s degrees,
letting them sit for the CPA exam about one year earlier than most other programs.
The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership promotes women in business
and offers scholarships, special events, and networking opportunities. Babson offers
more than 100 global study programs around the world, in which 63 percent of
students participate; students in the Honors Program are required to do so. Not all
programs are business oriented; the London Theatre Program, for example, focuses
on arts appreciation.
Babson students are go- getters. “We enjoy comparing how full our Google
calendars are,” says one senior, and another student adds, “No one blinks an eye
when a student is walking around campus in a suit.” Black students make up
4 percent of the undergraduate student body, Hispanics/Latinos 15 percent,
Asian Americans 13 percent, and multiracial students 2 percent. Massachusetts
residents comprise 24 percent, while 28 percent are international. No one seems
to care much about politics, or at least most prefer to avoid political discussions.
“Students with financial constraints would definitely find a challenging time
fitting in,” cautions an accounting student, because “there is a lot of wealth on
this campus,” and socializing with friends often involves pricey nights out in
Boston. Merit scholarships averaging $23,150 are available; there are no athletic
scholarships.
Babson guarantees housing for four years, and 77 percent of undergraduates live
on campus, resulting in high demand for singles and suites. “The suite- style living is
awesome,” says a freshman. “It allows you to live with a bunch of your best friends
but still have separate singles to sleep in.” After
the first year, rooms are assigned by lottery, with
standing based on credits earned; housing poli-
cies are gender inclusive. At the main dining
hall, you’ll find sushi, make- your- own stir- fry,
vegan stations, and other options, which receive average reviews. Security gets high
marks, and the student- led Alliance for Sexual Assault Prevention organization is
active in raising awareness about campus sexual assault.
Social life is centered on campus during the first two years through participa-
tion in more than 100 student organizations; after that, most students are 21 and
have cars, so they head to the clubs and bars of Boston proper, about 20 minutes
away. “Boston offers a very vibrant social scene for upperclassmen,” confirms a
(continued)
Economics
Marketing
Accounting
Business Analytics
“Professors know your
name and know what your
struggles are in the class.”
Students may hone
their stock- picking
skills by managing
part of the college’s
endowment.
“The suite- style living is
awesome, [allowing] you
to live with a bunch of your
best friends.”
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50 BARD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
senior. The Campus Activities Board brings in comedians, organizes bingo nights,
and throws parties, as do Greek organizations, which attract 17 percent of the men
and 24 percent of the women. “We never have any Friday classes, so Thursday and
Saturday are the big party nights,” explains a sophomore. Underage drinking on
campus is treated with a three- strike policy, and the third offense gets violators
kicked out of the dorms. Favorite campus festivals include alumni weekend (great
networking opportunities) and Spring Concert, when bands come to play. Students
also contribute more than 30,000 volunteer hours annually through the Office of
Faith and Service.
The “very affluent” town of Wellesley has shops and restaurants, and there is
a subway stop. Students can take the T’s Green Line into the city to explore
Quincy Market or the campuses of Harvard, Northeastern, Emerson, and Boston
universities. The school sponsors trips to Celtics
and Red Sox games. Wellesley is also home to
Wellesley College, and it’s not unheard of for
Babson students to socialize with Wellesley
women; Babson also offers cross- registration at
Wellesley and neighboring Olin College of Engineering. Popular road trips include
the beaches of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, the ski slopes of Vermont and
New Hampshire, and the bright lights of New York City and Montreal.
While making money may be the most popular form of competition at Babson,
students recognize the importance of keeping their bodies in competitive condition
too. Popular intramural and club sports include volleyball, rugby, and ice hockey,
and on the varsity level, the Beavers play in Division III. Any match against archrival
Bentley and soccer games against Brandeis and Colby draw crowds. The men’s ice
hockey team is formidable, and men’s and women’s basketball, lacrosse, and alpine
skiing are frequent title contenders.
At Babson, students embrace entrepreneurship as an ethos and are willing to
work hard for what they want. One student calls it a “grind culture,” but finds it
“inspiring.” After all, learning how to balance work with everything else that’s
important in life is a prerequisite to climbing the corporate ladder or becoming the
next Elon Musk. And thanks to small classes, strong faculty connections, a laser- like
focus on entrepreneurial leadership, and plenty of hands- on experience, students
leave Babson well equipped to begin scampering up those rungs.
In the classroom,
Babson relies on
the case- study
approach more
typically employed
by M.B.A. programs.
“We never have any Friday
classes, so Thursday and
Saturday are the big party
nights.”
Overlaps
Bentley,
Northeastern,
Boston University,
Boston College,
NYU, Cornell,
UC Berkeley,
University of
Pennsylvania
If You Apply To ›
Babson: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please
consult Babson’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Bard College
Annandale- on- Hudson, NY 12504
A dominant presence in the world of nontraditional liberal arts colleges, Bard offers
what is arguably the most innovative range of academic programs anywhere. Like
Reed on the West Coast, combines unabashed individuality with rigorous traditional
academics. Long- standing president Leon Botstein, a polymath known by all simply as
“Leon,” is an iconic educator who has championed the liberal arts in countries around
the world.
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BARD COLLEGE 51
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Bard College has come a long way since its 1860 founding by 12 men studying
to enter the seminaries of the Episcopal Church. Those pioneers would no doubt
be surprised at the eclectic mix of students now running around Annandale- on-
Hudson in an ethos once described by the New Yorker as one of “quixotic unworld-
liness.” But the idea that Bard is strictly a school for artists and social science majors
has largely disappeared, and the result is a school with a wide range of intellectual
depth. Having expanded its mission beyond undergraduate and graduate education
to also encompass support for the arts, secondary education reform, and the devel-
opment of partnerships that bring education to underserved areas around the globe,
Bard has earned a well- deserved national, even international, profile. To succeed in
such a dynamic environment, one student advises, “You don’t need perfect grades.
You just need an adventurous spirit, an ambitious attitude toward self- improvement,
and an ability to evaluate your experiences and capabilities.”
Bard’s campus occupies 1,000 well- landscaped acres in New York’s Washington
Irving country, on the shores of the Hudson River. Consistent with everything else
at Bard, there’s no prevailing architectural theme, so each ivy- covered brick build-
ing stands out— especially the dorms, which range from cottages in the woods to
Russian Colonial in style. Renowned architect Frank Gehry designed the stunning,
$62 million Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, which provides teaching and per-
formance space for everything from opera to improvisation. The Center for Science
and Computation, designed by Rafael Vinoly, promotes collaborative, hands- on sci-
ence. Montgomery Place, a 380- acre estate and National Historic Landmark adjacent
to the main campus, provides additional facilities for programs in the arts, human-
ities, and environmental sciences.
Despite Bard’s reputation for nonconformity, the list of requirements is exten-
sive, including nine distribution requirements. Classes are small and seminar
style, and freshmen show up three weeks before classes start for the Workshop in
Language and Thinking, where they read extensively in several genres and meet
in small groups to discuss reading and writing. (A literature major calls L&T “the
best three weeks of my life.”) The First- Year Seminar introduces the intellectual,
artistic, and cultural ideas at the core of a liberal arts education. Citizen Science,
another three- week workshop in January, examines topics not normally covered
in the traditional science curriculum, such as infectious disease; organized into teams,
the entire first- year class then teaches science lessons in the local public schools.
In the spring of the second year, students declare a major through Moderation, a
midway review of performance and proposed study plans discussed with a board of
professors in the relevant area. In junior year, preparation for the Senior Project
begins. Students create original work as evidence of mastery in their field or fields,
and their Senior Project is reviewed by a faculty board.
With authors such as Neil Gaiman, Francine Prose, and Dinaw Mengestu teach-
ing at Bard, literature and written arts are among the school’s best programs. Bard
was one of the first to grant a B.A. in visual and performing arts and boasts one of
the finest studio programs in the country; pho-
tography is one of the toughest majors to get
into, and the film and electronic arts program is
well regarded. Bard established what administra-
tors believe is the first collegiate program in human rights. Environmental and
urban studies is also strong. There is a five- year, dual- degree conservatory program
for music students, and although Bard is far from preprofessional, it does offer com-
bined programs of its own and with other schools in finance, engineering, public
health, and a number of other fields.
Bard’s academic climate is “intellectual and consistently challenging,” says a
senior, but students agree that the atmosphere is collaborative. “Students are more
Website: www .bard .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,019
Undergraduates: 1,727
Male/Female: 38/62
Financial Aid: 79%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 63%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 5,161
Accepted: 60%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 72%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (845) 758- 7472
Email Address: admission @
bard .edu
Strong Programs:
Literature
Written Arts
Studio Arts
Photography
Film and Electronic Arts
Human Rights
Environmental and Urban
Studies
Music
“You don’t need perfect
grades. You just need an
adventurous spirit.”
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52 BARD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
eager to engage in discussions about what they just learned in class than they are
likely to discuss what grades they received on the most recent exam,” says a sociol-
ogy and human rights major. Eighty- nine percent of classes have fewer than 20 stu-
dents, and if students want more individual attention, they can devise a syllabus for
their own tutorial and find a professor to sponsor it. There are no teaching assistants
here, and professors receive outstanding reviews, for both their expertise and their
personal approach. “Professors value the students as individuals first,” says a senior.
A semester- long program in New York City lets students study biology and
medicine at Rockefeller University, and spots are reserved for Bard students as
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows. Also located in New York City, Bard’s
Globalization and International Affairs program merges advanced coursework in
global affairs with internships at leading public, private, and nonprofit agencies.
Study abroad is available in nearly 50 countries around the globe; more than half
of the students take part. The Trustee Leader Scholar program provides grants and
support for student- run community service projects. In an effort to expand liberal
arts instruction overseas and to help nurture emerging democratic societies, Bard
has developed partnerships with educational institutions in locations as diverse as
Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa, and the West Bank, as well as among prison
inmates in the U.S.
Bard students tended to march to their own drummer in high school. “Many
struggle their first year, when they realize everyone is just as unique as they are,”
says one senior. While the school has its share of extremely wealthy children of
media moguls and Hollywood actors, Bardians take pride
in diversity, whether socioeconomic, racial, geographical
(66 percent are from out of state, with 12 percent from
foreign countries), or ideological, though they admit the
latter can be lacking. “If you’re a Republican or conservative, please come and add
some dimension to our conversation,” implores one student. “I’m sick of agreeing
with everyone.” Black students make up 6 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans 3 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, and multiracial students 6 per-
cent. Academic scholarships based on financial need are available, but there are no
athletic awards. Bard offers a unique early- decision application option in which stu-
dents can take the Bard Entrance Examination, demonstrating their academic ability
by submitting four 2,500- word essays on a range of scholarly topics that are
graded by professors.
Three- quarters of Bard students live on campus; freshmen and sophomores are
required to do so. Residence halls vary in style, explains one student: “Some are old
Victorian mansions, some are new modern buildings that are eco- friendly, one looks
like a castle, and others are big cement monsters from the 1950s.” Many upper-
classmen move off campus; to help ease their commute, Bard runs a shuttle to the
nearby small towns of Red Hook and Tivoli (cumulative population 11,000), which
are home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and other conveniences. Campus dining
is described as “decent, but not amazing,” but students appreciate that much of the
fresh produce comes from Bard’s own student- operated farm. Students say they feel
safe on their rural campus, but administrative handling of sexual assault has been a
point of student activism.
All Bard students are automatically made members of the student government,
and cocurricular life is run by students; there are more than 150 different clubs. The
school offers cultural shows and performances, concerts, and movies, with indie
films and alternative rock and hip- hop particularly popular. The Student Activities
Board plans Urban Cowboy Night, Welcome Back Weekend, Midnight Breakfast
complete with karaoke, the ever- popular Thursday Night Live, and Spring Fling.
There are no fraternities or sororities, and when it comes to alcohol, policies are
Renowned architect
Frank Gehry designed
the stunning,
$62 million Fisher
Center for the
Performing Arts.
“Professors value
the students as
individuals first.”
Bard established
what administrators
believe is the first
collegiate program
in human rights.
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BARNARD COLLEGE 53
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
focused on safety and respect, although underage drinking in the dorms is taken
seriously. Bard’s hometown of Annandale- on- Hudson is 20 miles from the crafts and
antiques meccas of Woodstock and Rhinebeck, and not much farther from the ski
slopes of the Catskills and the Berkshires. Having a car helps to prevent occasional
attacks of claustrophobia, and New York City is just 100 minutes away by train.
The Raptors compete in 18 Division III sports and are members of a number of
conferences, including the Eastern College Athletic Conference, the Liberty League,
and the College Squash Association. Bard is virtually devoid of dedicated athletes,
but one student notes, “There are plenty of pseudo jocks and intellectuals in good
shape.” Thirty- five percent of the students get
involved in intramurals, such as basketball, floor
hockey, and bowling, which emphasize partici-
pation and fun. Across campus, miles of trails
stretch through the woods along the Hudson, perfect for everything from raspberry
picking to jogging and hiking. “If you like the woods, it’s amazing,” muses an
anthropology major. “If you like the city, you’ll go stir- crazy.”
Thanks to the iconoclastic vision of President Leon Botstein (who also conducts
the American Symphony Orchestra) and a $500 million challenge grant from George
Soros, Bard is looking forward to continuing to offer strong programs that reach far
beyond the arts. Come prepared to work hard and have your mind opened. “The
Bard culture is a weird mixture of apathy and activism, arts and sciences, quirkiness
and coolness,” says a senior. “However, the one real thing that unites Bard is an
ability to be self- driven and independent. Bard students are not followers, but estab-
lish their own paths.”
The Student Activities
Board plans Welcome
Back Weekend,
Midnight Breakfast,
and the ever- popular
Thursday Night Live.
“If you like the woods, it’s
amazing. If you like the city,
you’ll go stir- crazy.”
Overlaps
NYU, Oberlin,
Reed, Vassar,
Wesleyan,
Skidmore,
Macalester, Sarah
Lawrence
If You Apply To ›
Bard: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Barnard College
New York, NY 10027
The most selective women’s college in the country, Barnard is academically right
up there with Wellesley, and the workload is on par with the Ivies. Step outside and
you’re on Broadway; across the street lies Columbia University, whose academic
riches are yours for the taking. Barnard women are a little more artsy, outspoken,
and city- ish than their counterparts at Columbia.
Barnard students get the best of both worlds— the small, close- knit atmosphere
of a leading liberal arts school along with the limitless opportunities of Columbia
College, the undergraduate division of the Ivy League research institution just across
Broadway. Whether they are passionate about art, urban studies, or computer sci-
ence, women seeking a high- energy, empowering environment with top- notch aca-
demics are likely to find a niche here.
Barnard was founded in 1889 by suffragists in response to Columbia’s refusal
to admit women and was strategically named after a recently deceased Columbia
president. Its campus is on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, in the Morningside
Heights neighborhood, just blocks from Riverside Drive, with its lovely path par-
allel to the Hudson River for running or biking. Trees and other greenery shade
Website: www .barnard .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,084
Undergraduates: 3,084
Male/Female: 0/100
Financial Aid: 47%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 37%
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54 BARNARD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
grand prewar apartment buildings, and grassy medians break up the wide expanse
of Broadway itself. Barnard’s architecturally diverse buildings are more modern than
Columbia’s, and in recent years, the college has invested to upgrade labs, class-
rooms, and the residence halls. The 128,000- square- foot Milstein Center includes a
state- of- the- art library featuring interactive technologies and learning spaces.
Barnard competes head- to- head with Columbia in admissions, an interesting
dilemma because Barnard is an affiliate college of Columbia University, along
with the engineering school, the medical school, the business school, and, of
course, Columbia College. In general, women
looking for a more traditional “rah- rah” experi-
ence may prefer Columbia. Some students
apply to Barnard as a back door to Columbia,
which is harder for women to get into, but
Barnard’s admissions officers have become adept at sniffing out Columbia wan-
nabes. Those who opt for Barnard like the fact that advising and housing are
better on their side of Broadway and value its distinctive approach to educating
women. Once enrolled, Barnard students share a first- year orientation program
with Columbia, where they mix together in small groups and take tours of the
campus and city. Students can also take part in a preorientation urban volunteer
program.
Barnard’s Foundations curriculum is designed to enable students to gain general
knowledge in a range of academic disciplines, develop critical- thinking and commu-
nication skills, and spend more of their time exploring other areas of interest or pur-
suing cocurricular opportunities that enhance their major. First- year students must
take a writing course, a first- year seminar, and a physical education class. In addi-
tion to standard distribution requirements, students must fulfill Modes of Thinking
requirements in six areas, such as Thinking Technologically and Digitally, Thinking
Locally, and Thinking about Social Difference. A senior project or thesis ensures
academic depth within the major.
Barnard’s most popular majors are economics, psychology, history, political
science, English, biology, and neuroscience (there’s a healthy contingent of pre-
meds). Architecture, computer science, and the visual and performing arts, espe-
cially dance, are also well regarded. Barnard
boasts strong support for budding writers and is
a hotbed of new talent. Women’s, gender, and
sexuality studies draws praise as well. New
options include a major in educational studies.
The Athena Center for Leadership Studies offers workshops, mentoring programs,
internships, guest speakers, and other special features. Several 4– 1 pathways allow
students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Barnard and a master’s degree from
Columbia in public health, engineering, international and public affairs, and other
areas in just five years. A dual- degree program is available with the nearby Jewish
Theological Seminary, and music students may apply to take classes at Juilliard and
the Manhattan School of Music. About a third of the students study abroad in their
choice of more than 35 countries, including Argentina, Australia, China, Morocco,
and Spain.
Barnard students may cross- register for courses at Columbia, and vice versa; in
certain majors, some required classes are only offered at Columbia, where the aca-
demic climate can be more competitive, with a stronger “stress culture,” says a phys-
ics major. “Compared to Columbia, the atmosphere in Barnard classes tends to be
warmer and more collaborative— almost family- like— without loss of rigor.” Many
students come to Barnard because of its low student/faculty ratio. Seventy- one per-
cent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Another plus: Barnard has no graduate
(continued)
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 12,009
Accepted: 9%
Enrolled: 66%
Grad in 6 Years: 92%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (212) 854- 2014
Email Address: admissions @
barnard .edu
Strong Programs:
Architecture
Computer Science
Visual and Performing Arts
English
Women’s, Gender, and
Sexuality Studies
Economics
Psychology
History
“Barnard students are smart,
driven, strong go- getters
who are going to change
the world one day.”
“Compared to Columbia,
the atmosphere in Barnard
classes tends to be warmer
and more collaborative.”
First- year students
must take a writing
course, a first-
year seminar,
and a physical
education class.
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BARNARD COLLEGE 55
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
teaching assistants. In fact, Barnard professors enjoy Columbia’s proximity almost
as much as undergraduates, and each year one- third of the full- time faculty teaches
in graduate departments throughout the university. Still, faculty members focus on
their teaching responsibilities to undergraduates first, and a chemistry major calls
the quality of instruction “impeccable.” Undergraduate research is also a priority at
Barnard, especially in the sciences, and often occurs within guided internships, col-
loquia, and seminar courses. “From research in labs to internships at the Met, there
is no shortage of amazing opportunities outside of the classroom for Barnard stu-
dents in New York City,” cheers a junior. Three- quarters of students complete
internships before they graduate. Beyond Barnard, which connects students with
internship, career, and other postgraduate opportunities, receives positive reviews.
“Barnard students are smart, driven, strong go- getters who are going to change
the world one day,” asserts a senior. Twenty- nine percent of Barnard students are
New York natives, and 13 percent are international. Asian Americans make up
20 percent of the student body, Black students 6 percent, Hispanics/Latinas 15 per-
cent, and multiracial students 8 percent. Students are mostly liberal and politically
active. Barnard does not offer merit or athletic scholarships, but it does commit to a
need- blind admissions process for domestic first- year applicants and to meet admit-
ted students’ full demonstrated financial need.
Seventy- four percent of Barnard students live in the dorms, which have come
a long way in recent years: there’s an 18- story Barnard dormitory tower, plus one
dorm complex and eight off- campus apartment buildings. Nonresidents must be
signed in by a resident, and entries are always
guarded, so students say they feel safe. “The
dorms are clean, comfortable, spacious (mostly!),
and very well maintained,” reports a senior.
Barnard guarantees four years of housing to
enrolling first- years, which one student says is
“a relief considering how difficult and expensive it can be to find an apartment in
New York City.” Seniors get the best rooms through a lottery system. All students
must buy a meal plan, which may also be used at Columbia. “The college has
created a Being Barnard program that teaches students how to recognize sexual
assault and how to handle it both as a potential victim and as a passerby,” explains
a junior.
When it comes to social life, students tend to divide their time between the
campus and the city. “Most of the social life takes place around campus,” a junior
says, “but you obviously have all of New York City to explore.” Traditions include
Big Sub in the fall, when a 700- foot- long sub sandwich is assembled throughout
campus and everyone grabs a piece, and Midnight Breakfast the night before finals
begin, when deans and administrators serve up eggs and waffles in the student
center. Barnard women interested in Greek life are allowed to join sororities at
Columbia. Alcohol is permitted in residential spaces for those of legal age, and stu-
dents seeking parties head next door to Columbia or bars in Morningside Heights,
but an English major notes, “This is not a school where students go out every night.
Maybe once a weekend, or every other weekend.” Many of the city’s cultural offer-
ings are free to students with their school ID. Road trips are infrequent, as not many
students have cars, but when they happen, destinations range from Washington,
D.C., to Boston, easily reached by train and plane.
Barnard athletes compete in the Division I Ivy League conference alongside their
peers enrolled at Columbia, and basketball, softball, tennis, track and field, and crew
are popular and competitive. The fencing team is also strong. Columbia’s marvelous
gym, co- ed intramurals, and club sports are also available; the women’s ultimate
Frisbee and rugby clubs are particularly popular with Barnard students.
Several 4– 1 pathways
allow students to earn
a bachelor’s degree
from Barnard and
a master’s degree
from Columbia.
“Most of the social life
takes place around campus,
but you obviously have
all of New York City to
explore.”
Traditions include
Midnight Breakfast
the night before finals
begin, when deans and
administrators serve
up eggs and waffles in
the student center.
Overlaps
Brown, Columbia,
Pomona,
Swarthmore,
Wellesley,
University of
Chicago, Smith,
NYU
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56 BATES COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Students see Barnard as having “the supportive community of a small liberal arts
women’s college, the resources of a large research institution through Columbia,
and the infinite opportunities of New York City right outside the gates,” in the
words of one proud Barnard woman. It’s a winning combination that turns out well-
rounded students ready to leap toward the future.
If You Apply To ›
Barnard: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Accepts applications from
students who consistently live and identify as women. Please consult Barnard’s website for the most up- to- date information
regarding standardized test requirements.
Bates College
23 Campus Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240
Bowdoin got rid of its frats; Bates never had them, and therein hangs a tale. With its
long- held tradition of egalitarianism and sense of community, Bates is a kindred spirit
to Quaker institutions such as Haverford and Swarthmore. A four- week spring term
helps make Bates a leader in studying abroad. Boasts a pioneering debate team. Blue-
collar Lewiston is not a draw, but New England countryside is within arm’s reach.
Founded by abolitionists in 1855, Bates College takes pride in its heritage as a haven
for seekers of guidance, freedom, and justice, and it aims to help students find a
broader purpose for their lives. The college’s 4– 4– 1 calendar offers ample opportu-
nity for study abroad, even for just four weeks at year’s end. Its small size also means
student/faculty interaction is plentiful, and close friendships are easily formed.
The Bates campus features a mix of Georgian and Federal buildings and Victorian
homes spread out over the grassy lawns of Lewiston. Over the last two decades, Bates
has transformed its campus core: the college has converted two former student res-
idence halls into key academic buildings, renovated historic Victorian homes into
student residences, turned one of the country’s earliest college football fields into
a multisport turf field, and opened a state- of- the- art science center for the biology,
chemistry, and neuroscience departments.
Bates emphasizes a broad- based education in the liberal arts. In addition to a
writing- intensive first- year seminar, students take at least one class in each of five
Modes of Inquiry: analysis and critique, creative process and production, histori-
cal and social inquiry, scientific reasoning, and quantitative and formal reasoning.
All students select a major and a second area of study, which may be a minor, a
second major, or a general education concentration (GEC). Bates’s GECs consist of
four interrelated courses structured around a central theme, such as Class, Inequity,
Poverty, and Justice; Globalization; and Queer Studies. More than 75 concentra-
tions are available, and they may fall within one department or program or may be
designed by faculty from different disciplines. “One unique part of Bates is that just
about all seniors write a thesis,” says a chemistry major. “Some are semester- long,
while others are yearlong, depending on the department and what you want to do.”
The Ladd Library is often crowded with students who choose to write a thesis or
produce an equivalent research, service, performance, or studio project.
While Bates was a pioneer in not requiring standardized tests for admission,
that doesn’t mean its standards are lax. “The academic standard for an institution
Website: www .bates .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,790
Undergraduates: 1,790
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 41%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 26%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 8,273
Accepted: 14%
Enrolled: 43%
Grad in 6 Years: 93%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (855) 228- 3755
Email Address: admission @
bates .edu
Strong Programs:
Psychology
Politics
Economics
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BATES COLLEGE 57
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
such as Bates is high, and students are held to that standard in all aspects across
all major and minor disciplines,” says a junior. The most popular majors include
psychology, politics, economics, history, and environmental studies, and these
are also among Bates’s best. The music and art departments benefit from the Olin
Arts Center, which houses a performance hall, gallery, recording studio, art stu-
dios, and practice rooms. Interdisciplinary programs at Bates include rhetoric, film,
and screen studies; Earth and climate sciences; and gender and sexuality studies.
Professors teach all courses, including lab and discussion sections, and 63 percent
of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. “The professors are always so accessible
and make a real effort to get to know their students on a personal basis,” one
senior states.
For those whose horizons extend beyond the charms of Lewiston, Bates offers
study abroad opportunities in more than 80 foreign locations, and 65 percent of stu-
dents take advantage of them. Bates’s 4– 4– 1 calendar allows for a four- week short
term at the end of the academic year, and stu-
dents may use this term to focus on a single sub-
ject of interest, frequently off campus. Recent
examples include geological fieldwork in the
Northern Rockies; marine biological studies at stations on the coast of Maine; and art,
theater, and music studies in New York City and Europe. A “purposeful work” initia-
tive includes practitioner- taught courses that, in an effort to blend philosophical and
pragmatic themes, apply classroom lessons to real- world problems, such as finding
mentors and reflecting on career paths that promote personal satisfaction.
Nine percent of Bates students come from Maine, 9 percent arrive from foreign
countries, and many others hail from Massachusetts, California, and New York.
“Students at Bates are intelligent, quirky, and eager to try new things,” a student
says. The administration has slowly been making Bates more diverse, and Black stu-
dents currently account for 5 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 9 per-
cent, Asian Americans 6 percent, and multiracial students 8 percent. With 12 percent
of first- year students qualifying for Pell Grants, socioeconomic diversity is low as
well. Students are drawn to social and political causes, and a French major reports,
“Diversity is the biggest social issue on campus.” There are no merit or athletic
scholarships available, although the college does guarantee to meet 100 percent of
the demonstrated financial need of all students.
Ninety- two percent of Bates students live on campus, as housing is guaranteed for
four years, and singles, doubles, triples, quads, and suites are available. “Housing is
great here,” a student cheers. Students report that
the campus dining hall offers tasty fare, with sev-
eral stations ranging from brick- oven pizza and
pasta to a vegan bar. Students say campus security
is visible and more than adequate. “Given the
nature of a small campus, students know a majority of the officers’ names and do not
feel intimidated to approach them about a problem,” explains a history major.
Since there’s not much to do in Lewiston (population 37,000), weekend diver-
sions mostly occur on campus. “Whether it is parties, comedians, movies, or bands,
there is always something to do for everyone on campus,” a first- year student says.
The Chase Hall Programming Board, run by students, plans many of the social
events, including an annual gala. Without a Greek system, college alcohol policies
are fairly loose, a student says, and a ban on hard liquor is often ignored. Barbecues
and clambakes are big when the weather is nice, and the annual Winter Carnival
includes a ski shredding competition, ice skating, and the Puddle Jump, where a
hole is cut in the ice on Lake Andrews and students plunge in. Students with cars
can easily road- trip to the outlet stores in Freeport and Kittery, Maine. Other popular
(continued)
History
Environmental Studies
Music
Art
“The academic standard for
an institution such as Bates
is high.”
Bates offers study
abroad opportunities
in more than 80
foreign locations.
“The professors make a
real effort to get to know
their students on a
personal basis.”
Everyone gets excited
for matches against
Bowdoin and Colby,
especially when it
comes to basketball,
football, and lacrosse.
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58 BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
destinations include Bar Harbor in Acadia National Park, or “Portland for great
food,” says a senior. Montreal and Boston are not far, and neither are the ski slopes
of Vermont and New Hampshire. The Outing Club hosts weekend trips into the
great Maine outdoors.
Bates’s 31 varsity Bobcat teams compete in Division III, except for the ski team,
which is Division I. Everyone gets excited for matches against Bowdoin and Colby,
especially when it comes to basketball, football, and lacrosse. The women’s rowing
team has won five national championships in the
last eight years. The intramural program, organized
by students, is “strong and spirited” and attracts a
large number of participants, with ice hockey, ulti-
mate Frisbee, soccer, and rugby being some of the
favorites. Bates is home of the famed undergraduate debate organization the
Brooks Quimby Debate Council. Founded in 1855 when completing a public
debate was a graduation requirement, the team was one of the first in the nation
to go co- ed and to include Black students. Bates was also the first American insti-
tution to debate with foreign universities, and the team continues to achieve
national success today.
If you can stand the cold and the silent, starry nights, Bates can be a good
choice. With caring professors, a small student body, a focus on the liberal arts, and
a free- spirited culture, students quickly become big fans. “I came to Bates for the
people,” says a sophomore. “The friends you make here will remain your friends
well beyond your final days at Bates.”
“Whether it is parties,
comedians, movies, or
bands, there is always
something to do.”
Overlaps
Colby, Bowdoin,
Hamilton,
Wesleyan,
Connecticut
College,
Middlebury,
Haverford,
Swarthmore
If You Apply To ›
Bates: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Baylor University
Waco, TX 76798
The largest and best- endowed Baptist university anywhere, Baylor has set its sights
on becoming one of the top research universities. Atmosphere is avowedly Christian.
Lots of school spirit, especially at Saturday afternoon home football games.
Baylor University offers students a solid Christian- influenced education at a bar-
gain price. The university was founded in 1845, 10 months before Texas became
a state, and its Baptist tradition fosters a strong sense of community among stu-
dents and faculty. The school’s strategic plan, Illuminate, has transformed the
university by lowering the student/teacher ratio, renovating residence halls, and
investing in resources to become a top- tier research university while enhancing its
Christian identity. “Baylor’s commitment to academic excellence and an incred-
ible alumni network ensures a great education and a chance to get a job,” lauds
a junior.
The 1,000- acre Baylor campus abuts the historic Brazos River near downtown
Waco, Texas (population 140,000). The Georgian architectural style emphasizes the
gracious tradition of the aristocratic Old South, and the central part of campus,
the quadrangle, was built when Baylor moved from Independence, Texas, in 1886.
The campus has been witness to a number of renovations and new construction,
Website: www .baylor .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 18,693
Undergraduates: 14,885
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 94%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 48%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 40,753
Accepted: 46%
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BAYLOR UNIVERSITY 59
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
including the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center and the $185 million Foster
Basketball Pavilion, scheduled to open in 2024.
Core requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences include a standard dis-
tribution of coursework in several liberal arts areas as well as two religion courses
and two semesters of Chapel, ranging from a traditional worship service to Chapel
experiences where students identify communities and connections that resonate
with them. All new students take a New Student Experience course in the fall, and
everyone completes a Cultural Events Experience. The Honors College oversees the
honors program (which offers opportunities for course integration and indepen-
dent research) and the University Scholars Program (which waives most distribution
requirements).
Of Baylor’s 127 undergraduate degrees, some of the most popular include nurs-
ing, biology, health science studies, communication, and accounting. Computer
science, communication sciences and disorders, business, psychology, and neurosci-
ence programs are well regarded. More unusual
options include institutes focusing on environ-
mental studies and childhood learning disorders,
a minor in military studies, and a major and
minor in Great Texts, an interdisciplinary pro-
gram exploring “the richness and diversity of the
Western intellectual heritage.” The archaeology
and geosciences departments benefit from fossil-
and mineral- rich Texas prairies. Nine percent of students choose to study abroad
through over 100 programs on six continents; a new study and intern semester in
London for business students is available for up to 25 applicants.
Students say that Baylor’s greatest strengths are a sense of community rooted in
its emphasis on Christianity, as well as the faculty’s focus on teaching and research.
Baylor’s hefty $2 billion endowment is the largest among the nation’s Baptist-
affiliated schools. Administrators strive to keep classes small— 49 percent have fewer
than 20 students. Full professors often teach freshman courses, and opportunities
for mentored research abound. “While a lot is expected of us, professors are willing
to help and students work together to help one another excel academically,” says an
environmental health science major.
“The students at Baylor tend to be kind, involved, and driven,” says a finance
and economics major. “They differ from some of our closest rivals mainly because of
the spiritual influence that many students tend to have and seek out.” Fifty- nine
percent of undergraduates are Texans and 27 per-
cent are Baptist; 3 percent are international.
Black students account for 5 percent of the stu-
dent body, Hispanics/Latinos 16 percent, Asian
Americans 9 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. The university has launched
several initiatives to increase and support diversity on campus, including cultural
competence training for students, faculty, and staff and programs supporting first-
generation students. Students vie for numerous academic scholarships, averaging
$19,150, and more than 400 athletic scholarships in 19 varsity sports.
As might be expected on such a conservative, religious campus, dorms are single
sex and have limited visitation privileges, which draws complaints from many of
the 29 percent of students who call them home. The Faculty- in- Residence program
houses one faculty member in each residence hall who plans special events and sup-
ports “learning and faith development.” Upperclassmen look off campus for cheaper
housing with private rooms and fewer rules, but there has been a push for more
students to stay on campus with the recent construction of three residence halls
with apartment- style rooms. Students say they feel safe on campus with frequent
(continued)
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (254) 710- 3435
Email Address: admissions @
baylor .edu
Strong Programs:
Computer Science
Communication Sciences and
Disorders
Business
Psychology
Neuroscience
Geosciences
Nursing
Biology
“The students at Baylor
differ from some of our
closest rivals mainly
because of the spiritual
influence that many
students tend to have and
seek out.”
“Common Grounds, an on-
campus coffee shop, hosts
concerts most weekends.”
Full professors
often teach
freshman courses,
and opportunities
for mentored
research abound.
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60 BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
police patrols. Based on its religious tenets, Baylor has received an exemption from
some federal protections relating to LGBTQ+ students. Nevertheless, new leadership
at the university has affirmed its responsibility to serve the needs of all students
regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and, according to the administra-
tion, has implemented “more than 100 improvements to infrastructure, policies,
and procedures,” including sexual assault training and prevention programs. “I have
watched Baylor learn to address its shortcomings and challenges instead of ignoring
them,” remarks a senior.
Nineteen percent of Baylor’s men and 35 percent of the women belong to a fra-
ternity or sorority, and frats dominate the strong off- campus party scene. “Greek
organizations are a big part of the culture at Baylor,” reports a student. “Many stu-
dents go to parties and violate the drug and alcohol policies.” Alcohol is not served
on campus or at campus- sponsored events. Students may also join more than 330
other student organizations, most of which involve a community service require-
ment. “Common Grounds, an on- campus coffee shop, hosts concerts most week-
ends,” says one student. “The movies are popular (a ticket costs $5 with a student
ID).” Easy road trips include Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Bryan/College Station, and
beaches at Galveston, South Padre Island, and Corpus Christi. Most destinations are
within a two- and- a- half- hour drive, students say, making a set of wheels a big help,
if not a necessity.
Highlights of Baylor’s social calendar include the weekly Dr Pepper Hour with
free ice cream floats, and Diadeloso (Day of the Bear), when classes are canceled for
a day in April in favor of a campuswide celebration. Christmas on 5th Street, orga-
nized by Student Life, gives students an opportunity to enjoy the annual Christmas
tree lighting, concert, and other holiday festivities. The school claims to have the
largest collegiate homecoming parade in the nation.
When it comes to football, remember: you’re in Texas. The Division I Baylor
Bears play in the $266 million McLane Stadium. Freshmen wear special custom jer-
seys to games and take the field before the players, then sit together as a pack. “It’s
a very awesome part of the freshman experience,” one student says. But recently it’s
the basketball teams that are generating the most excitement. The women’s team
advanced to their 19th straight NCAA tournament in 2023, and the men dominated
their regular season championship in 2022. Acrobatics and tumbling have claimed
several national titles in recent years. Big 12 Conference winners include football,
men’s tennis, and men’s and women’s basketball. For weekend warriors, the McLane
Student Life Center offers one of the tallest rock- climbing walls in Texas. The uni-
versity maintains a small marina for kayaking and paddleboating, and several lakes
with good beaches, fishing, and watersports are nearby. Popular intramurals include
flag football, volleyball, and the country’s largest collegiate dodgeball tournament;
35 club sports are another big draw.
“Baylor is a Baptist institution that has been 100 percent commissioned to do
God’s work in education,” boasts one student. Students looking to focus on strong
academics, community involvement, and discovering their vocational calling may
find Baylor a perfect fit.
Highlights of Baylor’s
social calendar
include the weekly
Dr Pepper Hour with
free ice cream floats.
Overlaps
Southern
Methodist, Texas
A&M, UT Austin,
Texas Tech,
Texas Christian,
University of
Houston, Texas
State, Rice
If You Apply To ›
Baylor: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Baylor’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Beloit College
700 College Street, Beloit, WI 53511
BEST
BUY
A small Midwestern college known for freethinking students, international focus,
and ever- growing emphasis on practical, hands- on experiences. Wisconsin location
makes Beloit easier to get into than comparable schools in sexier places. Well-
known anthropology and creative writing programs are among the best in the nation.
Beloit College remains dedicated to the liberal arts and sciences but is increasingly
focused on connecting its brand of liberal education to career preparation and pro-
fessional success, encouraging students to pursue diverse hands- on learning expe-
riences. Known for attracting liberal freethinkers in the 1960s and ’70s, the school
has steered back toward the mainstream. What hasn’t changed is its emphasis
on inclusion, understanding, and the world beyond the United States. “To really
enjoy Beloit, you should be open to new ideas, concepts, and people,” advises an
education and youth studies major. “You will learn how to think critically about
your positions and beliefs and work to have a deeper understanding of the world
as a whole.”
Beloit was founded by transplanted New Englanders in 1846 when Wisconsin
was still a territory. Its 40- acre campus is a Northeastern- style oasis an hour’s drive
from Madison and Milwaukee and less than two hours from Chicago. Academic
and administrative buildings sit on one side, with residence halls on the other.
Nineteenth- century Federal and Romanesque architecture dominates, with a few
modern facilities mixed in, like the LEED Platinum– certified Sanger Center for
the Sciences. The college’s newest facility is a 120,000- square- foot student union
and recreation center called the Powerhouse; the $38 million project repurposed a
defunct power plant on the Rock River, adjacent to campus.
In the absence of core requirements, students complete three writing- intensive
courses, a quantitative reasoning class, one intercultural literacy course, a service-
learning experience, and a capstone experience. In addition, Beloiters tackle classes
across five domains that focus on systems, arts, behavior, the universe, and texts.
To satisfy an “Experience” requirement, students may undertake an internship, an
entrepreneurial or research project, or a designated course with a similar compo-
nent, such as field work or travel.
To better connect some of Beloit’s business- and health- based liberal arts curricu-
lum offerings to applicable career paths, in 2023 Beloit created two new schools, one
for business and one for health sciences, which offer new integrated majors, minors,
and courses— such as a “Medieval Manager” course
taught by a literature professor that focuses on
management from a historical perspective. Beloit
has also created Impact Beloit to help connect stu-
dents to community- based learning and internship opportunities. Business and eco-
nomics, anthropology, and creative writing are signature programs at Beloit, and the
geology, international relations, theater, and dance programs are also popular and well
regarded. Biology, psychology, and political science enroll high numbers too. Among
the more distinctive options are a museum studies minor, enhanced by hands- on expe-
rience in the college’s Wright Museum of Art and Logan Museum of Anthropology,
which was established in 1894 and emphasizes social justice in museum practices.
Notable interdisciplinary offerings include majors in health and society and critical
identity studies. A 3– 2 engineering dual degree is available with WashU in St. Louis and
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Website: www .beloit .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 933
Undergraduates: 933
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 36%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 70%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 3,462
Accepted: 66%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 71%
Returning Freshmen: 82%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (608) 363- 2500
Email Address: admiss @
beloit .edu
Strong Programs:
Anthropology
Geology
International Relations
Creative Writing
Theater
Dance
Health and Society
Critical Identity Studies
Economics
Museum Studies
“Mentors and professors
here love to challenge you
to find your own answers.”
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62 BELOIT COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The academic milieu is described as challenging but not competitive. “Students
are expected to do significant work— papers, research, symposiums— but there is
also an atmosphere of meaningful collaboration,” says one student. Teaching is the
faculty’s first priority, and 72 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.
“Mentors and professors here love to challenge you to find your own answers,” says
a music major. The Advanced Mentoring Program matches each incoming student
with a faculty mentor, and students may join any of eight broad Career Channels—
ranging from Business & Entrepreneurship to Health & Healing, Justice & Rights,
and Sports, Fitness, and Recreation— to explore potential career options through
interactions and experiences with faculty, peers, and alumni working in their fields
of interest.
Thanks to Beloit’s emphasis on hands- on learning, opportunities for practical
cocurricular experiences abound. Budding scientists may conduct biological and
biomedical research at Northwestern and Rush Universities in Chicago. The Center
for Entrepreneurship in Liberal Education in downtown Beloit enables students from
any major to plan and execute original entrepreneurial projects. Thirty- five percent
of students study or do research abroad, choosing from programs in 60 countries.
“Students at Beloit will make anything happen and we love to get involved,”
observes an international relations and economics double major. While Beloit may
not be as far- out as it once was, the student body is still decidedly liberal. Eighteen
percent of students hail from Wisconsin, and
16 percent come from abroad. “I really love the
attention they give to international students
here,” praises a sophomore. Hispanics/Latinos
represent 17 percent of the total, Black students 9 percent, Asian Americans 3 per-
cent, and multiracial students 4 percent. The Sustained Dialogue program encour-
ages conversations about diversity and identity. Merit scholarships averaging
$40,140 are available and 36 percent of freshmen are Pell- eligible. Beloit also guar-
antees academically qualified residents of several states that it will match the in-
state tuition rate of the flagship public university in their home state.
Ninety percent of Beloit students live in the 38 on- campus housing facilities,
where they’re required to remain for three years, and an anthropology major notes
“the school doesn’t charge more for singles, which is a huge relief.” Fraternities
attract 13 percent of the men, and sororities draw 10 percent of the women.
Numerous special- interest houses cater to those interested in world languages, the
arts, anthropology, and other disciplines, as well as to student organizations. Food
in the Commons dining hall is said to be average, but dietary restrictions are accom-
modated and options in Grace’s Place and Hamilton’s are well received. “Beloit
offers strong support by way of mental health services,” reports a junior. “They offer
unlimited free sessions at the Health & Wellness Center as well as free online ther-
apy services.” Campus safety gets good ratings too.
Social life is almost entirely campus- based. “On the weekends there are always
events going on such as lectures, music groups, movie showings, theater productions,
dance shows, and parties,” says one junior. Highly anticipated annual events include
the Folk and Blues Fall Music Festival, which
brings jazz, reggae, folk, and blues bands to
campus, and Spring Day, when the weather finally
warms and classes give way to “food trucks,
bouncy houses, and different attractions for us to
have a chill day,” says a senior. Traditional Bell
Runs involve running from the quad to a bell and back, disencumbered of clothing.
Students describe the party scene as very low- key, and Greek organizations often team
up with special- interest houses and other student clubs to throw parties. An
The college’s
newest facility is
a 120,000- square-
foot student union
and recreation
center called the
Powerhouse.
“I really love the attention
they give to international
students here.”
The Center for
Entrepreneurship in
Liberal Education
in downtown
Beloit enables
students to plan
and execute original
entrepreneurial
projects.
“We have a boathouse very
close to campus [where]
we can go kayaking,
canoeing, make s’mores,
and more.”
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BENNINGTON COLLEGE 63
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
on- campus pub, C-Haus, draws budding musicians who perform for their fellow stu-
dents. And while the school enforces state drinking laws, it’s “not overly strict” says
a senior.
Beloit (population 37,000) is a small, historically industrial city that has under-
gone a revitalization in recent years. A river walk connects the campus to down-
town and its restaurants, bars, shops, and a popular farmers market. “Groups such
as Habitat for Humanity, Beloit Interaction Committee, and the Outreach Center
work hard to integrate students into the community,” says a sophomore. When in
need of a change of scenery, Beloiters take off for Chicago or the college town of
Madison, easily reached through a cheap regional bus service. For the outdoors-
minded, “We have a boathouse very close to campus [where] we can go kayaking,
canoeing, make s’mores, and much more,” enthuses a senior.
Sports at Beloit are played more for fun than glory, unless, of course, it’s a foot-
ball game against rival Ripon College. Among the school’s 18 Division III Buccaneers
squads, standouts in the Midwest Conference include women’s soccer, women’s
track and field, and baseball. Intramural ultimate Frisbee draws around a hundred
players and spectators, and intramural basketball, volleyball, and soccer are also
popular.
Beloit is a bundle of contradictions: a small liberal arts college in the heart of
Big Ten state university country, and an academic program that has an East Coast
rigor but a laid- back classroom vibe reflective of the friendly spirit of the Midwest.
Although the school continues to evolve, “the essential core of Beloit has stayed
the same,” says a senior. “It is still a campus full of artistic creators, unabashed
activists, and people who love making dorm- room forts. We’re still weird, and we
like it that way.”
An on- campus pub,
C-Haus, draws
budding musicians
who perform for their
fellow students.
Overlaps
Macalester,
Grinnell,
Reed, Oberlin,
Bennington, Knox,
Lake Forest,
St. Olaf, Lawrence,
University of
Wisconsin– Madison
If You Apply To ›
Beloit: Early decision, early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement. Applicants are invited to submit nonbinary gender identity and pronouns.
Bennington College
Bennington, VT 05201- 6003
Known for top- notch performing arts and lavish attention on every student. Arts
programs rely heavily on faculty who are practitioners in their field. Slightly less
competitive than Bard and Sarah Lawrence, comparable to Hampshire. With just
under 700 undergraduates, Bennington is one- third the size of most liberal arts
colleges.
Bennington College is a school where architects are teachers, biologists sculpt, and
a sociologist might work on Wall Street. The college’s focus is on learning by doing.
Since its founding in 1932, Bennington has pioneered in self- directed education and
emphasized fieldwork and personal relationships with professors— an approach that
sets it apart even from other liberal arts colleges of similar (read: small) size. Says
one junior, “If you want an education you can shape yourself and you want that
education to transcend your homework and the classroom, this is a great place to
go to school.”
Bennington sits on 470 acres at the foot of Vermont’s Green Mountains. The
Website: www .bennington .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 811
Undergraduates: 708
Male/Female: 31/69
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 20%
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64 BENNINGTON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
campus was once an active dairy farm, and a converted barn houses many class-
rooms and administrative spaces. But don’t let the quaint New England setting fool
you. The Dickinson Science Building boasts high- tech equipment for aspiring chem-
ists, biologists, environmental scientists, and geneticists. A recent renovation of the
central Commons building added new student social spaces, larger dining facilities,
and ADA- accessible classrooms.
Thanks to its focus on John Dewey– style experiential learning, Bennington’s
academic structure differs from that of a typical college or university. Rather than
selecting from preset majors, students design their own cross- disciplinary course of
study (known as their “Plan”). There are some
academic requirements, including the Field
Work Term, in which students spend seven
weeks each January and February conducting an
internship or other work experience in a field of
interest and a location of their choice. “That has
been especially important, as it helped me build
connections and develop useful skills I would not have developed only in the class-
room,” says a video and sound art major. Students receive narrative evaluations
instead of grades (although they do have the option to request grades in addition to
the evaluations). Even Bennington’s application process is nontraditional. In lieu of
the Common Application, prospective students may choose to submit a “dimen-
sional application”— an open- form application that allows them to choose any
materials, in any format, that they believe best convey why they are well suited to
attend Bennington.
The most popular areas of study include visual and performing arts, espe-
cially drama and music; society, culture, and thought; cultural studies and lan-
guages; literature; and psychology. Computer science and mathematics are
strong, too, although they attract a smaller
number of students than many of the college’s
programs. A notable offering in architecture is
heavily arts- oriented. “Half of the students
here do work in the arts, whether it’s theater or
dance or studio art,” says a sophomore. Consistent with Bennington’s judgment
that traditional academics have become “insular and self- perpetuating,” the
Center for the Advancement of Public Action invites students to put the world’s
most pressing problems at the center of their education via classwork and
hands- on workshops. Closely related are the “pop- up mini- courses” that faculty
offer in response to unfolding events or current cultural phenomena. Recent
topics of these three- week courses, often suggested by students, have included
The War in Ukraine and Confronting Fascism in the Wake of an Insurrection.
Cross- registration options at nearby Williams College expand students’ access to
course offerings; 8 percent of Bennington students study abroad.
“While I wouldn’t consider Bennington rigorous in the traditional sense, its
rigor is provided from really finding yourself through your work,” explains a litera-
ture student. Sixty- three percent of courses enroll fewer than 20 students. Without
academic departments, the faculty works to provide students with a well- rounded
academic foundation. “Professors work independently with students on their per-
sonal trajectory of progress,” says a student studying conflict resolution. The First-
Year Forum is a yearlong advising program that acclimates students to Bennington’s
approach to academics.
“Bennington prides itself on being a place for the weird, independent kid to find
a community,” remarks a literature and anthropology student. Curiosity and excite-
ment about exploration and experimentation will take you far here, and if you lean
(continued)
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 52%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 2,801
Accepted: 45%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 70%
Returning Freshmen: 84%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 833- 6845
Email Address: admissions @
bennington .edu
Strong Programs:
Visual and Performing Arts
Society, Culture, and Thought
Cultural Studies and
Languages
Literature
Psychology
Computer Science
Mathematics
Architecture
“[The Field Work Term]
helped me build
connections and develop
useful skills I would not
have developed only in the
classroom.”
“Half of the students
here do work in the arts,
whether it’s theater or
dance or studio art.”
Faculty offer “pop-
up mini- courses” in
response to unfolding
events or current
cultural phenomena.
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BENNINGTON COLLEGE 65
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
liberal in the voting booth, so much the better. Just 5 percent of undergrads are from
Vermont, and a surprising 16 percent are international. Racial and ethnic diver-
sity are a challenge: Black students account for only 2 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent, Asian Americans 1 percent, and multiracial students
5 percent. Women outnumber men 2 to 1, but students report that the campus is
diverse in terms of gender identity and sexual orientation. Merit scholarships worth
an average of $36,400 are awarded to qualified students; no athletic scholarships are
available.
As Bennington lacks traditional departments, requirements, and even faculty
tenure, it’s probably not surprising that the school also eschews traditional dorms.
Virtually all students live in one of the college’s co- ed houses; a dozen are white New
England clapboard, and six are more modern. Each house holds 30 to 40 people with
two appointed chairs to govern house affairs. “Each house has a distinct history and
personality,” says a student. The college dining hall is “reasonably accommodating”
of food allergies and special diets, according to a junior, and the meals are usually
tasty. “It’s not the type of dining hall to serve only pizza or chicken nuggets,”
informs a senior. While students say the campus is generally safe, most agree that
student support services, from public safety to health and counseling services to
academic services, are suffering from understaffing and sexual assault policies “can
feel very ineffective,” laments one student.
With no Greek system, social life happens in the residential houses. “All stu-
dents are invited to the big house parties that happen on Fridays and Saturdays. The
themes are fun and creative, and everyone gets dressed up,” explains a creative writ-
ing student. “There’s no pressure to drink or
smoke, but many do.” Students say campus alco-
hol policies focus on keeping them safe rather
than punishing them. Twice each year, the col-
lege turns part of its huge Visual and Performing
Arts complex into an indoor roller rink for a Rollerama party. For 12 hours one day
each May, the campus celebrates spring with Sunfest, which features music, games,
and other events. And during the last week of each term, when (in lieu of final
exams) students present their work to faculty, the ringing of the Commons bell at
midnight calls weary students to the dining hall, where professors, staff, and the
college president serve up French toast and other breakfast favorites.
Although the vibe on Bennington’s campus is liberal and cosmopolitan, the
neighboring town of the same name— four miles away, with a population of
15,000— is far more conservative, typical of rural New England. For that reason, one
student says, students often avoid it, and “when you combine the hilltop isolation
of the campus, the result is a sense of an enclave.” Still, the area offers some good
restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and a lake with a public beach. Students also find
their way into the community through volunteer work in local schools and home-
less shelters.
Sports aren’t a big focus, and Bennington has no varsity teams. Even so, 15 per-
cent of students compete in intramural and club sports, with soccer, dodgeball,
basketball, and badminton proving the most popular. Bennington’s rugged loca-
tion is ideal for outdoor adventures, and an active outdoor collective takes students
hiking, rock climbing, white- water rafting, and camping. Ski slopes beckon in the
colder months.
As the first school in the nation to grant the arts equal status with other disci-
plines, Bennington offers a novel, participatory, and hands- on approach. Whether
they’re painters or writers, musicians or scientists, sculptors, dancers, or some com-
bination thereof, what Bennington students have in common is self- motivation and
a real thirst for knowledge. “There is a level of independence necessary to thrive in
Bennington has
pioneered in self-
directed education
and emphasized
fieldwork and
personal relationships
with professors.
“Professors work
independently with
students on their personal
trajectory of progress.”
For 12 hours one day
each May, the campus
celebrates spring
with Sunfest, which
features music, games,
and other events.
Overlaps
Bard, Sarah
Lawrence, Oberlin,
Emerson, Skidmore,
Mount Holyoke,
Hampshire, Reed,
The New School
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66 BENTLEY UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
this very free environment,” advises a junior. “Many Bennington students are very
self- driven, and this type of personality tends to do best here.”
If You Apply To ›
Bennington: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement. Applicants may submit an alternative “dimensional application” consisting of any collection of their work
they choose; under this option, transcripts are preferred but not required.
Bentley University
175 Forest Street, Waltham, MA 02452
Bentley means business— studying it, that is, in the context of strong liberal arts. Now
competes on even footing with archrival Babson. Offers both B.S. and B.A. degrees
and provides career- oriented internships to 95 percent of its students. Boasts a
scenic colonial- style campus with easy access to Boston and Harvard Square.
Bentley University is a midsized New England university that excels at turning out
students who are committed to taking their place among the ranks of future busi-
ness leaders. “Bentley prepares its students for the workplace by giving them compa-
rable experiences socially, academically, and— most importantly— professionally,”
says a sophomore. With the university’s solid courses in business, state- of- the- art
facilities, dedication to the liberal arts, and emphasis on service learning, students
find much to admire.
Bentley, which was founded in 1917 by Harry Clark Bentley, a prominent
accountant, is situated on 163 acres in suburban Waltham, Massachusetts, just
minutes west of bustling Boston. The dominant architectural style is Georgian,
and the majority of campus buildings are classically built in red brick. The Bentley
campus has three tiers. The north campus revolves around academics and features
a library, “smart” classrooms, and high- tech labs and academic centers. The main
campus centers on student life and is anchored by the 70,000- square- foot student
center. The south campus focuses on recreation and includes the Dana Athletic
Center and Bentley Arena. Residential housing is spread throughout each tier of
the campus.
Bentley has long been committed to producing well- rounded business stu-
dents, and this is reflected in the curriculum, which offers both B.S. and B.A.
tracks. Although certain requirements vary based on which track a student is on,
every student must complete both a general
business core (Business Dynamics) to develop
an understanding of how successful businesses
operate and an arts and sciences core (Context
and Perspectives) covering categories such as
Scientific Inquiry, Institutions and Power, and Globalization. All first- year stu-
dents take the Falcon Discovery Seminar, which is designed to help them with
their overall adjustment to college. Their seminar instructor also serves as their
academic advisor for the first three semesters. In addition, first- years take a
six- week Career Design Introduction Seminar to get on track early for internships
and jobs.
Not surprisingly, the most popular majors at Bentley are finance, marketing,
Website: www .bentley .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 4,430
Undergraduates: 4,015
Male/Female: 61/39
Financial Aid: 78%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 51%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 9,662
Accepted: 58%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 523- 2354
Email Address: ugadmission
@ bentley .edu
Strong Programs:
Finance
Marketing
Economics- Finance
Management
Accounting
Professional Sales
Computer Information Systems
Data Analytics
“Bentley prepares its
students for the workplace
by giving them comparable
experiences.”
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BENTLEY UNIVERSITY 67
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
economics- finance, management, and accountancy. Students seeking a B.S. degree
have their pick of more than a dozen disciplines, including majors in professional
sales, computer information systems, and data analytics, while those interested in
B.A. degrees can select from such fields as English, international affairs, sustain-
ability science, and health studies. In 2023, Bentley launched two new majors:
finance and technology (FinTech) and psychology. The FinTech major offers new
opportunities for students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in
this highly innovative field. The psychology major is unique in its integration
of business and science as students in the major examine multiple focal areas in
depth, including scientific inquiry and cultural differences. Motivated students
may choose the liberal studies major (LSM), a highly integrated second major
that is paired with a B.S. degree and requires a final project in the senior year.
Current LSM concentrations range from American studies to earth, environment,
and global sustainability to political economy and development. Those pursuing
B.A. degrees may opt to add a business studies major or minor to enhance their
business knowledge.
“Bentley is competitive in a sense because we are all career- driven and want to
do well in similar fields, but there is also a great sense of camaraderie,” says a soph-
omore. Twenty- three percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, but none have
more than 50, and group work is routine. Adjunct professors and senior lecturers
with professional expertise teach many of the courses, and “bring in real- world
examples from their current work and projects,” says a finance major. Students rave
about Bentley’s career services. “It really does take stress away when you have that
extra helping hand sourcing interviews/opportunities, teaching you the basic skills,
checking in, etc.,” says a senior.
As befits the university’s focus on the corporate world, 87 percent of undergrad-
uates complete at least one internship. In keeping with the university’s mission to
educate students to be active leaders in a global economy, the Cronin Office of
International Education offers semester, summer,
or weeklong faculty- led programs in more than
25 countries; many programs include intern-
ship and service- learning opportunities. The top
10 percent of students in each entering class are invited to participate in the honors
program, which tackles a variety of topics— from the ethics of genetic research to
analyzing complex financial crises— all in a seminar setting that is designed to pro-
mote discussion and debate.
“Bentley students are wealthy and privileged on average. Most share a common
drive and business savviness,” says a marketing major. Although half again as large
as rival Babson College, Bentley’s undergraduate student body is less diverse. Forty
percent of Bentley undergrads are from Massachusetts, and 13 percent are interna-
tional. Black students account for 4 percent of the student body, Asian Americans
10 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 11 percent, and multiracial students 3 percent. Bentley
has a conservative tenor, but for students, social and political issues generally take a
back seat to classes and internships. Merit scholarships averaging $19,700 are doled
out annually, and talented athletes vie for 211 athletic scholarships in 18 sports.
Through the BentleyFirst program, Massachusetts residents who are the first in their
families to go to college and whose family incomes are less than $125,000 per year
can attend Bentley for the same tuition rate as the state’s flagship public university,
UMass Amherst.
The university’s student residences include apartments, suites, and traditional
dormitories and house 76 percent of the student body. Ten percent of students
participate in living/learning communities, in which service learning is a big
emphasis. The dining hall food is not a selling point, but a junior says, “Meals at
The north campus
revolves around
academics and
features a library,
“smart” classrooms,
and high- tech labs and
academic centers.
“There is so much
involvement in Bentley’s
100- plus organizations.”
Ten percent of
students participate
in living/learning
communities, in which
service learning is
a big emphasis.
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68 BENTLEY UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Bentley have improved over time.” Students report feeling safe on campus, thanks
to an active police patrol, 24/7 safety escorts, and “Title IX staff who are in con-
stant contact with students and put on various events throughout the year,” says
a junior.
Students say the social scene begins on campus and spills out into the sur-
rounding areas. “There is so much involvement in Bentley’s 100- plus organiza-
tions,” says one student. “A group is bound to have an event on any given day.”
Sponsored events include the annual Back to Bentley and Spring Day festivals and
activities put on by various cultural groups, like Latin dance night. Practically the
entire student body shows up for Super Bingo, “which is like normal bingo, but
with awesome prizes like TVs and iPhones,” explains a sophomore. The Greek
system attracts 14 percent of the men and 26 percent of the women, and
Greeks and sports teams host frequent off- campus parties, but neither group
dominates the social scene. Students of legal age may have alcohol, but “peer
pressure is not an issue” for those who prefer not to imbibe, according to an
accounting major.
Waltham (population 64,000) may not have the cachet of nearby Boston,
but students say it has the basic amenities every college student craves: restau-
rants, bars, shops, and salons. “Overall, Waltham does not play a huge role in a
Bentley student’s daily way of life,” comments
one student. Those seeking a bit more action
take the campus shuttle to Harvard Square or
the T (subway) to the city, where students can
mix and mingle with peers from other local
colleges and universities. Jaunts to the beaches of New Hampshire, the ski resorts
of Vermont, and weekend trips to the Cape make for popular diversions
as well.
Competition at Bentley is not confined to the classroom; the university also
fields men’s and women’s varsity teams at the Division II level and a compet-
itive Division I men’s ice hockey team. The powerhouse women’s basketball
team makes regular appearances in the NCAA tournament. Other solid Falcon
teams include men’s basketball, women’s field hockey, and men’s golf. Students
get fired up anytime rivals Babson and Bryant take the field, and there is the
predictable T-shirt reading, “Friends don’t let friends go to Babson.” Popular
intramural and club sports include flag football, soccer, volleyball, and ultimate
Frisbee.
“Bentley is a school that will simulate the real world as much as possible so that its
students graduate prepared!” cheers one enthusiastic junior. Like the university itself,
Bentley students have a keen sense of who they are and where they’re headed. For
those students charting a course into the upper echelons of corporate America, Bentley
may be the first step to a long and fruitful career.
In 2023, Bentley
launched two new
majors: finance and
technology (FinTech)
and psychology.
“Overall, Waltham does
not play a huge role in a
Bentley student’s daily way
of life.”
Overlaps
Babson, Boston
College, Bryant,
Boston University,
Northeastern,
UMass Amherst,
UConn, Fordham
If You Apply To ›
Bentley: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Bentley’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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BOSTON COLLEGE 69
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
One of the main reasons that Boston is the ultimate college town. Set on a quiet hilltop
at the end of a T (subway) line, BC is a close second to Notre Dame in the pecking order
among true- blue Roman Catholics (though many students clamoring for a spot are
not aware of its religious ties). An estimated 70 percent of students identify as Roman
Catholic, compared to 50 percent at Georgetown and 80 percent at Notre Dame.
Boston College, one of the largest Roman Catholic schools in the country, is a study
in contrasts. The academics and the athletic teams are both well respected. The envi-
ronment is safely suburban, yet barely 20 minutes from Boston, the hub of the Eastern
seaboard’s college scene. The Jesuit influence on the college provides a guiding spirit
for campus life, but the social opportunities still seem endless. Despite the paradoxes
(or perhaps because of them), students at BC enjoy a rich college experience.
Don’t let the modest name fool you. Boston College is actually a research uni-
versity with nine schools and colleges. It has three campuses: the main campus at
Chestnut Hill, the Brighton campus across the street, and the Newton campus a
mile and a half away. The dominant architecture of the main campus (known as
“the Heights”) is Gothic Revival, with modern additions over the past several years.
There’s lots of grass and trees, not to mention a large, peaceful reservoir (perfect to
jog around) right in the front yard. The university recently completed a multiyear
master plan that doubled the size of the main campus with a new dorm, a field
house, a recreation center, and other facilities. The new Hoag Basketball Pavilion
opened in 2023.
Boston College was founded by the Jesuits in 1863 to teach the offspring of Irish
immigrants. These days, the college’s mission is to “educate skilled, knowledgeable,
and responsible leaders within each new generation.” To accomplish this goal, the
Core Curriculum requires courses not only in lit-
erature, natural science, history, philosophy,
social science, and theology, but also in writing,
mathematics, the arts, and cultural diversity, in
addition to specific requirements set by each
undergraduate school. Students in arts and sciences must also show proficiency in a
modern foreign language or classical language before graduation. Freshmen are
required to take a writing workshop in which each student develops a portfolio of
personal and academic writing and reads a wide range of texts. About a quarter of
students participate in the Capstone Program, choosing one of several seminars that
aim to give a “big picture” perspective to the college experience and students’ per-
sonal development.
The schools of arts and sciences, management, education and human develop-
ment, and nursing award bachelor’s degrees. Finance, economics, biology, and
political science are the most popular majors. Programs in management, nursing,
international studies, film studies, and theology are particularly well regarded. BC
recently launched a new undergraduate major in human- centered engineering, the
university’s only engineering program at any level. Outside the traditional class-
room at the McMullen Museum of Art, students find exhibitions, lectures, and gal-
lery tours. The Music Guild sponsors professional concerts throughout the year, and
music students emphasizing performance can take advantage of facilities equipped
with Steinways and Yamahas. Theater majors find a home in the 600- seat Robsham
Theater Arts Center, which produces eight student- directed productions each year.
Website: www .bc .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 14,734
Undergraduates: 9,484
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 65%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 46%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 40,494
Accepted: 17%
Enrolled: 35%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (617) 552- 3100
Email Address: admission @
bc .edu
Strong Programs:
Management
Nursing
International Studies
Film Studies
Theology
Finance
Economics
Biology
Business
“I have certainly been
challenged by my
professors but also
supported.”
Freshmen are required
to take a writing
workshop in which
each student develops
a portfolio of personal
and academic writing.
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue, Devlin Hall, Room 208, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
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70 BOSTON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
BC students are serious about their work, but not excessively so, helping to create
a collaborative atmosphere. “If you are better at science than your roommate, you will
help her out,” states one senior, “and perhaps when it comes time to fulfill your phi-
losophy core requirement, her love of Plato will get you through the class.” Forty- nine
percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and professors are praised for their pas-
sion and knowledge, as well as their accessibility. “I have certainly been challenged by
my professors but also supported, since they consistently make themselves available
outside of the classroom,” says one history major. The Jesuits on BC’s faculty (about 25
out of 880) exert an influence out of proportion to their numbers. “The philosophy,
theology, and ethics departments are the most important in setting the tone of the
campus, because they encourage the students to be open- minded,” says a freshman.
Students searching for out- of- the- ordinary offerings will be happy at BC. The
PULSE program provides participants with the opportunity to fulfill their philosophy
and theology requirements while engaging in social- service fieldwork at any of about
35 Boston organizations. The program reinforces
the Jesuit emphasis on community service and
sometimes inspires students to major in those
areas. About half of Boston College undergradu-
ates study internationally by the time they grad-
uate. BC offers nearly 60 academic programs in
more than 30 countries around the world, as well as three- week summer study abroad
programs. Students participating in the Undergraduate Faculty Research Fellows
Program spend an average of 100 hours per semester assisting faculty with serious
research, for which they are paid an hourly wage.
Twenty- three percent of BC undergraduates come from Massachusetts and
7 percent from abroad. Catholics comprise about 70 percent of the student body.
Black students constitute 5 percent, while Asian Americans make up 12 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 11 percent, and multiracial students 3 percent. “The student body
is a socially conscious, environmentally responsible, academically oriented group on
the whole,” offers one student. “There is a pervasive spirit of compassion that runs
through the student body here.” Indeed, the Jesuit appeal for tolerance means that
students can find support and interaction even when approaching hot- button issues
that orthodox Catholicism frowns upon, such as homosexuality. Nearly 300 athletic
awards are doled out annually; merit scholarships are worth an average of $24,000.
Additionally, BC observes need- blind admissions and meets the full demonstrated
need of accepted students.
Eighty- one percent of BC students live in campus housing. When students are
admitted, they are notified whether they will get on- campus housing for three or
four years; most juniors with three- year guarantees live off campus or study abroad,
then return to campus for their final year. The city of Boston has a fairly reliable bus
and subway system to bring distant residents to campus; the few students who drive
to school are required to show that they need to park on campus. “The dorms are
comfortable and spacious,” says an international studies major. Students pay in
advance for a certain number of dining hall meals, served à la carte. “The food is
expensive,” notes one student, “but it is great quality.” The Stand Up BC program is
intended to combat the issue of campus sexual assault.
BC’s campus is replete with sporting events, movies, festivals, concerts, and plays.
As at other Jesuit institutions, there is no Greek system at BC, and “the social life is
much more inclusive” as a result, according to a senior. Those of legal age can drink
on campus but are only allowed to carry in enough beer or wine for personal con-
sumption. Spiritual retreats occur throughout the year at BC’s own retreat center on
the Charles River, 30 minutes from campus, and one student says, “Volunteer work
is huge.” Bars and clubs in Boston (“the college town of all college towns,” cheers
The traditional Eagles
football contest with
the Fighting Irish
of Notre Dame is
jokingly referred to
as the “Holy War.”
“The student body is
a socially conscious,
environmentally
responsible, academically
oriented group.”
The university recently
completed a multiyear
master plan that
doubled the size of
the main campus.
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BOSTON UNIVERSITY 71
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a junior) are another big draw, along with Fenway Park. On weekends, especially in
the winter, the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire beckon outdoorsy types.
Division I athletic events, especially football games, become social events, too,
with frequent tailgate and victory parties. The traditional Eagles football contest
with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame is jokingly referred to as the “Holy War” and
makes for a popular road trip. BC meets fierce
competition from Atlantic Coast Conference
rivals Duke, Miami, Virginia Tech, and others,
and Boston University is the archrival when it
comes to ice hockey. Solid teams include men’s
and women’s ice hockey (six team members participated in the 2022 Olympics),
soccer, basketball, lacrosse, fencing, and golf. Intramural sports are huge here. Nearly
half of BC undergrads participate in 40 intramural and club sports, from basketball
and volleyball to skiing and rugby. Students even get the day off from classes to line
the edge of campus and cheer Boston Marathon runners up “Heartbreak Hill.”
Since its founding as a Jesuit institution, Boston College has been committed to
“educating students who will use their knowledge, talents, and abilities in the ser-
vice of others.” BC students spend four years fine- tuning the art of the delicate bal-
ance, finding ways to make old- fashioned morals relevant to life in the 21st century,
and finding time for fun while still tending to their academic performance.
“There is a pervasive spirit
of compassion that runs
through the student body
here.”
Overlaps
Georgetown,
Villanova,
Notre Dame,
Northeastern,
University of
Virginia, University
of Pennsylvania,
Boston University,
Harvard
If You Apply To ›
BC: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular school
or program. Please consult BC’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Boston University
121 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215
One of the nation’s largest private universities and namesake to a city that boasts
more than 40 four- year colleges. Location adjacent to the Fenway is the promised
land for hordes of students from all over the world seeking a funky, artsy, youth-
oriented urban setting that is less in- your- face than New York City. More selective
than in the past and comparable to NYU.
Like NYU and USC, Boston University, founded by Methodists in 1839, is an inte-
gral part of the city it calls home (although it actually started in Vermont). The
school’s ample collection of nondescript high- rises stretches along bustling, four-
lane Commonwealth Avenue (which now has the city’s first protected bike lane)—
and so do thousands upon thousands of students. From aspiring actors, musicians,
journalists, and filmmakers, to future scientists, doctors, dentists, and entrepreneurs,
BU seems to offer something for everyone. A junior says, “You definitely walk away
from BU with a sense of accomplishment and individuality.”
The BU campus is an urban campus with the tree- lined side streets, which feature
quaint Victorian brownstones. Newer facilities include the Center for Computing &
Data Sciences, a 100 percent fossil- fuel-free building. BU continues its commitment
to diversity, equity, and inclusion through the Center for Antiracist Research, which
aims to develop research- based policies, advocacy campaigns, and educational pro-
grams to address the problems of racial inequity and injustice in the U.S.
Website: www .bu .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 28,849
Undergraduates: 17,415
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 53%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 36%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 80,796
Accepted: 14%
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72 BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
BU’s university- wide general education curriculum, the BU Hub, requires stu-
dents to complete coursework focusing on diversity, civic engagement, global citi-
zenship, digital communication, and innovation, among other areas to help them
thrive in the future. The BU Cross- College Challenge, the BU Hub’s signature fea-
ture, gives juniors and seniors the chance to collaborate with a small team of class-
mates and faculty from across the university on an interdisciplinary project.
BU’s 10 undergraduate schools and colleges offer more than 300 majors and
minors; business administration, communication, biology, economics, engineering,
international relations, and psychology are the most popular. “All of the academic
programs I’ve encountered have an accomplished faculty that brings real- world expe-
riences into the classroom,” says a political science major. New majors include African
American and Black diaspora studies; archaeological and environmental sciences; and
Korean language and literature. The College of Communication combines theory
with hands- on training— some of it by adjunct professors with day jobs at major
newspapers and TV networks. It also houses the nation’s first center for the study of
political disinformation. The well- regarded School of Theatre benefits from the 250-
seat, flexibly designed Booth Theatre, which adjoins production and costume shops,
design labs, and classrooms. The College of Arts and Sciences offers some 90 majors
and special advising for premed and prelaw students. Many students in the College
of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College go on to earn graduate degrees
from the college’s highly ranked physical and occupational therapy programs.
The Questrom School of Business, one of BU’s top programs, offers an honors pro-
gram for sophomores and concentrations in such areas as law, innovation and entre-
preneurship, and business analytics. BU’s Innovate@ BU initiative connects students
with resources to help them turn entrepreneurial
ideas into action. Future employers of students in
the School of Hospitality Administration offer
internships in exotic locales such as Sydney and Shanghai. The College of Engineering,
known for its biomedical engineering program, boasts a high- tech robotics lab. Students
in the School of Visual Arts may show their work in one of three campus galleries. The
cross- disciplinary Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences offers a B.S. degree in data
science. Sixty percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and students say the aca-
demic climate encourages both cooperation and competition. “While I am consistently
challenged, I do not feel overwhelmed by the workload,” says one senior.
Students rave about the First- Year Student Outreach Project, which brings fresh-
men to campus a week early to do community service. For a break from brutal Boston
winters, BU offers more than 80 study abroad programs, including internships, field
work, research, language study, and liberal arts programs, in 19 countries; 37 per-
cent of students typically participate. The Kilachand Honors College is a four- year
undergraduate living/learning community that offers students the small classes,
close interaction with faculty, and communal atmosphere of a small liberal arts col-
lege along with the resources of a major urban research university.
According to a biology major, BU students are “really cool nerds: smart, but also
fun.” Fifty- seven percent of BU undergrads are from out of state, and another 22 per-
cent come from foreign countries. Asian Americans make up 20 percent of the pop-
ulation, Hispanics/Latinos 11 percent, Black
students 5 percent, and multiracial students
4 percent. Students report that low socioeco-
nomic diversity is one of the biggest social issues
on campus. “Many students come from high-
income backgrounds and lack a perspective on what it’s like to live on a small
budget,” comments a senior. BU has introduced a number of initiatives to address
affordability: the university now guarantees to meet 100 percent of domestic
(continued)
Enrolled: 31%
Grad in 6 Years: 89%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (617) 353- 2300
Email Address: admissions @
bu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Communication
Theatre
Hospitality Administration
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Economics
International Relations
Data Science
“[BU students are] really cool
nerds: smart, but also fun.”
The BU Cross- College
Challenge gives
juniors and seniors the
chance to collaborate
with a small team
of classmates
and faculty.
“We always have on-
campus events every day
of the week, including the
weekends.”
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BOSTON UNIVERSITY 73
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
students’ demonstrated financial need and promises that if tuition increases, need-
based scholarships will also increase by the same percentage. Loans are not included
in financial aid packages for incoming freshmen who are eligible for Pell Grants. In
addition to need- based aid, BU offers merit scholarships averaging $28,000 each
year as well as 346 athletic scholarships in 19 sports.
Typically, 65 percent of BU students live in campus housing, which is guaran-
teed for four years and selected via a lottery system. “Freshman/sophomore dorms
are fairly typical, but housing gets better as you get to be a senior,” explains a psy-
chology major, and some of the newest facilities are like “luxury apartments.” Meal
plans are flexible, and one of the six dining halls on campus is kosher. There’s also
a farmers’ market and a food court with national chains like Starbucks and Panda
Express. “For being in an urban area, I feel extremely safe on campus,” reports one
senior. The Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center provides prevention-
based programming and support and advocacy for survivors.
“The social scene at BU has a lot to offer,” a student says. “We always have on-
campus events every day of the week, including the weekends. If we don’t feel like
staying on campus, we can just hop on our Boston trains and be anywhere in the city
within minutes.” With less than 1 percent of the
men and just 10 percent of the women joining fra-
ternities and sororities, Greek life has little influ-
ence on the social scene. Parties happen off campus,
including at neighboring schools, and policies
regarding underage drinking on BU’s campus are reportedly strict. Owing to Boston’s
pervasive Irish heritage, St. Patrick’s Day is an occasion for revelry. The Splash student
activity fair and homecoming in the fall are favorite annual events, along with comedy
nights that bring big- name comedians like Colin Jost, Vanessa Bayer, and Hasan Minhaj
to campus once a semester. Lobster Night, where the dining halls serve up whole lob-
sters, is always a big hit. Road trip options include Cape Cod, Cape Ann, and Providence,
Rhode Island. Even better, “Fenway Park, downtown, Lansdowne Street, and Boston
Common are all within walking distance,” says a marine biology major.
BU doesn’t field a football team, so hockey season is the athletic high point of
the school year. Most Terrier teams compete in the Division I Patriot League, and
among the solid teams are men’s basketball, lacrosse, and rowing, and women’s
softball, soccer, field hockey, and rowing. By 2023, BU had won 31 of 69 titles in the
annual Beanpot men’s ice hockey tournament, which pits BU against Harvard,
Northeastern, and archrival Boston College. The Head of the Charles regatta, which
starts at BU’s crew house each fall, draws college crew teams from across the country.
Of the dozen or so intramural sports offered, by far the most popular is broomball,
which is like ice hockey on sneakers, with a ball instead of a puck and a broom
instead of a stick; students may also compete in 34 club sports.
Boston University shamelessly urges students to just “Be You” (ahem) and most
are happy to do so, but they warn that being successful here requires a certain degree
of initiative. The school is “a great place, with lots of academic and social opportu-
nities, but it’s not for the timid student,” remarks a geophysics and planetary sci-
ences major. “You have to be proactive about finding out what’s going on around
campus, so that you can find your niche.”
Comedy nights that
bring big- name
comedians like
Colin Jost, Vanessa
Bayer, and Hasan
Minhaj to campus
once a semester.
“You definitely walk away
from BU with a sense
of accomplishment and
individuality.”
BU’s Innovate@ BU
initiative connects
students with
resources to help them
turn entrepreneurial
ideas into action.
Overlaps
UCLA, NYU,
University of
Southern California,
Northeastern, UC
Berkeley, Boston
College, Tufts,
Johns Hopkins
If You Apply To ›
BU: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular school
or college. Applicants to fine arts programs must submit a portfolio or audition. Please consult BU’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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74 BOWDOIN COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME 04011
Rates with Amherst, Williams, and Wesleyan for liberal arts excellence and pioneered
in not requiring the SAT. Bowdoin’s science programs are especially strong, including
its unique interdisciplinary offerings in environmental studies. Outdoor enthusiasts
benefit from proximity to the Atlantic Coast. Not as large as some of its peers, with
less overt competition among students.
Since 1794, Bowdoin College has sought to make nature, art, and friendship as inte-
gral to the student experience as the world of books. This is, after all, the alma
mater of the great American authors Longfellow and Hawthorne. In fact, when new
students matriculate, they sign their names in a book on Hawthorne’s very desk.
Though the New England winter can be frigid, students are quick to point out that
good food and friendships help make the campus a warm and welcoming place.
Bowdoin’s 215- acre campus sits in Brunswick, a coastal town in southern
Maine. Hidden amid the pine groves and athletic fields are 120 buildings, in styles
from German Romanesque, colonial, medieval, and neoclassical to neo- Georgian,
modern, and postmodern. The historic Harriet Beecher Stowe House, in which the
famed author wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, has been carefully renovated and now houses
faculty offices. Other buildings have been updated recently and the new Barry Mills
Hall opened in 2023, which houses the digital and computational studies program
and includes technology- friendly classrooms and a state- of- the- art cinema.
To graduate, Bowdoin students must complete courses in five distribution areas
that emphasize issues vital to a liberal education in the 21st century: mathematical,
computational, or statistical reasoning; inquiry in the natural sciences; difference,
power, and inequity; international perspectives;
and visual and performing arts. First- years have
their choice of small seminars, which emphasize
reading and writing; recent topics have included
The Politics of Climate Change, Deconstructing
Racism, and Personal Genomes. One senior says the seminars “give you a good sense
of what you really need to work on to succeed at Bowdoin.” All incoming first- years
receive a MacBook Pro, an iPad, an Apple Pencil, and access to a range of course-
specific software. As sophomores, students participate in a five- day career “boot
camp” during winter break, featuring workshops that focus on skill development
and industry- specific advice.
Academic strengths include the sciences, particularly environmental studies,
earth and oceanographic science, neuroscience, chemistry, and biology. Bowdoin
also offers a rare concentration in Arctic studies (its mascot is the polar bear), which
has a new home in recently opened John and Lile Gibbons Center. Students can
participate in Arctic archaeological research in Labrador, Canada, or ecological
research at the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island in the Bay of Fundy. The
Schiller Coastal Studies Center, located just 15 minutes away on a 118- acre plot
on Orr’s Island, provides additional opportunities for multidisciplinary, field- and
lab- based research on critical coastal and climate issues. Mathematics, computer sci-
ence, and English are also well regarded, and students say the popularity of govern-
ment and economics— the majors with the highest enrollment— is well deserved.
Dual- degree programs in engineering are available through Caltech, Columbia,
Dartmouth, and the University of Maine.
“Students take their schoolwork seriously, and the work is difficult,” says a
Website: www .bowdoin .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,909
Undergraduates: 1,909
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 55%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 23%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 9,376
Accepted: 9%
Enrolled: 59%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (207) 725- 3100
Email Address: admissions @
bowdoin .edu
Strong Programs:
Environmental Studies
Earth and Oceanographic
Science
Neuroscience
Mathematics
Computer Science
English
Government
Economics
“Freshman seminars give
you a good sense of what
you really need to work on
to succeed at Bowdoin.”
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BOWDOIN COLLEGE 75
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
government and economics double major, while a math major adds, “professors
have many office hours set aside to help students.” About 64 percent of classes
have fewer than 20 students. Professors teach all Bowdoin classes— there are no
graduate students here, and thus no teaching assistants— and their skills in the
classroom are highly praised. “My professors are intelligent, fun, passionate, and
open- minded,” says a freshman.
Before school begins, the entire entering class takes preorientation hiking, canoe-
ing, kayaking, or community service trips that teach them about the people and
landscape of Maine. Service learning, coordinated by the McKeen Center for the
Common Good, is increasingly an emphasis at Bowdoin; 54 percent of students
apply their classroom work to real- world problems faced by local community groups.
“Undergraduate research opportunities abound,” says a sophomore English major.
And it’s common for juniors and seniors to conduct independent studies with faculty
members, then publish their results in professional journals. Eighteen percent of
seniors complete yearlong honors projects culminating in a written thesis, oral
defense, or original creative piece. Over 50 percent of students study abroad through
more than 100 programs offered in more than 50 countries.
Just 10 percent of students hail from Maine, and 8 percent are international.
Black students make up 6 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent,
Asian Americans 9 percent, and multiracial students 9 percent. On this liberal
campus, “Many students are outdoorsy, athletic,
a little preppy— but everyone has an interest and
a passion that might surprise you,” a mathemat-
ics major says, “and most people have friends
from all different social groups on campus.” In 1970 Bowdoin became the first lead-
ing college to make SAT scores an optional part of the admissions process, shifting
the emphasis to a student’s whole body of work. Additionally, Bowdoin employs a
need- blind admissions policy, meets the full demonstrated financial need of admit-
ted students, and has eliminated loans from its financial aid packages, replacing
them with scholarships.
Ninety- five percent of Bowdoin students live in college- owned housing, where
first- years start off in quads, with two double bedrooms and a shared common room,
in renovated historic residence halls. After that, students may apply to live in
“College Houses,” many of which used to be fraternity houses before Bowdoin
phased out Greek groups more than 25 years ago. Students give rave reviews
to dining services, especially the lobster bake that kicks off each school year and the
offerings for vegans and vegetarians. “Bowdoin’s food is restaurant quality, and
the menu is different every day,” cheers a senior. Several student groups are active
in raising awareness around issues of sexual violence, and a government major
praises the “Safe Ride” system that provides campus- run on- call vans for a lift home.
“Bowdoin is a work hard– play hard kind of place,” says a junior, and social life
mostly centers around two groups: sports teams and College Houses. “We have a
system of nine College Houses that host all types of events— academic, cultural, and
parties— that are open to all students at the col-
lege,” explains a junior. “This sense of inclusivity
ensures that people do not feel the pressure to
drink.” Hard liquor is prohibited. Students look
forward to homecoming in the fall and Ivies, a weekend blast of fun before spring
finals. An annual concert, recently moved to February, brings major performers like
Childish Gambino and indie pop singer Maude Latour to campus.
One student says Brunswick (population 22,000) is “a great, quiet college town.”
America Reads and Counts Tutoring Program and various mentoring offerings help
build bridges between students and local residents. A car comes in handy for the
When new students
matriculate, they
sign their names in a
book on Hawthorne’s
very desk.
“Bowdoin Football is
notoriously bad, but we
love them anyway.”
Students love the
annual Ivies party
that offers a weekend
blast of fun before
spring finals.
“Many students are
outdoorsy, athletic, a little
preppy.”
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76 BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
15- minute drive to the shopping outlets of Freeport (including L.L. Bean’s flagship
24/7 factory store) or the 30- minute trip to Portland for a “real” night out. Students
can also opt to take a school shuttle, the inexpensive Metro Breez bus, or the nearby
Amtrak train to these destinations or to Boston, a little more than two hours away.
Ski bums will find several resorts within easy reach.
While the long winters can be grueling, they do bring out school spirit, espe-
cially when Bowdoin’s hockey teams take the ice. The Polar Bears compete in the
Division III New England Small College Athletic Conference. Sporting events against
Colby are exciting, and the annual hockey matchup draws crowds of alumni and
locals alike. Sports teams that have excelled recently include women’s volleyball,
field hockey and rugby, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and tennis. Adds one senior,
“Bowdoin Football is notoriously bad, but we love them anyway.” Also popular are
club sports, intramurals, and recreational activities, including those organized by
the student- run Bowdoin Outing Club, whose weekend jaunts range from rock
climbing, skiing, and white- water rafting to fireside knitting and sledding.
Students who love the outdoors, even when it’s cold, will find warm and invit-
ing academics at Bowdoin, where close friendships with peers and professors are
easily forged. “Everyone at Bowdoin agrees that it is a special place,” says a senior
sociology major. “The way it fosters our lifelong relationships with the school and
with each other is what makes it unique.”
Government and
economics are the
most popular majors
at Bowdoin.
Overlaps
Amherst, Brown,
Dartmouth,
Middlebury,
Williams, Wesleyan,
Swarthmore, Colby
If You Apply To ›
Bowdoin: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Brandeis University
Waltham, MA 02453
Founded in 1948 by members of the American Jewish community who sought to
expand access to higher education, Brandeis is an elite institution seeking top
students of all faiths and backgrounds. Academic specialties range from the natural
sciences to music and Near Eastern and Judaic studies. Has one of the top programs
in neuroscience at a midsized research university. Competes with Tufts in the Boston
area.
Brandeis University, founded to provide educational opportunities to those facing
discrimination, has always had a reputation for intense progressive thought. Now
it’s being recognized as a rising star among research institutions, hosting more
than 30 on- campus research centers, and is expanding its experiential- and service-
learning offerings. The only nonsectarian Jewish- sponsored college in the nation,
Brandeis was named for Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish justice on the U.S. Supreme
Court. In recent years the university appears to be focusing less on maintaining its
Jewish identity and more on attracting a well- rounded, eclectic group of students
from all backgrounds.
Set on a hilltop in a pleasant residential neighborhood nine miles west of
Boston, Brandeis’s attractively landscaped 235- acre campus boasts many distinctive
buildings. The music building, for example, is shaped like a grand piano; the theater
looks like a top hat. The 24- hour Shapiro Campus Center includes a student theater,
offices for student clubs, and bookstore. The Shapiro Academic Complex houses the
Website: www .brandeis .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 5,120
Undergraduates: 3,671
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 64%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 44%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 9,917
Accepted: 39%
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BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY 77
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
International Center for Ethics, Justice, and Public Life as well as the Mandel Center
for Studies in Jewish Education.
Undergraduates enter the School of Arts and Sciences, which offers more than
40 majors and 50 minors through its departments and interdepartmental programs.
About half of the students graduate with double majors. The Brandeis core curricu-
lum is rooted in a commitment to developing
strong communication, digital literacy, foreign
language, and quantitative- reasoning skills and
an interdisciplinary and cross- cultural perspec-
tive. First- year students must take a writing sem-
inar and attend at least one of several Critical Conversation events held throughout
the year, in which professors from different disciplines discuss major issues in a
moderated setting, in an effort to “model civil discourse.” Other Brandeis Core
requirements include credits in health and wellness; life skills; diversity, equity, and
inclusion in the U.S.; and difference and justice in the world.
Neuroscience, biochemistry, chemistry, and physics are top- notch programs;
economics, biology, business, and psychology enroll the most students. The univer-
sity caters to premed students with special advisors and access to internships and
research opportunities. With the largest faculty in the field outside of Israel, Brandeis
is virtually unrivaled in Near Eastern and Judaic studies; Hebrew is a specialty. The
program in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies is strong too. A growing number of
interdisciplinary programs are becoming increasingly popular, particularly the inter-
national and global studies major and the health: science, society, and policy major.
Brandeis also maintains a commitment to the creative arts, with strong theater offer-
ings and a theory- based music program founded by Leonard Bernstein.
“Brandeis takes its academic integrity seriously,” says a creative writing and
English major, and the climate can be intense. Fifty- five percent of classes at Brandeis
have fewer than 20 students, and a junior says, “Professors are very accommodating
and are good lecturers and discussion leaders.” All incoming first- years are assigned
a student advisor, an academic advisor, and a faculty advisor. “Peer advisors are
super cool because they have lived through the Brandeis experience and are truly a
wealth of information,” explains an American studies major. The Kraft Transitional
Year Program is a one- year academic program for promising students from educa-
tionally underserved populations that guarantees small classes, rigorous academics,
and strong academic support.
Rising sophomores and juniors have the opportunity to earn credit through
study abroad related to their majors. Forty percent of undergrads take advantage of
more than 200 off- campus programs offered in more than 50 countries, including
two university- run programs: an economics program in Copenhagen and a studio
art and art history program in Siena, Italy. Undergraduates have numerous opportu-
nities to conduct original research with faculty, and some even publish their work
in academic journals. The Justice Brandeis Semester allows groups of 10 to 15 stu-
dents to earn credits while focusing on topics of personal interest, such as bio-
inspired design, ethnographic fieldwork, or mobile app and game development. The
linked courses feature fieldwork, internships, or research under faculty supervision.
“Brandeisians are friendly!” cheers a sophomore. “Everyone here is very warm and
always willing to meet new people.” Thirty percent of Brandeis undergraduates are
from Massachusetts, and the population is heavily bicoastal otherwise, with sizable
numbers of New York, New Jersey, and California
residents. Twenty percent hail from foreign
nations. Three chapels on campus— Roman
Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant— are situated so that the shadow of one never crosses
the shadow of another. It’s an architectural symbol that students say reflects the
(continued)
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 87%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (781) 736- 3500
Email Address: admissions @
brandeis .edu
Strong Programs:
Neuroscience
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Eastern and Judaic Studies
Islamic and Middle Eastern
Studies
Theater
Music
“Professors are very
accommodating and
are good lecturers and
discussion leaders.”
Weekends often
feature live
entertainment at the
on- campus Stein pub
or Cholmondeley’s
Coffee House.
“Housing on campus
improves as you get older.”
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78 BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
realities of their diverse campus community. Less than half of undergraduates are
Jewish. Muslim students, with an enrollment of more than 200, have their own dedi-
cated prayer space, as do followers of Dharmic religions. Black students make up 6 per-
cent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans 17 percent,
and multiracial students 3 percent. Social justice is a big emphasis on this liberal
campus. “Students care a lot about women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, intersectionality,
race relations, and a number of other issues,” explains a theater arts major. Brandeis
now meets the full demonstrated financial need of all undergraduates. It also offers
merit scholarships averaging $15,200 to qualified students, although there are no ath-
letic awards.
Housing options include traditional quadrangle dormitories, where first- years
and sophomores live in singles, doubles, or triples. Juniors and seniors can opt for
singles, suites, or apartment- style housing. “Housing on campus improves as you get
older,” one student observes. First- years and sophomores are guaranteed housing,
while upperclassmen play the lottery each spring. Seventy- eight percent of students
live on campus, and the rest find affordable off- campus housing nearby. As for
campus dining, a business major says, “Some days the dining halls have pretty good
food, and other days it is terrible.” The food court in the Usdan Student Center pro-
vides decent alternatives, and there are always kosher, vegan, gluten- free, and
allergen- safe options. The university has opened a prevention, advocacy, and
resource center on campus aimed at addressing sexual harassment and violence.
“The social life is lively, with on- campus productions, events, and activities
predominantly occupying students’ free time,” says an anthropology major.
Brandeis hosts more than 250 student clubs; some of the largest include the
Waltham Group (a community service organiza-
tion), the Campus Activities Board, and
Triskelion (an LGBTQ+ social group). The unof-
ficial fraternities and sororities that have sprung
up at Brandeis are clamoring for recognition
from the school but hardly dominate the social
scene. Weekends often feature live entertainment at the on- campus Stein pub or
Cholmondeley’s Coffee House (a.k.a. Chum’s) and small dorm parties. Annual
events include ’DEIS Impact, a weeklong social justice festival; the Springfest out-
door concert; and the 24- Hour Musical, in which students learn and produce an
entire musical in just 24 hours (“It’s a total disaster, but it’s hysterical,” says a soph-
omore). Also well attended are the homecoming soccer match and carnival and the
Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts.
The possibilities for off- campus diversion are nearly infinite, thanks to the prox-
imity of Boston and Cambridge, which are accessible by the free Brandeis shuttle bus
or a nearby commuter train. (A car is more trouble than it’s worth.) Brandeis’s host
town, Waltham, has a diverse selection of restaurants and a cheap movie theater but
otherwise receives lukewarm reviews from students. One global studies major asks,
“Who needs Waltham for excitement when Boston is a short shuttle ride away?”
Though the school does not field a football team, the Judges (remember Louis?)
athletic program gets a boost from its membership in the Division III University
Athletic Association, a neo– Ivy League for high- powered academic institutions such as
the University of Chicago, Emory, and NYU. The men’s and women’s soccer teams
make regular NCAA tournament appearances, and men’s tennis, women’s cross-
country, and fencing are also strong. An extensive intramural and club sports
program draws over 40 percent of students, and contests run nearly every day of
the year.
Few private universities have come as far as Brandeis so quickly, evolving from
the bare 235- acre site of a failed veterinary/medical school to a modern research
Brandeis was named
for Louis Brandeis,
the first Jewish
justice on the U.S.
Supreme Court.
“The social life is lively, with
on- campus productions,
events, and activities
predominantly occupying
students’ free time.”
The theory- based
music program
was founded by
Leonard Bernstein.
Overlaps
Tufts, Brown,
WashU in
St. Louis, Cornell,
Case Western,
Northeastern,
Boston University,
NYU, University of
Pennsylvania
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BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY 79
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
university of more than 100 buildings, a $1.2 billion endowment, and ever- growing
academic opportunities. At the same time, it has cultivated a highly supportive
atmosphere. One student sums it up this way: “Brandeis is a haven for students
who are seeking academic challenge and an environment where social justice is
revered, where they can hold leadership roles and collaborate with professors.”
If You Apply To ›
Brandeis: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
From the time they are knee high, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints (a.k.a. Mormons) all around the world dream about coming to BYU. Most
men and some women do a two- year stint as a missionary. Strongest academic
programs are all preprofessional. The atmosphere is generally mild- mannered and
conservative, but BYU goes bonkers for its sports teams.
Brigham Young succeeded the martyred prophet Joseph Smith in 1844 as head of the
much- persecuted Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints and subsequently led
his fellow Mormon pioneers on their treacherous trek from Illinois to the “Promised
Land” of Utah. Three decades later, in 1875, church fathers established an epony-
mous institution to fulfill Young’s vision of “a good education unmixed with the
pernicious atheistic influences that are found in so many of the higher schools of
the country.” It is a vision that lives on at Brigham Young University, where a sense
of spirituality pervades most everything, where faith and academia are intertwined,
and where life is governed by a demanding code of ethics that has even led to the
suspension of star athletes in mid- season.
The church’s values of prosperity, chastity, and obedience are strongly evident
on BYU’s 557- acre campus, where the utilitarian buildings, like everything else, are
“clean, modern, and orderly.” The campus lies on the western edge of the Rocky
Mountains, 4,600 feet above sea level, between the shores of Utah Lake and Mount
Timpanogos, offering breathtaking sunsets and easy access to magnificent skiing,
camping, and hiking areas. Days begin early; church bells rouse students at 8 a.m.
with the first four bars of the hymn “Come, Come Ye Saints.” (The same bells also
peal every hour throughout the day.)
The strict Honor Code covers everything from dating practices to academic hon-
esty; no- no’s include men wearing beards; the consuming of drugs, alcohol, and
caffeinated tea and coffee (although caffeine in soda is allowed); and entering
the bedroom of a member of the opposite sex.
While students elsewhere might find the code
burdensome, at BYU it is a point of pride. Indeed,
the school’s commitment to church values is the
reason most students choose it. “The students who attend BYU are unique,” says a
communications major. “Everyone is clean- cut, shaven, modestly dressed, and
proper in their etiquette.”
The church’s influence continues when students set their schedules; students
must take one religion course per term to graduate, and subjects include, of course,
Website: www .byu .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 30,119
Undergraduates: 28,250
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 68%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 20%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 10,559
Accepted: 67%
Enrolled: 76%
Grad in 6 Years: 79%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (801) 422- 4104
Email Address: admissions @
byu .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Nursing
Business
Prelaw
Education
“The students are very
academically and spiritually
minded.”
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80 BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the Book of Mormon. In addition to an extensive liberal arts core, BYU requires
students to demonstrate proficiency in math, writing (first- year and advanced), and
advanced languages, a catch- all category that can be satisfied with coursework in a
foreign language or in statistics, advanced math, or advanced music.
BYU’s academic offerings run the gamut, from liberal arts and sciences to solid
preprofessional programs in engineering, nursing, business, and law. Students say
the strongest offerings include education, exercise science, the Clark Law School,
and most departments in the Marriott School of Business, especially accounting.
There are also degrees in public health promotion and ancient Near Eastern stud-
ies. Brigham Young boasts campuses in Idaho and Hawaii, a center in Jerusalem,
and a large study abroad program— nearly 200 programs in more than 50 countries.
Approximately 90 percent of the men and 40 percent of the women interrupt their
studies— typically after the freshman year— to serve two years as a missionary.
Students agree that the academic climate is demanding. “It is competitive,”
a senior reports, and “some courses are known for being extremely difficult to pass,
such as American Heritage or Econ 110.” Freshmen are often taught by full- time pro-
fessors, who generally get good marks. “Most professors have a passion for their sub-
ject and for teaching,” says a student. General education courses can be quite large,
although 47 percent of all undergraduate classes enroll fewer than 20 students, and
registration can be a chore. The honors program, open to highly motivated students,
offers small seminars with more faculty interaction and is “an excellent way to get
more out of your college experience,” one participant says. The strength of the fac-
ulty is one reason BYU has more full- time students than any other church- sponsored
university in the United States, almost all of them undergraduates.
Not surprisingly, the typical BYU student is socially conservative. “The students
are very academically and spiritually minded,” confides a junior, who further describes
students as “intelligent, friendly, and honest.” Thirty- seven percent of BYU under-
graduates are from Utah. Many others hail from
California and Idaho, and 3 percent come from
more than 100 other countries. Hispanic/Latino
students contribute 8 percent to the student body,
Asian Americans 2 percent, Black students less than 1 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 4 percent. Tuition for church members is lower than for nonmembers, because
Latter- day Saint families contribute to BYU through their tithes. Academic scholar-
ships averaging $4,500 are available, as are hundreds of athletic scholarships in
21 sports.
Just 22 percent of BYU undergrads— primarily freshmen— live in the single- sex
residence halls. “The dorms are small but comfortable and very clean,” says a stu-
dent. Upperclassmen typically opt for cheaper off- campus apartments, which are
also single- sex (remember the Honor Code?). When it comes to food, the student
dining outlets on campus are described as adequate. “The school provides decent,
affordable on- campus meal plans,” says a senior. BYU drew national attention after
female students and alumni spoke out against the school’s practice of opening
Honor Code investigations of students who report being assaulted. The protests
resulted in a new policy of immunity for survivors.
Whether it’s work with the homeless or disabled, dances, firesides, concerts,
plays, sporting events, or special activities within the campus religious wards (small
groups of about 100 students), most of BYU’s social life is organized through or
linked to the church. Community service is big, with students visiting patients at
hospitals and care centers, performing at local festivals, and building and refurbish-
ing houses. Social life is carried out within the church’s bounds of propriety and is
given a lighthearted feeling with groups that encourage “creative dating and lots
of dating, period,” says a senior. There are no fraternities or sororities to provide
(continued)
Exercise Science
Accounting
Public Health Promotion
The strength of the
faculty is one reason
BYU has more full-
time students than
any other church-
sponsored university
in the United States.
“The school provides
decent, affordable
on- campus meal plans.”
Days begin early;
church bells rouse
students at 8 a.m. with
the first four bars
of the hymn “Come,
Come Ye Saints.”
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BROWN UNIVERSITY 81
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
housing or parties, which is just fine with most students, since alcoholic drinks are
banned. Road trips include Vegas or southern Utah and, with the mountains being
so close, you’ll find plenty of skiing and camping. Provo itself has plenty of places
to eat and shop. “Provo wouldn’t really exist without BYU,” says a student, and “it’s
a good college town for people who don’t like bustling metropolises.”
Physical fitness is big here, and the intramural facilities are some of the coun-
try’s best, with indoor and outdoor jogging tracks; courts for tennis, racquetball,
and handball; and a pool. Also important are Division I varsity sports. The church
philosophy of discipline and obedience has worked wonders for Cougar teams,
which joined the Big 12 Conference in 2023, and the football rivalry against the
University of Utah provides some serious end- of- season intensity— ESPN has dubbed
the BYU– Utah rivalry the “Holy War.” One of the most popular courses offered at
BYU is ballroom dancing, partly because many participants aspire to join BYU’s
award- winning dance team.
To most Americans, BYU probably seems old- fashioned or like a step back in
time. But for young members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, that
may be just what the elder ordered. “BYU’s dedicated faculty, devout atmosphere,
and beautiful, clean campus set it apart from all other universities,” a satisfied
senior says.
Overlaps
BYU– Hawaii,
BYU– Idaho,
University of Utah,
Utah State, Utah
Valley State
If You Apply To ›
BYU: Regular decision. Does not accept the Common Application. Ecclesiastical endorsement required. Please consult
BYU’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of British Columbia: See page 355.
Brown University
45 Prospect Street, Providence, RI 02912
To today’s stressed- out students, the fantasy of taking every course pass/fail seems
like a dream come true. Nobody at Brown actually does this, but the pass/fail option,
combined with the school’s notable lack of distribution requirements, gives it the
freewheeling image that students love. In reality, doing well at Brown is just as tough
as at other Ivies. Scorned by conservatives as a hotbed of political correctness.
Brown University is a perennial “hot college,” with an overwhelming number of
happy students and many more clamoring to join their ranks. Once here, students
receive not only a prestigious and quality education, but also a chance to explore
their creative sides at a liberal arts and sciences college that does not idolize grades
or preprofessionalism and shuns GPAs, required courses, and competitive attitudes
among its undergraduates. Brown’s environment and policies have drawn both
praise and criticism over the years, but its students thrive on this discussion and
lively debate. “Brown’s open curriculum, though not for everyone, is incredibly lib-
erating,” says one student.
Founded in 1764 as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations, Brown was renamed in 1804 after Nicholas Brown Jr., a
Website: www .brown .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 10,562
Undergraduates: 7,166
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 43%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 21%
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82 BROWN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
major benefactor whose father— one of the school’s founders— was a businessman
with controversial ties to the slave trade. The school has established a memorial to
slaves at Brown and a Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice. The university sits
atop College Hill on the east side of Providence, and its 140- acre campus affords
an excellent view of downtown Providence. Campus architecture is a composite
of old and new— plenty of grassy lawns surrounded by historic buildings that offer
students refuge from the city streets beyond. The neighborhoods that surround the
campus lie within a national historic district and boast beautiful tree- lined streets
full of ethnic charm.
Brown’s faculty has successfully resisted the notion that somewhere in their
collective wisdom and experience lies a core of knowledge that every educated
person should possess. As a result, aside from completing courses in a major and a
minimum of 30 courses total, the only university-
wide requirement for graduation is “the ability
to write well.” All students must demonstrate
that they have worked at least twice on develop-
ing their writing (once during their first two years and again as upperclassmen) by
taking approved English or writing- across- the- curriculum classes or by documenting
their writing work in any other Brown course. Students can take their classes one
of two ways: for traditional marks of A, B, C, or No Credit; or for Satisfactory/No
Credit. The NC is not recorded on the transcript, while the letter grade or Satisfactory
can be supplemented by a written evaluation from the professor. A habit of NCs,
however, lands students in academic hot water.
The most popular majors (or concentrations, as they are called here) are com-
puter science, economics, English, and biology. Neuroscience, computer science,
computational biology, applied mathematics, classics, and environmental studies are
some of the university’s best concentrations, and
students also praise political science, engineering,
religious studies, and history— although one says,
“As far as I know, all our academic departments
are super strong (like oxen or Heracles).” Other
top- notch programs include comparative litera-
ture, modern languages, and the writing program in the English department. Future
doctors can try for a competitive eight- year liberal medical education program where
students can earn an M.D. without having to sacrifice their humanity. Fields related
to scientific technology have very good facilities, including an instructional technol-
ogy center, while minority issues are the focus of the Center for the Study of Race and
Ethnicity in America.
Those with interests in interdisciplinary fields will enjoy Brown’s wide range of
concentrations that cross departmental lines and cover everything from cognitive
science to public policy to a program in business, entrepreneurship, and organiza-
tions. Students can create their own concentration from the array of goodies
offered. Brown also offers group independent study projects, a popular alternative
for students with the gumption to take a course they have to construct primarily by
themselves, and a five- year dual- degree program with the Rhode Island School of
Design (RISD), also located on College Hill. Students can cross- register for individ-
ual courses at RISD as well. “Brown provides amazing financial support for research
opportunities through our UTRAs (Undergraduate Teaching and Research Awards),”
says a junior. Adventurous students can choose to spend time in study abroad pro-
grams in 75 countries. Roughly 30 percent of undergrads study abroad, and others
go overseas to complete independent research or internships during the summer.
Brown leads U.S. research universities in the number of graduates who win
Fulbrights.
(continued)
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 50,649
Accepted: 5%
Enrolled: 67%
Grad in 6 Years: 95%
Returning Freshmen: 99%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (401) 863- 2378
Email Address: admission @
brown .edu
Strong Programs:
Neuroscience
Computer Science
Computational Biology
Applied Mathematics
Classics
Environmental Studies
Political Science
Engineering
“Brown’s open curriculum,
though not for everyone, is
incredibly liberating.”
“Professors come to Brown
interested in engaging
with undergrads and being
part of our experience, so
they’re really accessible.”
Students can take their
classes one of two
ways: for traditional
marks of A, B, C, or
No Credit; or for
Satisfactory/No Credit.
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“Although the coursework is definitely rigorous, students are mostly only in
classes that they really want to be in, and therefore it leads to an enjoyable, relaxed
climate,” explains a computer science major. Brown prides itself on undergraduate
teaching and considers skill in the classroom as much as the usual scholarly creden-
tials when making tenure decisions. An applied
math and biology double major says, “Professors
come to Brown interested in engaging with
undergrads and being part of our experience, so
they’re really accessible.” The advising system reflects the administration’s commit-
ment to treating students as adults. It pairs each freshman with a professor and a
peer advisor, and a computer science major says, “This duo is great,” especially
because peer advisors offer “informal advising, social advice, and class advice.”
Resident counselors in the dorms are also available to lend an ear. “CareerLAB and
BrownConnect are super helpful resources for finding jobs and internships,” cheers
a junior.
Brown offers nearly 90 special freshman seminars annually, capped at 20 stu-
dents each and taught by faculty in all disciplines. “First- year seminars enable you
to experience niche, in- depth seminar classes right away, along with your larger,
introductory lecture courses,” explains a sophomore. Overall, 68 percent of under-
graduate classes have fewer than 20 students. Even so, particularly popular courses
are usually jammed with students, and often there aren’t enough teaching assistants
to staff them effectively. Some, especially writing courses in the English department
and studio art courses, can be nearly impossible to get into, although the adminis-
tration claims that perseverance makes perfect— in other words, show up the first
day and beg shamelessly.
“Brown students are very independent, which is an important quality for navi-
gating our unique curriculum,” says a sophomore. With a mere 6 percent of under-
graduates hailing from tiny Rhode Island and 12 percent coming from foreign
countries, geographical diversity is one of Brown’s hallmarks. Consistent with the
spirit of openness that defined Roger Williams’s Rhode Island from the outset,
Brown was the first Ivy League school to accept
students from all religious affiliations. Women
account for half of undergraduates (but nearly
two- thirds of applicants). Today, Brown is a hot
spot of student activism; nary a semester has passed without at least one demonstra-
tion about the issue of the day. Black students account for 8 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos 12 percent, Asian Americans 19 percent, and multiracial
students 8 percent. The LGBTQ community is also prominent. “Brown is one of the
most conscious schools when it comes to identities, and students take the initiative
to create spaces for people of all identities,” observes a cognitive science major.
Although Brown doesn’t offer athletic or academic merit scholarships, it does prac-
tice need- blind admissions and guarantees to meet the full demonstrated need of
everyone admitted with loan- free financial aid packages. The university also covers
the cost of books for students on financial aid. Attendance is free for students whose
family income is less than $60,000 annually.
About half of the freshmen are assigned to one of eight co- ed Keeney Quad
dorms, in “loud and rambunctious” units of 40 to 60 with several sophomore or
junior dorm counselors. The other half live in the quieter Pembroke campus dorms
or in a few other scattered locations. According to a sophomore, “Freshman accom-
modations are by and large quite plush.” Options for upperclassmen include
apartment- like suites with kitchens, special- interest houses, two social dorms, and
Greek housing. Brown guarantees housing for all four years and requires students to
live on campus through sophomore year; 70 percent of undergrads reside in
“Students take the initiative
to create spaces for people
of all identities.”
The biggest annual
bash of the year is
Spring Weekend,
which features plenty
of parties and a
big- name band on
the Main Green.
“[Brown has] a Scrabble
club and a successful
croquet team.”
Brown leads U.S.
research universities
in the number of
graduates who
win Fulbrights.
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84 BROWN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
university housing. Nearby off- campus apartments are becoming more plentiful— and
more expensive— as the area gentrifies. Students appreciate the variety of accommo-
dations offered at the two main dining halls and various smaller locations, one of
which is vegetarian only, although the food gets middling reviews. “The larger the
eatery is, the less flavorful food you can expect to get,” observes a senior. Students
say the campus feels safe, and one notes, “Brown emphasizes consent education and
makes sexual health resources widely available.”
“Much of the social life is on campus. I love that! You always feel part of the
community,” says an American studies major. More than a dozen a cappella groups,
daily and weekly newspapers, political organizations, and “even a Scrabble club and
a successful croquet team” represent just a few of the ways Brown students manage
to keep themselves entertained. The university also sponsors frequent campuswide
parties, dances, plays, concerts, and special events. The few residential Greek organi-
zations tend to be considered much too un- mellow for Brown’s taste— just 7 percent
of the men and 4 percent of the women sign up. The nonresidential multicultural
fraternities and sororities serve a more comprehensive student- life function, and
parties are more likely to be held off campus by sports teams. Students report that
alcohol policies focus on safety more than punishment. The biggest annual bash of
the year is Spring Weekend, which features plenty of parties and a big- name band
on the Main Green. A favorite tradition involves a beloved music professor perform-
ing lively midnight organ concerts in a stately campus hall “on the four scariest
nights of the year: the night before freshman classes start, Halloween, and the night
before finals each semester,” explains a denizen.
Providence, an old industrial city that has undergone a renaissance of sorts, is
Rhode Island’s capital, so many internship opportunities in state government are
available, as are a few good music joints, lively bars, and several fine, inexpensive
restaurants, especially along Thayer Street.
The city is also home to a number of other col-
leges, which helps to liven up the social scene.
“Providence is a great place to see a concert or
attend a festival,” says a junior. For those inter-
ested in community service— and many at Brown
are— the university’s nationally recognized
Swearer Center for Public Service helps place students in a variety of volunteer posi-
tions. Brown Community Outreach is, in fact, the largest student organization on
campus. For a change of scenery, many students head to Boston or the beaches of
Newport, each an hour away.
Brown does not have a reputation as an especially sports- minded school, and
it cut several sports from its roster in a controversial move to focus its efforts on
making its remaining 34 varsity teams more competitive. The Bears women’s crew
team has won multiple Division I championships, and men’s soccer, lacrosse, and
water polo have been competitive in the Ivy League Conference. Athletic facilities
include an Olympic- sized swimming pool and an indoor athletic complex with
everything from tennis courts to weight rooms. Thirty- seven club sports, plus intra-
murals ranging from softball and kickball to cornhole tournaments, offer a good
mix of competitiveness and fun.
Ever since the days of Roger Williams, Rhode Island has been known as a land
of tolerance, and Brown certainly is a 21st- century embodiment of this tradition.
“Brown students build themselves up by building others up,” says a physics and
philosophy double major. “It’s cool to be excited about anything here, and Brown
students celebrate the talents of all of their peers.” The education offered at this
university is decidedly different from that provided by the rest of the Ivy League, or
for that matter, by other top universities. Brown is content to gather a talented
Brown Community
Outreach is the largest
student organization
on campus.
“Brown provides amazing
financial support for
research opportunities
through our Undergraduate
Teaching and Research
Awards.”
Overlaps
Wesleyan,
Oberlin, Pomona,
Amherst, Yale,
Harvard, Princeton,
University of
Pennsylvania
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
bunch of students, offer a diverse and imaginative array of courses, and then let the
undergraduates, with a little help, make sense of it all. It takes an enormous amount
of initiative, maturity, and self- confidence to thrive at Brown, but most students feel
they are up to the challenge.
If You Apply To ›
Brown: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Brown’s website
for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Bryn Mawr College
101 North Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010- 2899
Bryn Mawr has the most brainpower per capita of the elite women’s colleges.
Politics range from liberal to radical, and the honor code shapes the campus culture.
Mawrters may take themselves a bit too seriously. The college still benefits from ties
to nearby Haverford, though the relationship may not be as tight- knit as in the days
when Haverford was all- male. A train station just off campus offers easy access to
Philadelphia.
Leafy suburban enclaves are a dime a dozen around Philadelphia, but only one is
home to Bryn Mawr College, a top- notch liberal arts school that happens to be for
women. On this campus, students find a range of academic pursuits from archaeol-
ogy to film studies to physics, and a diverse yet community- oriented student body.
Founded in 1885, Bryn Mawr has evolved into a hotbed of intellectualism that pre-
pares students for life and work in a global environment. Although students here
abide by a strict honor code and participate in a host of long- standing campus tradi-
tions, they remain doggedly individualistic. “We are social- justice minded, fiercely
independent trailblazers who do not take no for an answer,” asserts one sophomore.
“I am absolutely certain that we will run the world someday.”
Bryn Mawr’s lovely campus is a path- laced oasis set among trees (many carefully
labeled with Latin and English names) and lush green hills, perfect for an afternoon
walk, bike ride, or jog. Just a 20- minute train ride from downtown Philadelphia, Bryn
Mawr provides a suburban setting with a vital
and exciting city nearby. The architecture is pre-
dominantly the collegiate Gothic style, a combi-
nation of the Gothic architecture of Oxford and
Cambridge Universities and the local material,
that Bryn Mawr was instrumental in establishing
in the United States. Ten of Bryn Mawr’s buildings are listed in the National Register
of Historic Places. Variations on the collegiate Gothic theme include a sprinkling of
modern buildings, such as Louis Kahn’s slate- and- concrete residence hall.
The general education requirements include one semester of “quantitative”
work; one semester in each of four “approaches to inquiry” (scientific investiga-
tion, critical interpretation, cross- cultural analysis, and inquiry into the past); two
semesters of a foreign language; and the requirements of a major. Students are also
required to take eight half- semesters of physical education, pass a swimming test,
and complete the 10- week THRIVE program, which introduces freshmen to the
Bryn Mawr community and teaches life skills. In addition, all freshmen take a Balch
Website: www .brynmawr .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,606
Undergraduates: 1,397
Male/Female: 0/100
Financial Aid: 78%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 3,594
Accepted: 31%
Enrolled: 36%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (610) 526- 5152
Email Address: admissions @
brynmawr .edu
Strong Programs:
Natural Sciences
Classics
Archaeology
History of Art
“We are social- justice
minded, fiercely
independent trailblazers
who do not take no for an
answer.”
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86 BRYN MAWR COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Seminar (named for alumna and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Emily Balch) to develop
their critical- thinking, writing, and discussion skills.
Most departments are strong, especially the sciences, classics, archaeology,
history of art, museum studies, and the foreign languages, including Russian and
French. The growth and structure of cities major is a unique interdisciplinary pro-
gram that blends coursework in urban studies, architecture, history, economics, and
sociology, among other subjects. Combined degree programs, in which students
earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Bryn Mawr, are available in a
number of fields, ranging from chemistry and physics to classical and Near Eastern
archaeology. The most popular majors are psychology, mathematics, literatures in
English, biology, and sociology. Doing major work in music, fine arts, linguistics,
religion, or astronomy requires a hike over to nearby Haverford College, Bryn Mawr’s
partner in the bicollege system, which allows students at each institution to take
courses or even major or minor in programs offered by the other. Bryn Mawr and
Haverford students cooperate on a weekly newspaper, radio station, orchestra, and
other clubs and sports, and they may use facilities at each school, including dining
halls and even dormitories. A free shuttle bus connects the campuses. Students may
also cross- register with Swarthmore and the University of Pennsylvania; 95 percent
of Mawrters take courses at these institutions or at Haverford at some point during
their four years. Five- year dual- degree programs in engineering are offered in con-
junction with Caltech, Columbia, and Penn.
Out of respect for their honor code, Mawrters refrain from discussing their
grades, but they freely admit that they work hard to keep up with their rigorous
courses. Freshmen and transfer students are initiated to the Bryn Mawr experience
during Customs Week, which includes a variety
of seminars and workshops, and Customs peer
advisors support their transition throughout
their first year. The quality of teaching at Bryn
Mawr is unquestionably high, and faculty members are accessible, thanks to small
class sizes and flexible office hours. “The professors here trust and respect the stu-
dents and treat them as equals,” comments a psychology major.
For those looking ahead to see what Bryn Mawr’s steep tuition will buy in the
long term, there is no lack of special academic programs with which to fill their
résumés. The 360° Course Cluster program is an interdisciplinary experience that
brings students from a variety of majors together to examine a central theme, like
Europe from the Margins or Struggles for Global Health Equity, from multiple per-
spectives. Students take a cluster of two or three courses in a single semester and
also complete a hands- on component, such as travel, fieldwork, or lab research.
Thirty- three percent of students study overseas during their time at Bryn Mawr,
choosing from about 70 programs in 30 countries. With easy access to a diverse vari-
ety of organizations in Philadelphia, 78 percent of Mawrters complete internships
before they graduate. The Career and Civic Engagement Office connects students
with internship and community service opportunities and offers guidance on net-
working, interviewing, and other professional skills.
“Bryn Mawr tends to attract passionate, intelligent, kind, supportive, and involved
individuals,” says one student. The campus has a strong international flavor, with an
impressive 14 percent of undergraduates hailing from abroad; only 12 percent are
Pennsylvania residents. Black students make up 5 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinas 10 percent, Asian Americans 11 percent, and multiracial students
6 percent. “A lot of people are talking about race at Bryn Mawr, and also transgender
issues,” says one student. There are no athletic scholarships, but merit scholarships
averaging $18,700 are available, and the school does guarantee to meet the dem-
onstrated financial need of everyone admitted, including international students.
(continued)
Museum Studies
Foreign Languages
Growth and Structure of Cities
Psychology
“The professors here trust
and respect the students
and treat them as equals.”
Doing major work
in music, fine arts,
linguistics, religion, or
astronomy requires a
hike over to nearby
Haverford College.
Students are required
to take eight half-
semesters of physical
education and pass
a swimming test.
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BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY 87
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Roughly 90 percent of undergrads typically reside on campus, and housing
is guaranteed for four years. “Each dorm is unique and has a character of its own,”
says a senior. “Many people liken the architecture to that of Hogwarts.” Dorm fea-
tures include hardwood floors, window seats, and fireplaces. Dining services, which
receive rave reviews, offer plentiful, tasty choices as well as a nutritionist to assist
students with dietary restrictions. A classical culture and society major says, “Public
Safety are there to help and keep students safe.”
Traditions are an important part of the campus social scene: “They play a big
role in uniting all four classes and give students a role in the greater history of
the college,” says a student. The Elizabethan- style May Day festivities are held
the Sunday after classes end in May. Everyone wears white, eats strawberries and
ice cream, watches student plays, and dances
around maypoles. Mawrters have been known
to skinny- dip in the fountains and drink cham-
pagne on the lawn. The presentation of lan-
terns and class colors to incoming freshmen on
Lantern Night— and regal pageants, such as Parade Night and Step- Sing— fill life
with a Gothic sense of wonder and school spirit. Bryn Mawr is located on subur-
ban Philly’s wealthy Main Line (named after a railroad), and the campus is two
blocks from the train station, which provides students with convenient access to
cultural attractions, as well as social and academic events at the nearby University
of Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the city. “I consider our social life to be hang-
ing out with friends, poetry slams, and watching plays and cultural shows,”
muses a junior.
As for athletics, most Bryn Mawr Owls teams compete in the Division III
Centennial Conference; field hockey, track and field, and crew are among the
stronger teams. Club sports range from all- female teams to co- ed teams shared with
Haverford, such as ultimate Frisbee and fencing, and intramurals are an option too.
Bryn Mawr is a symphony of contrasts: the campus is in suburbia but steps from
a major city. Humanities programs are very strong, but science majors are also strong
and enormously popular. The students are seriously intellectual and independent
but revel in college traditions. The result is overwhelmingly positive. Says a student,
“The Bryn Mawr experience is one of complete freedom to explore one’s interests
and individuality without the fear of being ostracized.”
Elizabethan- style May
Day festivities are
held the Sunday after
classes end in May.
“I consider our social life to
be hanging out with friends,
poetry slams, and watching
plays and cultural shows.”
Overlaps
Barnard, Mount
Holyoke, Smith,
Wellesley,
Haverford,
Swarthmore,
Wesleyan, NYU
If You Apply To ›
Bryn Mawr: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with sup-
plement. Accepts applications from all individuals who identify as women, intersex individuals who do not identify as male,
and individuals assigned female at birth who do not identify within the gender binary.
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Bucknell, Colgate, Hamilton, Lafayette— all a little more conservative than the Ivy
schools, and all a little less selective. Bucknell is the biggest of this bunch and, like
Lehigh, offers engineering with a global touch. Bucknell’s Greek system is strong,
but students don’t join until they are sophomores. The central Pennsylvania campus
is remote but one of the most beautiful anywhere.
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88 BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The students at Bucknell University strike a healthy balance between hitting the
books and hitting the lively social scene on their pastoral central Pennsylvania
campus. Yes, they tend to be preppy: “Bucknell students are mostly upper- middle-
class, relatively conservative, and materially conscious. However, they are also
highly motivated to succeed,” says one student. With small classes, engaging fac-
ulty, and nice dorms, it’s no wonder that students like this junior complain, “Four
years at Bucknell go by way too fast.”
In addition to being comfortable and friendly, Bucknell, founded in 1846 and
named after an early benefactor, is physically beautiful. Located on a hill just south
of quaint Lewisburg, the campus overlooks the scenic Susquehanna River valley.
Grassy quads, shaded by leafy trees, are sprinkled among the Georgian- style build-
ings. The $38 million Academic East building houses laboratory space for engineer-
ing and scientific research, as well as the education department. Holmes Hall, a
79,500- square- foot facility featuring high- tech labs and studios for Bucknell’s man-
agement and art programs, opened in 2021.
Students in Bucknell’s College of Arts & Sciences and Freeman College of
Management must complete general education courses in three areas— Intellectual
Skills (including a writing- intensive Foundation Seminar), Tools for Critical Engagement,
and Disciplinary Perspectives— and must complete a culminating experience their
senior year. In the College of Engineering, students
take a common course their first semester that
allows them to explore the intersection of multiple
engineering disciplines through hands- on projects,
and they undertake a capstone senior design experience as part of their curriculum. All
first- year students are required to enroll in a Foundation Seminar that introduces them
to college- level work and expectations, featuring such topics as Shakespeare for
Beginners, The Globalization Debate, and Becoming an Adult. In addition to faculty
advisors, first- year students are assigned peer mentors who answer questions and con-
nect them with campus resources and opportunities. The Center for Access & Success
provides personalized mentoring for students enrolled in specific scholarship programs.
Along with major- related requirements, each student must demonstrate competence in
writing in order to graduate.
While Bucknell is known for engineering, management, and the natural sci-
ences, students say academics are strong across the curriculum. “Bucknell does a
great job acknowledging the changes in our society,” enthuses a junior French and
computer science major. “We talk about the fast- growing technologies and what
that means for our futures.” The most popular majors are economics, political sci-
ence, psychology, accounting, and finance. Other highlights include biomedical
engineering; the animal behavior program, which benefits from an outdoor natu-
ralistic primate facility for teaching and research; and environmental studies, which
includes not only science courses but also classes in the humanities, social policy,
and civil engineering. Management 101 is a favorite course among business stu-
dents, who work together to create and sell a product and use the profits to fund
community service projects.
In the classroom, the emphasis is on discussion and group work. Professors facil-
itate the cooperative atmosphere and receive praise for always putting students first.
“The professors’ willingness to go out of their way to meet for one- on- one instruc-
tion is unrivaled,” says a senior.
Forty- two percent of all Bucknell undergrads study abroad. Semester- long,
faculty- led programs take them to England, France, Ghana, Greece, and Spain.
Relationships with other colleges and universities enable students to choose from
more than 400 other programs worldwide. The College of Engineering has one of
the highest study abroad participation rates for students in an engineering program,
Website: www .bucknell .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,757
Undergraduates: 3,731
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 69%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 38%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 11,707
Accepted: 33%
Enrolled: 27%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (570) 577- 3000
Email Address: admissions @
bucknell .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Management
Social Sciences
Environmental Studies
Economics
Political Science
Psychology
Accounting
“Bucknell does a great
job acknowledging the
changes in our society.”
All first- year students
are required to enroll
in a Foundation
Seminar that
introduces them to
college- level work
and expectations.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and it also offers a faculty- taught course that places engineering concepts into a real-
world, global context. Department- specific honors programs attract top scholars,
and many students participate in undergraduate research. “The STEM Scholars pro-
gram allows incoming first- years to get involved in research during the summer
before their first year,” says a senior. “Because of my early introduction to research,
I have had so many opportunities, including presenting at the national ACS
conference.”
Twenty- three percent of students are Pennsylvanians. Racial and cultural diver-
sity have been slow in coming say students, although “efforts to create more
inclusion and equity have become more pronounced,” comments a managing for
sustainability major. In 2023 the university announced several new initiatives aimed
at supporting on- campus diversity, including a Gateway Scholars Program, which
helps 20 first- generation students meet their financial needs without loans. Black
students account for 4 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 7 percent,
Asian Americans 5 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent, while international
students represent 5 percent. “Bucknell tends to be more conservative than most
schools,” says a chemical engineering major, but social and political issues generally
take a back seat here. Each year, Bucknell awards merit scholarships up to about
$20,000, as well as 208 athletic scholarships in 14 sports.
Most undergrads— 89 percent— live on campus, as the university limits the
number of seniors allowed to move off campus. Thirty- two percent of students
join the Residential Colleges (which a biomedical engineering major calls “fantas-
tic for first- years”), choosing from among eight
themed living/learning communities: Arts,
Discovery, Food, Global, Humanities, Languages
and Cultures, Social Justice, and Society and
Technology. Dining facilities offer an adequate variety, and a junior notes, “I am a
vegetarian and have a lot of good options.” A recently created food pantry aims to
alleviate food insecurity on campus. Speak UP, a peer education group, holds man-
datory workshops on sexual assault prevention and holds sessions throughout the
year. Even so, some students express concerns about the prevalence of sexual mis-
conduct incidents within the Greek system.
“Greek life, or a sports team, is nearly essential to have a social life here,” a
senior reports. Indeed, Bucknell’s robust Greek system draws 34 percent of the men
and 42 percent of the women, though rush is delayed until the start of sophomore
year. Drinking at frat parties and a few bars close to campus is a weekly pastime for
many students of age, but the university offers plenty of alternatives. Two student
organizations arrange everything from carnivals and hypnotists to religious retreats,
while the school- run Uptown nightclub offers bands, karaoke, pub nights, and other
social events. “Friday nights are generally not a time to be in the library,” confirms
one student. Favorite traditions include the Fall
Fest carnival that features a nationally known
musical act, the Bison Sound concert with stu-
dent performers, Greek Week, and the formal
Chrysalis Ball in the spring. Also special are the
Candlelight and Convocation ceremonies. “Convocation is an important tradition
to Bucknell because you only pass through the Christy Mathewson Gates twice in
your life: on your first and last days as a student here,” explains a senior.
Lewisburg is small and rural, but Market Street has boutiques, restaurants, and
an Art Deco movie theater serving up first- run flicks as well as student- produced
films. “Lewisburg is a charming little town,” says a senior. “There are fairs and festi-
vals almost every weekend!” Through the Office of Civic Engagement, students have
opportunities to volunteer and participate in service learning. When students get
Through the Office
of Civic Engagement,
students have
opportunities to
volunteer and
participate in
service learning.
“Professors’ willingness
to meet for one- on- one
instruction is unrivaled.”
“Lewisburg is a charming
little town, there are fairs
and festivals almost every
weekend!”
In 2023 the university
announced several
new initiatives aimed
at supporting on-
campus diversity.
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90 BUTLER UNIVERSITY
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claustrophobic, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington/Baltimore are less than
three hours away; the main campus of Penn State, in State College, Pennsylvania,
is even closer.
The Division I Bucknell Bison have captured the Patriot League Presidents’
Cup, for the league’s all- sports champion, 18 times in 32 years. Men’s and women’s
cross- country and track and field are perennially competitive, having combined for
dozens of Patriot League championships. The rowing team has also won multiple
titles. Other strong teams include field hockey and men’s and women’s basketball
and water polo. Basketball is a fan favorite, and Bucknell’s biggest rivalries are with
Lafayette and Lehigh. Intramural and club sports draw 32 percent of the students.
In the absence of diversity, Bucknell students get the best of several other worlds:
excellence in engineering, management, and the liberal arts; abundant research
opportunities; and a healthy social life. Another perk: “Students at Bucknell have a
great sense of community that makes the school what it is,” says one senior.
“Everyone is proud to be a Bucknellian and is willing to help those around them.” If
you’re seeking small classes and a supportive environment in a beautiful location,
Bucknell may be a good fit.
Overlaps
Colgate, Lehigh,
University of
Richmond,
Villanova,
Washington and
Lee, Lafayette,
University of
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania State
University
If You Apply To ›
Bucknell: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Audition required for applicants
to music program. Please consult Bucknell’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test
requirements
Butler University
4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Small, private university with an attractive campus near downtown Indianapolis
and a relaxed Midwestern feel. Butler combines a strong liberal arts emphasis with
hands- on learning. Strong in business, dance, and prepharmacy. Students are a
homogeneous lot who share Indiana’s trademark passion for basketball. Larger than
DePauw, smaller than Northwestern.
College hoops fans may recognize Butler University as the unheralded outsider that
fought its way to the final game of the men’s Division I Basketball Championships
not once but twice in recent years. But those who attend this midsized Midwestern
university explain that Bulldogs basketball is representative of the Butler way of life,
which emphasizes teamwork, tenacity, and sound fundamentals. Indeed, students
here find their school’s cozy campus and solid academics to be a slam dunk.
Butler was founded in 1855 as a “nonsectarian institution free from the taint of
slavery” on property donated by Ovid Butler, a lawyer and abolitionist. Located five
miles north of downtown Indianapolis in the city’s historic Butler- Tarkington neigh-
borhood, Butler’s 300- acre campus is hailed as
one of the most attractive in the Midwest for its
parklike setting, which includes centuries- old
trees, open landscaped lawns, curving sidewalks,
fountains, a nature preserve, a prairie, a historical canal, a formal botanical garden,
an observatory, and jogging paths. The first building, Jordan Hall, features Gothic
architecture and has set the tone for subsequent buildings. Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse,
Website: www .butler .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 4,685
Undergraduates: 4,248
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 47%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 13,386
Accepted: 82%
Enrolled: 11%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
“Butler students want to be
the best and be recognized
for that.”
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which opened in 1928, has reigned as one of the nation’s great sports arenas for nine
decades. The recently opened $100 million Sciences Complex boasts state- of- the- art
labs, high- tech classrooms, and the Science Innovation Center.
As part of Butler’s core curriculum, students enroll in two common ele-
ments: First- Year Seminar, a two- semester sequence in their first year, and Global
and Historical Studies, a sophomore- year sequence of courses. In addition to
a standard distribution of liberal arts and science classes, students must take a
social justice and diversity course. They also complete the Butler Cultural
Requirement, which involves attending eight campus events over four years, and
the Indianapolis Community Requirement, which connects students to the local
area through off- campus community service. Incoming freshmen looking to
make friends before the start of their first semester can sign up for one of several
optional preorientation programs that range from volunteering in Indianapolis
to learning how major sporting events like the Indianapolis 500 and Super Bowl
are organized.
“Butler students are extremely competitive,” says a strategic communication
major. “Whether that be for who has the best presentation in a class, the highest
grade on a test, and even for internships in the Indianapolis area— Butler students
want to be the best and be recognized for that.” The university’s most popular
programs include marketing, finance, communication/journalism, education,
health sciences, and preprofessional tracks in pharmacy and physician assistant
studies. Other solid offerings include dance
(especially classical ballet), international busi-
ness, and English, especially the creative writing
track. Students in the risk management and
insurance major learn how to mitigate and manage risks and can get hands- on
experience through the school’s student- run insurance company. New majors
include public health, data science, kinesiology, neuroscience, and a BFA in acting.
Butler now offers three- year degree tracks for more than 40 academic majors. The
university also sponsors a five- year engineering dual degree in partnership with
Purdue. Half of all undergraduate classes enroll fewer than 20 students, and the
majority of classes taken by freshmen are taught by full professors. “Professors
have a tendency to deviate from the normal lectures, notes, papers, and exams and
allow us to take a more hands- on approach,” comments a psychology and Spanish
double major.
The University Honors Program is designed to foster a diverse and challeng-
ing intellectual climate; students take four honors courses, participate in special
honors events, and research and write a thesis. About 30 students are selected each
year for the Butler Summer Institute, where they produce an original research or
creative project under the guidance of a faculty mentor and with the support of
a $4,500 stipend. Those who wish to travel to far- flung locales around the globe
can choose from more than 200 study abroad options in 60 countries, including
Australia, Ireland, Germany, Ghana, and India. Roughly a third of Butler students
participate.
“School spirit is really big at Butler,” explains an elementary education major.
“We love to take part in school activities and support our teams.” Forty- six percent
of Butler students come from Indiana. Black students account for 4 percent of the
student body, Hispanics/Latinos 6 percent, Asian Americans 4 percent, and multi-
racial students 3 percent; another 1 percent are international. Most students come
from middle- to upper- class families. While there is not usually much overt politi-
cal activism on campus, the lack of diversity and the cost to attend are common
student complaints. Merit scholarships averaging $20,200 are as numerous as ath-
letic awards.
(continued)
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (888) 940- 8100
Email Address: admission @
butler .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Dance
Prepharmacy
English
Marketing
Communication/Journalism
Education
Health Sciences
“We love to take part in
school activities and
support our teams.”
The recently opened
$100 million Sciences
Complex boasts
state- of- the- art labs,
high- tech classrooms,
and the Science
Innovation Center.
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92 CALIFORNIA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Seventy- one percent of students live in university- sponsored housing, with all
but seniors and commuters required to do so. Options include dorms, university-
owned houses and apartments, and Greek houses; first- year residence hall,
Residential College, has recently undergone a $20 million renovation. Eating in
Butler’s two campus dining halls is becoming more palatable, students say, after
renovations and changing the food service provider. And while Butler is “not in the
best part of town,” students report feeling safe on campus: “Butler is a very tight- knit
community, and we all look out for each other,” says a junior, “but it feels good to
know that our campus security is always there.”
“Greek organizations and sports teams set the tone for social life,” says a stu-
dent; 25 percent of the men and 36 percent of the women go Greek. Although the
university allows alcohol on campus, students say the social scene doesn’t revolve
around booze. “Butler students think they know how to party, but compared to
state schools like IU and Purdue, that’s laughable,” remarks one senior. More than
140 student organizations coordinate social activities throughout the week, and
favorite annual traditions include homecoming in the fall. Students seeking a
change of pace head off campus and into the Broad Ripple neighborhood or down-
town Indianapolis, where bars, restaurants, museums, cultural events, and profes-
sional sports are plentiful.
Butler fields 20 Division I teams (the Bulldogs), and all but one compete in
the Big East— the football team is a member of the Pioneer Football League. Aside
from basketball, the men’s and women’s soccer, cross- country, and track and field
teams are strong. Intramurals are popular, especially five- on- five basketball, soccer,
volleyball, and flag football, and more serious students may also compete in 21
club sports. Butler’s varsity and club- level esports teams compete in the swanky new
Butler Esports Park, which opened in 2022.
Butler University strives to provide students with a strong undergraduate liberal
arts experience and access to professional programs of “local impact and global
reach.” Students have taken note of the school’s revamped programs, improved
facilities, and focus on personal attention. “The students and faculty all work to
make Butler life an enjoyable experience for all,” says a sophomore.
The majority of
classes taken by
freshmen are taught
by full professors.
Overlaps
Creighton,
Providence,
Valparaiso, Xavier
(OH), Gonzaga,
DePauw, Ball State,
Miami University,
Purdue, Indiana
University-
Bloomington,
Marquette
If You Apply To ›
Butler: Early action, rolling admission. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Art
applicants must submit portfolio.
California Colleges and Universities
California’s three- pronged system of universities, colleges, and community colleges has long been viewed as a model
of excellence by other public higher education institutions nationwide and even around the world. The system
offers a wealth of educational riches, including world- class research universities, enough Nobel Prize winners to
fill a couple of classrooms, and colleges on the cutting edge of everything from film to viticulture. Underlying the
creation of this remarkable system was a commitment to the notion that all qualified Californians, whatever their
economic status, are entitled to the benefits of a college education.
The California system is composed of the 10 combined research and teaching units of the University of
California (UC) and 23 California State University (CSU) campuses that focus primarily on undergraduate teaching.
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It also includes more than 100 two- year community colleges that offer both associate’s degrees and the pathway
of transferring into four- year institutions. Like other state systems, California public colleges and universities have
been hit with budget cuts in recent years that have, among other things, led to greater proportions of out- of- state
and international students, who pay much higher tuition rates. But it seems that the tide is turning. Governor
Gavin Newsom has substantially increased funding for all three systems and vowed to limit the proportion of
nonresident students on all campuses to no more than 18 percent of the student population. The new Tuition
Stability Plan essentially locks in the tuition rate and student services fee for new first- year and transfer students at
UC universities for up to six years for California residents and nonresidents alike. The UC system also has a Native
American Opportunity Plan that covers tuition and student services fees for residents who belong to federally rec-
ognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Admissions requirements for the three systems and the institutions within them vary widely. Community col-
leges are open to virtually anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent. To be considered for admission to
a CSU or UC campus, applicants must complete a minimum of 15 yearlong college- preparatory courses in seven
subject areas (referred to as “a-g courses”), including two semesters in the fine or performing arts. Applicants will
be eligible for admission to the CSU system with a 2.5 or higher “a-g” GPA (3.0 for nonresidents). Applicants to
a UC university must earn a 3.0 “a-g” GPA (3.4 for nonresidents) or better. GPA for eligibility is calculated using
only 10th- and 11th- grade results. Choice of major continues to be an important factor for some campuses, and
students interested in popular majors such as engineering and computer science are wise to take advantage of the
opportunity to list an alternate major.
In May 2021, amid the COVID- 19 pandemic and after settling a lawsuit brought by students claiming that
standardized tests create inequities in assessing a student’s chances of success in college, the UC system announced
that it would no longer consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process, becoming test- free. In fact, there
is no place in the testing section of the UC application to report these scores. The CSU system’s board of trustees
followed suit in March 2022, announcing that CSU schools will no longer consider SAT or ACT scores, even if they
are submitted.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (UC)
The UC system boasts more than 290,000 students, 240,000 faculty and staff, and 2 million living alumni. Although
one university system, each of the nine undergraduate UC campuses (UC San Francisco only offers graduate and
professional degrees) offers a full range of academic programs, and each has its own distinctive character. The
newest member, Merced, opened in 2005 as the first American research university to be founded in the 21st cen-
tury. In response to record- breaking numbers of applications, the UC system has announced plans to increase
enrollment by 23,000 students by the end of the decade, the equivalent of adding an entire new campus.
In making admissions decisions, UC employs a “comprehensive review” process that takes into consideration
not only curriculum and grades but also leadership, special talents, and the educational opportunities available to
each student. To apply for admission to the University of California, students complete an application available
at admission .universityofcalifornia .edu. The application is standardized across all UC campuses, making it easy
for an applicant to apply to multiple campuses. For each campus selected, students must choose a major and, in
some cases, an alternate major. There is a $80 application fee for each campus. In order to enhance their chances
of gaining admission to at least one campus, prospective students are encouraged to use this application to apply
to more than one school. They should understand that each campus to which they apply reviews their application
using its own methodology and criteria. Decisions are thus campus- unique, and each university’s admissions office
is not aware of an individual applicant’s other options. Applicants who rank in the top 9 percent of California
high school students or the top 9 percent of their own California high school, but who are not accepted to any UC
campus, will be offered a place at another campus if space is available.
UC Merced is described in the following paragraph. Full profiles of the other eight undergraduate UC univer-
sities follow this overview.
UC Merced (full- time enrollment 9,000) is the newest addition to the UC system. Opened in 2005 with a mis-
sion of bringing public higher education to one of the state’s underserved areas, Merced is expanding rapidly and
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94 CALIFORNIA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
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has established itself as a promising school for those seeking to avoid the competitiveness of more selective UC uni-
versities. The campus, which sits on the shore of Lake Yosemite surrounded by green fields and considerable land
set aside for conservation, boasts an environmentally friendly design and has a small- town feel. Merced offers 26
undergraduate majors through its three schools: engineering; natural sciences; and social sciences, humanities, and
arts. It has a diverse student body, with students of color making up 86 percent of the undergraduate population,
and a higher proportion of students from low- income and first- generation backgrounds than any other campus.
It boasts a strong counseling and support system. Merced has the highest acceptance rate of any UC university
(90 percent) and draws relatively few students from out of state. Faculty are bringing in substantial research fund-
ing, especially in the biological sciences.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY (CSU)
The California State University system is separate from the University of California and constitutes the largest
system of comprehensive four- year public institutions in the U.S. Unlike UC, where the mandate to publish or
perish is alive and well, teachers in the state system are there to teach.
The 23- campus system caters to more than 475,000 students a year. And while many of the campuses serve
mainly commuters, Chico, Humboldt, Monterey Bay, Cal Poly– San Luis Obispo, Cal Maritime, and Sonoma stand
out as residential campuses. While a solid liberal arts education is offered in CSU institutions, the emphasis is often
on career- oriented professional training; the system produces large numbers of engineers, nurses, and teachers for
California’s workforce. Size varies dramatically, from more than 30,000 full- time students at Northridge and Long
Beach to fewer than 7,000 at several other campuses, like Channel Islands and Monterey Bay. Each campus has its
strengths, although in most cases, a student’s choice of school is dictated by location rather than by academic special-
ties. For those with a wider choice, some of the more distinctive campuses are profiled in the following paragraphs.
Chico (full- time enrollment 12,300), situated in the beautiful Sacramento Valley, draws a large majority of its
students from outside a 100- mile radius and continues to become more selective in its admissions. The on- campus
undergraduate life is strong and the social life is great. California Polytechnic at San Luis Obispo (20,500),
colloquially known as Cal Poly– San Luis Obispo or Cal Poly SLO, is the toughest Cal State university to get into. It
provides excellent training in the applied branches of such fields as agriculture, architecture, business, and engineer-
ing. Fresno (20,400), located in the verdant Central Valley, has the only viticulture school in the state outside of
UC Davis, and undergraduates can work in the school winery. Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks
are nearby.
San Diego State (31,400) is the balmiest of the campuses, with a more residential, outdoorsy, and campus-
oriented social scene. “You could go for the weather alone— some do,” says one former student. Contrasted with
most other state schools, athletics are very important, and the academic offerings are almost as oriented to the
liberal arts as at its neighbor, UC San Diego. San Diego State is highly selective for students from out of the area.
San José State (26,000), located in the heart of Silicon Valley, boasts strong programs in computer science and
engineering (including aerospace) as well as amazing internship opportunities for students right in its backyard.
Sonoma State (5,900), situated just north of San Francisco in the wine- growing capital of the state, has become
increasingly popular, with strong programs in computer science, creative writing, and electrical engineering, as
well as a concentration in wine business strategies within the business school. The Hutchins School of Liberal
Studies allows students to complete their lower- division general education requirements in small (15 students)
seminar- style classes that emphasize critical examination and excellence in written communication. Housing and
the new student life building are gorgeous.
California Polytechnic at Humboldt (5,000), colloquially known as Cal Poly– Humboldt, is perched at the
top of the state near the Oregon border in the heart of the redwoods. Humboldt’s forestry and wildlife departments
have national reputations, and the natural science departments are strong. Students have the run of excellent labo-
ratory facilities and Redwood National Park, and the university added nine new majors in fall 2023. Many in- staters
come here to enjoy the rugged coastline north of San Francisco. California Maritime Academy (800), located 30
miles northeast of San Francisco, specializes in marine transportation, engineering, and maritime technology. It
boasts the 500- foot training ship Golden Bear, which serves as a classroom. Monterey Bay (5,800) is one mile from
the beach, and 52 percent of students live on campus. It offers an interdisciplinary focus with a global perspective,
opportunities for internships, and a unique Capstone Festival featuring the culminating projects of graduating
seniors, credential candidates, and master’s students.
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The California State University application system features a single application for all 23 campuses that is
available at www2 .calstate .edu/ apply. Applicants must indicate the term they are applying for and their preferred
campuses and majors.
Admissions criteria are influenced by the student’s location, with priority often given to students coming from
local high schools or community colleges. Due to increasing demand, all campuses are becoming increasingly
selective, especially for popular majors. As with UC universities, there is a $70 application fee for each campus.
UC Berkeley
110 Sproul Hall #5800, Berkeley, CA 94720- 5800
Like everything else at Berkeley, the academic offerings at this flagship of flagship
universities can be overwhelming. With 30,000 full- time undergraduate overachievers
crammed into such a small space, it is no wonder that the academic climate is about
as intense as you can get at a world- class public university. Don’t expect to be on a
first- name basis with your professor in Intro Bio.
Berkeley. Mention the name, and even down- to- earth students get stars in their
eyes. Students who come here want the biggest and best of everything, though
sometimes that idealism runs headlong into budget cuts, tuition increases, and
housing shortages. Never mind. Berkeley is where the action is. If you want a
quick indicator of Berkeley’s academic prowess, look no farther than the parking
lot. The campus is dotted with spots marked “NL”— spots reserved for resident
Nobel laureates. The last time anyone counted, Berkeley boasted 10 of them on the
current faculty. Then there are the hundreds of Guggenheim fellows, Pulitzer Prize
recipients, MacArthur fellows, and Fulbright scholars. Is it any wonder that this
radical institution of the ’60s still maintains the kind of reputation that makes the
top private universities take note? The social climate at this mother of UC schools,
founded back in 1868 as the state’s land grant university, is not as explosive as it
once seemed to be, but don’t expect anything tame on today’s campus. It has often
been at the epicenter of the Free Speech movement. Flower children and granola
chompers still abound, as do fledgling Marxists, young Republicans, and body-
pierced activists.
Spread across more than 1,200 scenic acres on a hill overlooking San Francisco
Bay, the Berkeley campus is a parklike oasis in a small city. The startlingly wide
variety of architectural styles ranges from the stunning classical amphitheater to the
modern Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive sheathed in stainless steel.
Large expanses of grass dot the campus and are just “perfect for playing Frisbee or
lying in the sun.” The oaks along Strawberry Creek and the eucalyptus grove date
back to Berkeley’s beginnings more than 150 years ago. Sproul Plaza, in the heart of
the campus, is one of the great people- watching sites of the world.
Of course, Berkeley is not only gorgeous; it’s also academically intense. “Everyone
was the top student in his or her high school class, so they can’t settle for anything
less than number one,” says one student. Another
says bluntly, “Expect very little sleep.” Although
half of all undergraduate classes have fewer than
20 students, a handful of introductory courses,
particularly in the sciences, enroll as many as
1,000, and professors, who must publish or dis-
engage from the university’s highly competitive teaching ranks, devote a great
deal of time to research. After all, Berkeley has made a large part of its reputation
Website: www .berkeley .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 41,018
Undergraduates: 30,820
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 65%
Pell Grant: 25%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 28%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 125,130
Accepted: 11%
Enrolled: 47%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (510) 642- 3175
Email Address: N/A
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Architecture
Business
Economics
Political Science
Sociology
Mathematics
Molecular and Cell Biology
“Everyone was the top
student in his or her high
school class, so they
can’t settle for anything
less than number one.”
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on its research and graduate programs, many of which rank among the best in
the nation.
Berkeley makes a good case for trickle- down academics. As a political science
major explains, “This system has allowed me to hear outstanding lectures from
amazing professors who write the books we read, while allowing far more personal
attention from the graduate- student instructors.” Another student opines, “It’s
better to stand 50 feet from brilliance than five feet from mediocrity.” Evidence of
such gravitational pull is seen in the promising curricula designed specifically for
freshmen and sophomores that include interdisciplinary courses in writing, public
speaking, and the history of civilization and an offering of small student seminars
(with enrollment limited to 18) taught by regular faculty. Despite these attempts at
catering to undergraduates, the sheer number of students at Berkeley makes it diffi-
cult to treat each student as an individual. As a result, such things as academic
counseling can suffer. “Advising? You mean to tell me they have advising here?”
asks one student.
Each of Berkeley’s six undergraduate colleges or schools has its own set of gen-
eral education requirements, which are generally not extensive, and a set of breadth
requirements, which expose students to disci-
plines outside of their major. All students, how-
ever, must take English composition and
literature and one term each of American history
and American institutions, as well as fulfill an
American cultures requirement— an original
approach (via courses offered in several departments) to comparative study of ethnic
groups in the United States.
Most of the departments at Berkeley are noteworthy, and some are about the
best anywhere (like engineering and architecture). Business, economics, political
science, sociology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, history, and English are just a
handful of the truly dazzling programs. Berkeley offers eight departments and eight
interdisciplinary programs in engineering; electrical engineering and computer sci-
ence are the most popular. Interdisciplinary study and research are common across
the sciences, such as the biological sciences division’s programs in integrative biol-
ogy and molecular and cell biology.
Special programs abound at Berkeley, though it’s up to the student to find out
about them. Students may study abroad on fellowships at one of 50 centers around
the world, or spend time in various internships around the country. If all you want to
do is study, the library system, with more than 13 million volumes and more
than 20 branches, is one of the largest in the nation and maintains open stacks.
The DARE (Diversifying Access to Research in Engineering) program helps con-
nect undergraduates with research opportunities in engineering and computer
science, focusing particularly on supporting women and students from under-
represented groups.
Although most Berkeley students are California residents, 15 percent come from
out of state, and 13 percent come from foreign nations. Thirty- five percent are Asian
American, 2 percent are Black, 20 percent are Hispanic/Latino, and 6 percent are
multiracial. The university provides a variety of programs to promote diversity and
inclusion, including the Center for Race and Gender and a peer education program
for preventing sexual violence. Despite Berkeley’s liberal reputation, recent trends
have inched toward conservatism. Business majors and fraternity members outnum-
ber young Communists and peaceniks these days, though the school does produce
a large number of Peace Corps volunteers. Merit scholarships averaging $7,600
are awarded to qualified students, and athletic scholarships are available.
Berkeley’s highly prized residence halls have room for only 27 percent of the
Each of Berkeley’s
six undergraduate
colleges or schools
has its own set of
general education
requirements.
“This system has allowed
me to hear outstanding
lectures from amazing
professors who write the
books we read.”
All students must take
English composition
and literature and
one term each of
American history and
American institutions.
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students, and new students receive housing priority. After that, the Cal Rentals is
a good resource for finding an apartment in town. Many students live a couple of
miles off campus, and a number of student- housing projects have opened in recent
years, offering a variety of rooms in low- rise and high- rise settings. In the absence
of a mandatory meal plan, everybody eats “wherever and whenever they wish,”
including in the residence halls.
If the housing shortage gets you down, the beautiful California weather will
probably take your mind off it, as will the never- ending social opportunities. “Social
life at UC Berkeley is killer!” exclaims one geography major. More than 1,400 stu-
dent clubs and groups are registered on campus,
which ensures that there is an outlet for just
about any interest and that no one group will
ever dominate campus life. Only 2 percent of the men and 4 percent of the women
join fraternities or sororities. Weekends are generally spent in Berkeley, hanging out
at the many bookstores, coffeehouses, and sidewalk cafés, heading to a fraternity or
sorority party, or taking advantage of the many events right on campus. Berkeley is
a quintessential college town (“kind of a crazy little town,” says one anthropology
major), and of course, there’s always the people- watching; where else can an indi-
vidual meet people trying to convert pedestrians to strange New Age religions or
revolutionary political causes on every street corner? Nearby Telegraph Avenue is
famous (notorious?) for such antics every weekend.
Many students use the weekend to catch up on studying, but when they want
to get away, the BART public transportation system provides easy access to San
Francisco, by far one of the most pleasant cities in the world and a cultural and
countercultural mecca. The Bay Area boasts myriad professional sports teams as
well, including the Golden State Warriors, the Oakland A’s, the San Francisco 49ers,
and the San Francisco Giants. Get access to a car, and you can hike in Yosemite
National Park, ski and gamble in Nevada, taste wine in the Napa Valley, or visit the
aquarium at Monterey. But be advised that a car is only an asset when you want to
go out of town— students warn that parking in Berkeley is difficult, to say the least.
Division I varsity athletics have always been important here, and the university
is a top producer of Olympic athletes. Men’s gymnastics, men’s crew, and men’s and
women’s swimming are strong performers in the Pac- 12. The Golden Bears basket-
ball team has surged in popularity, and just about
everyone turns out for the football team’s “Big
Game,” where the favorite activity on the home
side of the bleachers is bad- mouthing the rival school to the south: Stanford.
Intramurals and fitness programs are enhanced by an extensive recreational facility
and gorgeous weather year- round.
The common denominator in the Berkeley community is academic motivation,
along with the self- reliance that emerges from trying to make your mark among
30,000 talented peers. Beyond that, the diversity of town and campus makes an
extraordinarily free and exciting college environment for almost anyone. “It makes
one feel free to dress, say, think, or do anything and not be chastised for being
unorthodox,” explains a student. “At Berkeley, it is worse to be dull than odd.”
“Social life at UC Berkeley
is killer!”
The campus is
dotted with spots
marked NL— spots
reserved for resident
Nobel laureates.
“At Berkeley, it is worse to
be dull than odd.”
Overlaps
UCLA, University of
Southern California,
Stanford, University
of Washington,
Harvard, UC San
Diego, UC Santa
Barbara, UC Davis
If You Apply To ›
Berkeley: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to a particular
college, school, or program. Application includes optional question about gender/sexual identity.
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98 UC DAVIS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
UC Davis
178 Mrak Hall, Davis, CA 95616
The closest thing to a cow college in the UC system, but with cultured, pedigree
cows. Described by the New Yorker as “the MIT of American fermentation.” Premed,
pre- vet, food science— you name it. If the subject lives and breathes, you can study
it here. A small- town alternative to the bright lights of UC Berkeley and UCLA. As is
often true at science- oriented schools, the work is hard.
At the University of California Davis, environmental science and most everything
that has to do with animals, agriculture, winemaking, or biological science is note-
worthy. The Aggies’ cup truly runneth over. Originally established in 1905 as the
University Farm, the campus maintains its sprawling, verdant beauty, replete with
native and imported forestry, charming bike paths, and mooing cows. But lest you
assume this environmentally oriented university is full of quaint country folk right
out of American Gothic, think again. UC Davis is a major research university and
has become an international leader in the agricultural, biological, biotechnical, and
veterinary sciences.
Located 20 miles west of Sacramento and 73 miles north of San Francisco, the
5,300- acre campus is located along the Capitol Corridor, skirting the Sacramento– San
Joaquin Delta watershed. It features a 100- acre arboretum and hundreds of build-
ings with a blend of architectural styles, from traditional dairy barn to the modern
Sciences Laboratory building with its rooftop greenhouse. The hub of the university
is a central area known as the Quad, one of many grassy open spaces on campus out-
fitted with hammocks, perfect for soaking up the abundant California sunshine. The
75,000- square- foot Shrem Museum of Art devotes one- third of its space to education.
General education requirements aim to equip students with a breadth of knowl-
edge to complement the expertise they develop in their chosen fields of study. UC
Davis students are expected to address four core literacies: quantitative, scientific,
and civic and cultural literacy, as well as literacy with words and images.
Biological sciences, economics, managerial economics, psychology, and an
interdisciplinary program in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior are among the
campus’s most popular majors. Animal science, engineering, and biotechnology are
strong, and the agriculture program is one of
the best anywhere. The school is “the number
one choice for any pre- vet,” according to one
student, and it’s great for premeds too. The food
science major is also stellar and not for the faint of heart or those afraid of chemis-
try. It was Davis scientists who discovered how to optimize grape growing for
California’s wine industry and devised the method for creating orange juice concen-
trate. UC Davis’s World Food Center is dedicated to innovating food production
methods for improved human health and environmental sustainability. Studio art,
boasting several internationally known artists, is also among the top in the nation.
Academically, “Davis can be challenging, but it challenges students in the right
way,” comments a biopsychology major. “Everyone is extremely helpful, and it
doesn’t seem impossible to do your best here.” Many introductory courses are quite
large, and students complain that the average class size is on the rise, but UC Davis
also offers more than 200 small freshman seminars taught by the best instructors.
The quality of teaching can vary considerably, according to students, although
“most professors are willing to hold extra office hours and make time for the stu-
dents,” says a psychology major.
Website: www .ucdavis .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 38,345
Undergraduates: 30,707
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 73%
Pell Grant: 30%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 45%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 87,120
Accepted: 49%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 87%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (530) 752- 2971
Email Address:
undergraduateadmissions @
ucdavis .edu
Strong Programs:
Environmental Science
Biological Sciences
Animal Science
Engineering
Biotechnology
Agriculture
Food Science
Studio Art
“Davis can be challenging,
but it challenges students
in the right way.”
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Faculty members here are expected to do top- level research as well as teach,
giving 41 percent of undergraduates the chance to work directly with professors
and grad students as assistants in first- class research groups. The University Honors
Program is for academically talented first- year and transfer students who want to
enhance their education through special courses. Roughly 15 percent of students
study internationally, frequently through the 50- plus programs designed and led by
faculty in more than 30 countries. “You can study abroad essentially wherever your
heart desires for as short as one month or upwards of a year,” cheers one senior. The
innovative UC Center Sacramento and the Washington Program give undergradu-
ates academic credits for courses and internships in state and federal governments,
respectively.
“Students at Davis are friendly, and you really feel a sense of community when
you’re here,” observes one senior. Eighty- three percent of undergraduates hail from
California, and 15 percent come from abroad. Black students account for 2 percent
of undergrads, Asian Americans 30 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 24 percent, and mul-
tiracial students 6 percent. The university’s Office of Campus Diversity, Cross-
Cultural Center, and academic success centers for students of various ethnicities
help support diverse populations. Campus hot topics include social justice and sus-
tainability. Davis awards merit scholarships averaging $6,600, and there are more
than 280 athletic awards.
Only a quarter of undergraduates live on campus, although 92 percent of fresh-
men choose to do so. Campus housing is secure, well maintained, and includes a
number of living/learning community options. “Dorms are really nice and new and
air- conditioned,” a student says. Three meal
plans for the three dining halls offer a wide range
of options, including vegan and kosher items at
every meal. Food trucks are positioned around campus at lunchtime, and a weekly
on- campus farmers market provides ready access to fresh produce. A senior notes,
“Our fraternities, sororities, and student government have taken steps to address
sexual assault and promote a stance against it.”
“Davis has a good social scene, but you have to put in the effort to find places
and events you like,” says a design major. Active drama and music departments pro-
vide frequent entertainment, and the 1,800- seat Mondavi Center for the Performing
Arts features international and local groups. There are more than 800 student clubs,
and fraternities and sororities attract 5 percent of the men and 7 percent of the
women. While alcohol is allowed in the dorms for those of age, a senior says the
party scene “can get dull, so a lot of students like to go out of town” for more vigor-
ous nightlife. Major annual social events include Lawntopia, a student- run music
festival; Picnic Day, in which alumni join current students in a massive outdoor
shindig; nearly three months of cultural celebrations every spring; and the Whole
Earth Festival, “an earthy, tie- dyed sort of event.” Health and environmental con-
sciousness run high here, and bicycles are the main form of transportation across the
incredible 100 miles of bike paths that crisscross the campus and environs. “Bicycles
are the norm at Davis. Don’t come without one,” advises one psych major. The uni-
versity also sponsors sustainability projects and promotes such novelties as contests
between residence halls for the lowest heating and electric bills.
In between quizzes and cram sessions, the surrounding communities offer a
welcome change of pace. With its tree- lined streets and quiet nights, the city of
Davis itself is small but has enough restaurants,
activities, and entertainment to keep those who
want to stay close to campus happy. The rela-
tionship between the college and town is one of unusual cooperation (partly because
the students, who make up half the population, like to vote in local elections). A car
UC Davis’s World Food
Center is dedicated
to innovating food
production methods
for improved
human health and
environmental
sustainability.
“[UC Davis is] the number
one choice for any pre- vet.”
Bicycles are the main
form of transportation
across the incredible
100 miles of bike
paths that crisscross
the campus.
“You really feel a sense of
community when you’re here.”
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100 UC IRVINE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
can come in handy if you are looking for an urban night out in Sacramento (20 min-
utes) or a big- name show in San Francisco (a little more than an hour). Undergrads
who lack wheels of their own can get around town for free on the student- run
Unitrans bus system or head to UC Berkeley via an intercampus shuttle. Beaches are
a two- hour drive from the campus, and the ski slopes and hiking trails of Lake Tahoe
and the Sierra Nevada mountains are a little closer.
Most of UC Davis’s 25 Division I varsity teams (the Aggies) compete in the Big
West Conference. Men’s basketball is a fan favorite, and women’s basketball and
cross- country are recent conference champions. The annual Causeway Classic foot-
ball game against rival Sacramento State stirs passions, as do recreational sports:
students are active in nearly 40 club sports and more than 25 intramurals. Given the
Mediterranean climate, outdoor activities are popular, and almost everyone does
something athletic— jogging, softball, tennis, swimming, or Frisbee— if only to break
up their studies with a different kind of competition.
Proud of its small- town atmosphere, UC Davis is not for the lazy or faint of
heart. As one student says, “There’s no free ride. You are going to have to work for
everything you get.” And most students get a lot out of their four or more years at
UC Davis. It’s the ideal spot to combine high- powered work in science and agricul-
ture with that famous easygoing California lifestyle.
Campus hot topics
include social justice
and sustainability.
Overlaps
UC San Diego, UC
Irvine, UC Santa
Barbara, UCLA, UC
Berkeley, UC Santa
Cruz, UC Riverside,
UC Merced
If You Apply To ›
Davis: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to a particular
college, school, or program. Application includes optional question about gender/sexual identity.
UC Irvine
260 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, CA 92697
Irvine sits in the midst of one of the nation’s biggest suburbs, combining funky,
modern architecture with a studious, preprofessional student body. Premed is the
featured attraction, along with computer science and engineering. Not quite as close
to the beach as Santa Barbara— but close enough for students to enjoy it regularly.
On the surface, UC Irvine’s clean, contemporary campus appears to be home to stu-
dents who study diligently in the busy library, wear sensible shoes to class, and at
least try to resist that double shot of espresso at the busy coffee shops around campus.
But that image starts to dissipate as soon as you hear that bizarre noise: “Zot! Zot! Zot!”
Then a UCI student explains that “it’s the sound that an anteater supposedly makes
when it swipes an ant with its tongue.” Hey, any school that has a marauding anteater
as a mascot can’t be completely straitlaced. The university is, however, serious about its
reputation as a school with stellar programs in science, technology, and the arts.
Located in the heart of Orange County and founded in 1965, UCI is among the
newest of the UC campuses. While enrollment is up and the administration antici-
pates further expansion, according to one English major, “It is the perfect size.” UCI
is liberally supplied with trees and shrubs from all over the world. Futuristic build-
ings are arranged in a circle around 21- acre Aldrich Park, “giving it the appearance
of a relaxed art school,” says one observer. Undergraduates have long quipped that
UCI stood for “Under Construction Indefinitely.” Newer campus additions include
Website: www .uci .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 34,558
Undergraduates: 27,920
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 76%
Pell Grant: 43%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 39%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 119,199
Accepted: 21%
Enrolled: 23%
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
residential towers housing nearly 500 first- year students at the Middle Earth com-
munity (named after the Lord of the Rings trilogy).
UCI’s general education requirements involve three courses each in writing, sci-
ence and technology, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities.
Students also fulfill requirements in foreign language; quantitative, symbolic, and
computational reasoning; multicultural studies;
and international/global issues. Optional first-
year seminars, limited to 15 students each, create
a more intimate environment in which to adjust
to academic life at a research university. Students may choose from more than 80
majors, and the Campuswide Honors Program is available for top students; several
individual departments offer honors programs as well.
A “premed mentality” reigns at Irvine, and the School of Biological Sciences is
the best and most competitive academic division; undergraduate degrees in nursing
science and pharmaceutical sciences are also notable. The university houses multi-
ple medical research centers focusing on areas like aging and dementia, neurological
disorders, and spinal cord trauma. After biology, the most popular majors are com-
puter science, psychology, business economics, and political science. The computer
science department is bolstered by a fast- growing major in computer game science,
and the engineering school is highly competitive. The Claire Trevor School of Arts
offers nationally ranked programs in dance, drama, music, studio art, and music
theater, and the school’s Beall Center for Art and Technology enables students to
explore the relationship between digital technology and the arts and sciences. An
interdisciplinary major in social ecology combines criminology, environmental and
legal studies, and psychology and social behavior, and strongly emphasizes faculty/
student relationships. Languages are solid at UCI, and a creative writing program is
gaining national recognition.
Like most of the other UC campuses, UCI is on a 10- week quarter system, so the
pace is fast and furious. “UCI is fairly competitive, and the courses are moderately
rigorous,” says a junior, but students are also said to be “surprisingly cooperative.”
Getting into required classes can be difficult at times, and “Graduate students teach
lower- division writing courses,” says one student, adding that “many classes are
overcrowded, leaving little room for personal attention.” Even so, 56 percent of
undergraduate classes enroll fewer than 20 students.
Ninety- four percent of undergraduates are in- staters, the majority from Southern
California and many of those from wealthy Orange County— although an impres-
sive 51 percent of incoming freshmen are first- generation college students and
43 percent qualify for Pell Grants. Thirteen percent hail from foreign countries. The
campus leans liberal, but students are generally
not as active in political or social causes as their
peers at some other UC campuses. Students of
color account for more than two- thirds of the
student body, with Asian Americans representing 38 percent, Hispanics/Latinos
27 percent, Black students just 2 percent, and multiracial students 6 percent. One
senior notes, “Cultural groups seem to segregate from each other,” although several
initiatives and events, including the Cross- Cultural Center, the Community Roots
Festival, and the Deconstruction Zone Series, are designed to educate and engage the
campus community in diversity, social justice, and cultural wellness. Merit scholar-
ships averaging $8,400 are awarded annually, as are more than 130 athletic awards.
Forty- four percent of undergraduates live on campus. Condominium- style dorms,
both single sex and co- ed, are “exceptional compared to the high- rise dormitories
of other institutions,” says one senior. Others agree that the homey campus dwell-
ings provide a good experience for freshmen. Although freshmen are guaranteed
(continued)
Grad in 6 Years: 87%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (949) 824- 6703
Email Address: admissions @
uci .edu
Strong Programs:
Biological Sciences
Nursing Science
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Computer Science
Engineering
Performing Arts
Studio Art
Social Ecology
“Graduate students teach
lower- division writing
courses.”
UCI’s Beall Center for
Art and Technology
enables students
to explore the
relationship between
digital technology and
the arts and sciences.
“You have to find the social
life on this campus. It won’t
find you.”
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102 UC LOS ANGELES
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
UC Los Angeles
1147 Murphy Hall, Box 951436, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Tucked into exclusive Bel Air with the beach, the mountains, and chic Hollywood
hangouts all within easy reach. The adjacent town of Westwood is an ideal student
hangout. Practically everything is offered here, but— no surprise, given its location in
La La Land— the programs in arts and media are some of the best in the world. Less
politically active than Berkeley but just as difficult to get into.
With four Nobel Prizes awarded to alumni and faculty in the past decade, you might
think UCLA is an intellectual brain trust. Or with a long list of well- known and
highly accomplished alumni in the arts, film, and sports, maybe UCLA is some sort
of incubator for truly talented and gifted people. Well, UCLA is all that and more.
A superb faculty, a reputation for outstanding academics, and a powerful athletics
program make this university a full- service place to study.
UCLA’s prime location— sandwiched between two glamorous neighborhoods
(Beverly Hills and Bel Air) and a short drive from the beach, Hollywood, the Sunset
Strip, and downtown Los Angeles— makes it appealing for students who want more from
Website: www .ucla .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 44,352
Undergraduates: 31,762
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 46%
Pell Grant: 22%
on- campus housing for two years, 18 percent of them choose to live off campus, which
can create a slight commuter- school atmosphere. Most upperclassmen opt for themed
housing, fraternity and sorority houses, or off- campus dwellings, often on the beach.
One student remarks, “You have to find the social life on this campus. It won’t
find you.” The 18 fraternities and 18 sororities attract a small percentage of students,
and each has something going on every weekend. Students of legal age can unwind
at the campus pub. The one event that brings everybody out is Celebrate UCI, a
daylong, student- run festival featuring live performances, free food, carnival games
and rides, and a car show.
If life on campus is slow, beyond it is not. That’s because UCI is located just 50 miles
from L.A., five miles from the beach, and a little more than an hour from the ski slopes.
Catalina Island, with beaches and hiking trails, is a quick boat trip off Newport Harbor;
Mexico is two hours away. While some students treasure the city of Irvine’s quiet set-
ting, others lament its “lackluster, homogeneous communities” and conservative feel.
UCI fields 20 Division I Anteater athletic teams. Tennis and cross- country are
perennial Big West powerhouses, and men’s basketball is a recent conference cham-
pion. Men’s volleyball and water polo are nationally ranked. There is no football
team, but intramurals are extremely popular, as is the state- of- the- art campus recre-
ation center. UCI’s varsity eSports program for organized, multiplayer video game
competitions is the first of its kind at a public research university.
What lures students to UCI is its top- name professors, innovative academic pro-
grams, and the chance to be a part of its cutting- edge research. For those who come
here prepared to keep their heads buried in a book for a few years, the reward can be
an exceptional education. Where else can you study anteaters in the lab and then
cheer them on in the gym?
Students may choose
from more than
80 majors, and the
Campuswide Honors
Program is available
for top students.
Overlaps
UCLA, UC San
Diego, UC Santa
Barbara, UC Davis,
UC Berkeley, UC
Riverside, UC Santa
Cruz, UC Merced
If You Apply To ›
Irvine: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to a particular
college, school, or program. Application includes optional question about gender/sexual identity.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
their college experience than going to class. The beautifully landscaped, 419- acre campus
features a range of architectural styles, with Romanesque/Italian Renaissance as the
dominant motif, providing only one of a number of reasons students enjoy staying on
campus. A wealth of gardens— botanical, Japanese, and sculpture— add a touch of quiet
elegance. The campus is philosophically divided into North and South. North attracts
more liberal arts aficionados, while those in math and science tend to favor South.
First- year students are encouraged to participate in a three- day summer orienta-
tion that provides workshops, counseling, an introduction to the campus and com-
munity, and a chance to register for classes. In Fall Quarter, freshmen can begin a
yearlong cluster of interdisciplinary courses on
topics such as Environment and Sustainability or
enroll in small- group seminars such as Student
Activism from the Sixties to Present. To graduate, first- year students are required to
take (or test out of) quantitative reasoning and English composition courses. Lab
science and a language requirement are necessary for a liberal arts degree, and all
students must take a course on diversity. Concerned that too many majors have
been asking too little of students, the university is now encouraging departments to
require capstone projects in which students must use the methodological training of
their discipline and integrate what they have learned across topics and fields.
Strong programs abound at UCLA, which joined the UC system in 1919, and
many are considered among the best in the nation. UCLA is well established in
the STEM fields; the Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science is highly
regarded and sets the tone on campus, and biological sciences, mathematics, and
chemistry are also strong. The School of Theater, Film, and Television is first- rate, and
its students have the opportunity to study in Verona, Italy, with the Theater Overseas
program. The popular Herb Alpert School of Music offers an institute of jazz perfor-
mance and boasts legend Herbie Hancock among its distinguished faculty. Dance and
design/media arts are standouts in the School of the Arts and Architecture. Sociology,
psychology, political science, and economics enroll the most students.
UCLA gets more applications than any other college in the country— nearly 140,000
per year— and the academic environment is intense, especially in STEM fields. Although
48 percent of all undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, required core
classes, usually taken in the first two years, can be as large as 300 to 400 people, with
smaller sections. Students warn that some profs are mainly interested in their research,
but a political science major says, “We are spoiled by incredible faculty at UCLA— top
researchers in their field and amazing lecturers.” Two undergraduate research centers,
one for the sciences and one for the arts, humanities, and social sciences, help students
develop research skills and connect them with opportunities. The university regularly
ranks in the top 10 in the nation in federal funding for research. Faculty- led study
abroad programs are popular, and “financial aid travels with you,” according to a junior.
“UCLA students love a challenge,” says a computer science major. “They are also
very invested in building up their peers and the community around them.” Seventy-
six percent of undergraduates are California resi-
dents, and 9 percent are international. Asian
Americans account for 29 percent of UCLA’s stu-
dent population, Hispanics/Latinos 22 percent,
Black students 3 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 7 percent. The political atmosphere is liberal; UCLA is one of the few univer-
sities in the nation with a gay fraternity and a lesbian sorority, and students often
advocate for social justice issues. Merit scholarships are available, averaging $6,600
each, as well as more than 360 athletic scholarships in 23 sports.
Fifty- eight percent of undergraduates, including almost all freshmen, live on
campus in the residential area known as “the Hill”; freshmen are guaranteed three
(continued)
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 33%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 149,815
Accepted: 9%
Enrolled: 50%
Grad in 6 Years: 92%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (310) 825- 3101
Email Address: N/A
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Biological Sciences
Mathematics
Theater
Film and Television
Music
Dance
Design/Media Arts
“We are spoiled by
incredible faculty at UCLA.”
The popular Alpert
School of Music
offers an institute
of jazz performance
and boasts legend
Herbie Hancock
among its faculty.
“[Students] are very
invested in building up their
peers and the community
around them.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
consecutive years of university housing, and the dorms get great reviews. Residential
learning communities with a faculty member in residence are an option for those
who wish to bond with classmates over shared interests. Fifteen dining halls, restau-
rants, and snack bars serve meals that students rave about. “I have friends who
attend other universities who will visit me just so they can eat UCLA’s food,” says a
senior. UCLA has its own police department that keeps the campus safe, and a junior
says, “Our Title IX officer is actively working to spread awareness [of sexual assault]
and connect those affected with the right resources.”
Consistent with UCLA’s huge enrollment, there is no shortage of social options on
campus. “Social life is bustling,” cheers a junior. “What I love about UCLA is that a lot
of social things happen on campus— you always feel like you are a part of something
greater because so many students participate in activities going on.” Eleven percent of
men and 13 percent of women join one of UCLA’s
nearly 60 fraternities and sororities, and a senior
says Greek life “is a fun way to get involved and
meet people, but it does not monopolize social
life.” The university’s alcohol policy is similar to
that of other UC schools— open consumption is a no- no. Top- name entertainers, polit-
ical figures, and speakers of all kinds come to the campus; film and theater presenta-
tions are frequent, and the air is thick with live music. Spring Sing, a campuswide
student talent show presided over by celebrity judges, is a favorite tradition. Volunteer
Day is a big deal here, too, and attracts more than 8,000 student volunteers annually.
With all the attractions of the City of Angels at UCLA’s doorstep, social life is
hardly confined to campus. “There is constantly a variety of different concerts,
plays, art shows, comedy shows, and festivals in L.A. that students can take advan-
tage of,” says a junior. The hopping Westwood neighborhood, which borders the
university, has at least 15 movie theaters and scores of coffee shops and affordable
restaurants, although the shops tend to cater to the upper class. The beach is
five miles away, and the mountains are only a short drive. Although public transpor-
tation is cheap, it’s also relatively inconvenient (although new bus routes have eased
this somewhat). The easiest solution is to live close to campus and ride a bike.
The UCLA Bruins have won a staggering number of collegiate titles, including
120 Division I team national championships. Women’s soccer, men’s water polo,
softball, and women’s beach volleyball are all strong. Along with crosstown rival
USC, UCLA will move to the Big Ten Conference in 2024. The men’s football and
basketball teams are the undeniable crowd- pleasers, although beating USC is the
name of the game in any sport. UCLA fans regard their intra- city rivalry with enthu-
siasm. Beat USC Week, the week leading up to the football game between the two,
is an event in itself, featuring a bonfire, concert, and blood drive. About a third of
students compete in club and intramural sports.
“Although everyone is striving for excellence, UCLA allows everyone to experi-
ence life,” muses a junior. “That means taking time to prepare for exams and do it
well, while also making time to play beach volleyball at Sunset Rec with all of your
friends.” A leading research center, 200 fields of study, distinguished faculty mem-
bers, and outstanding athletics make UCLA one of the most prestigious universities
in the nation. And despite the huge size, students still feel they are part of a tight-
knit community bubbling with Bruin pride.
“I have friends who attend
other universities who will
visit me just so they can eat
UCLA’s food.”
Spring Sing, a
campuswide
student talent show
presided over by
celebrity judges, is a
favorite tradition.
The university
regularly ranks in
the top 10 in the
nation in federal
funding for research.
Overlaps
UC Berkeley, UC
San Diego, Stanford,
University of
Southern California,
UC Irvine, UC
Davis, UC Santa
Barbara, Harvard
If You Apply To ›
UCLA: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to a particular
college, school, or program. Application includes optional question about gender/sexual identity.
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UC RIVERSIDE 105
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
UC Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
Most diverse UC school, one of the least difficult to get into, and offers a more
personal touch. UCR’s traditional strengths in the sciences are bolstered by expanding
opportunities for undergraduate research. Since many students commute, social life
is relatively tame. While some complain of a lack of nightlife in Riverside, they readily
agree that activities on campus make up for it.
Lacking the big- name reputation and booming athletic programs of many other UC
schools, UC Riverside has chosen to place its emphasis on something that not all
universities consider to be an important priority: the student. Riverside offers one of
the lowest student/faculty ratios in the UC system, strong academic and cocurricular
programs, and a richly diverse community. “Students are well taken care of and get
personal attention,” says one satisfied senior. Though part of the UC system, UC
Riverside is a breed apart.
Located 60 miles east of Los Angeles, UCR is surrounded by mountains on the
outskirts of the city of Riverside. The beautifully landscaped, 1,200- acre campus con-
sists of mainly modern architecture, with a 160- foot bell tower (with a 48- bell caril-
lon) marking its center. Wide lawns, clusters of oaks, and a botanical garden make
ideal spots for relaxing between classes. Acres of citrus groves form a half- circle on
the outer edges of campus and perfume the air. Recent campus additions include the
800- bed Dundee Residence Hall, the 62,000- square- foot Student Success Center, and
a 63,000 square- foot School of Business complex.
All students are required to meet extensive “breadth requirements” that include
courses in English composition, natural sciences and math, humanities, and social
sciences. Some majors include a foreign language requirement. The campus libraries
have an impressive 4 million volumes, an interlibrary loan system within the UC
system, and hundreds of electronic databases, including a specialized science fiction
research collection. UCR’s California Museum of Photography is located in down-
town Riverside and accessible online.
Decades ago, researchers at the Citrus Experiment Station in Riverside perfected
the growing methods for the imported navel orange, making discoveries to protect
the fruit from disease and pests and saving California’s citrus industry. Riverside con-
tinues to excel in plant biology and entomology.
But the campus has grown since its founding in
1954 to include excellent programs spanning a
number of disciplines. The biological sciences
program is UCR’s most prestigious and demand-
ing, especially the medical biology track. The Bourns College of Engineering, which
has strong majors in computer science, computer engineering, and environmental
engineering, is also quite selective, more so than the campus as a whole. Creative writ-
ing is notable, and Riverside is the only UC school that offers an undergraduate major
in public policy. Business administration, biology, psychology, and sociology are the
most popular majors.
Students say the academic climate is cooperative. “Instead of being super com-
petitive,” says a student, “I see more students working together to get the job done.”
Currently, 22 percent of undergraduate classes have more than 50 students. Research
is an institutional priority for faculty, and the quality of instruction can vary. Still,
UCR has a tradition of undergraduate and faculty interaction; 30 percent of under-
grads conduct research, and a wide range of research grants are available during
Website: www .ucr .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 25,524
Undergraduates: 21,955
Male/Female: 47/51
Financial Aid: 84%
Pell Grant: 43%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 55%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 54,685
Accepted: 69%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 76%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (951) 827- 3411
Email Address: admissions @
ucr .edu
Strong Programs:
Plant Biology
Entomology
Biological Sciences
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Creative Writing
Public Policy
“Instead of being super
competitive, I see more
students working together
to get the job done.”
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106 UC RIVERSIDE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the academic year. “The professors are usually happy to help students, as are the
teaching assistants,” says a psychology and education major. The University Honors
Program offers exceptional students further academic challenges, in addition to
extracurricular activities and special seminars for freshmen. Talented student sing-
ers, dancers, and actors can earn stipends for performing in the community through
an arts outreach program. Faculty- led, five- week summer study abroad options are
expanding, and through the UC system, students have access to more than 150
international programs in over 40 countries.
Ninety- five percent of UCR undergraduates are from California, mainly L.A.,
Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange County; 1 percent are international. “UCR is
one of the most diverse universities in the nation,” a political science major says,
which creates “a blended environment of different cultures, nationalities, and social
statuses.” Indeed, Asian Americans account for 37 percent of the students, Hispanics/
Latinos 39 percent, Black students 3 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. A
hefty 43 percent of first- time freshmen receive Pell Grants. As part of the UC com-
mitment to diversity, UCR’s Costo Hall houses centers for various ethnicities, for
women, and for LGBTQ students. The political atmosphere is liberal, and a junior
comments, “The student body is pretty chill and open- minded.” Numerous merit
scholarships averaging $6,300 are doled out every year, as well as more than 200
athletic scholarships.
Housing is relatively easy to obtain, but the quality varies greatly. “While West
Lothian looks like a prison, Pentland Hills is like a resort,” says one student. Thirty-
five percent of undergrads live in the dorms. Construction is ongoing on the mas-
sive North District development, which will
eventually add about 6,000 beds, new dining and
athletic facilities, and other mixed- use spaces to
accommodate the university’s growing student
population. The district’s first apartment com-
munity, North District Apartments, opened in 2021 with beds for 1,500 students.
Five academically oriented living/learning communities are popular with freshmen,
who are guaranteed housing for their first year. Campus dining is generally described
as adequate. Students say they feel safe on campus; security measures include an
escort service, patrolling security officers, and regular training on sexual assault pre-
vention and intervention.
Fraternities and sororities attract 2 percent of the men and 4 percent of the
women. “There is always something going on, whether it be a concert, lecture, or
sorority/fraternity party,” one sophomore says. Campus hangouts, including the
renovated and expanded Barn, have live bands and comedy nights, and a cultural
arts program brings professional shows to campus. Every Wednesday the campus
can enjoy a “nooner,” where the music department puts on free concerts and lec-
tures during lunch. Returning students are welcomed back every year with a cam-
puswide block party, and the Spring Splash concert brings in hot bands. University
Village is a commercial center offering a movie theater, restaurants, and an arcade
right on the edge of campus. Riverside weather is temperate except during the
summer months, when the heat and haze combine to make a trip to the ocean look
really inviting. The coast is only about 45 minutes by freeway and the desert an hour
east. Big Bear and numerous ski resorts are also within an hour’s drive.
The Riverside Highlanders compete in the Division I Big West Conference in 17
sports, and the men’s soccer and women’s golf teams have been successful in recent
years. A recreational program in men’s and women’s karate has turned out national
champions. A student recreation center offers a health- club atmosphere with sand
volleyball, weight and workout machines, and intramural sports, including peren-
nially popular basketball and soccer leagues.
Returning students
are welcomed back
every year with a
campuswide block
party, and the Spring
Splash concert brings
in hot bands.
“There is always something
going on, whether it be a
concert, lecture, or sorority/
fraternity party.”
The campus libraries
have an impressive
4 million volumes.
Overlaps
UC Santa Barbara,
UC Irvine, UC
Davis, University of
Oregon, UC Santa
Cruz, UC San Diego,
UCLA, Cal State
Fullerton
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UC SAN DIEGO 107
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0021, La Jolla, CA 92093
Applications have doubled in the past 10 years at this seaside paradise. UC San
Diego now rivals better- known Berkeley and UCLA as the Cal campus of choice
for top students. Six undergraduate colleges break the university down to a more
manageable size. Best known for science, engineering, and the famed Scripps
Institution of Oceanography.
Some say that looking good is better than feeling good, but at UC San Diego, they’re
doing a lot of both. Set against the serene beauty of La Jolla’s beaches, students
catch as much relaxation time as they do study time. But San Diego, established in
1960, is now the research star of the UC system, and its faculty rates high nation-
ally among public institutions in science productivity. And within each of the six
undergraduate colleges, a system that offers undergraduates more intimate settings,
students are honing their minds with the classics and the cutting edge in academics.
San Diegans tend to be more mellow than the average Southern Californian, and
the students here follow suit. But UC San Diego is bubbling with intellectual energy
and the healthy desire to be at the top of the UC system.
San Diego’s tree- lined campus sits high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific in the
seaside resort of La Jolla. The predominant architectural theme is contemporary,
with a few out- of- the- ordinary structures, including a library that looks like an
inverted pyramid. Another tinge of the postmod-
ern is the nation’s largest neon sculpture, which
wraps around one of the high- rise academic
buildings and consists of seven- foot- tall letters that spell out the seven virtues super-
imposed over the seven vices. Work is underway on a significant campus expansion
that will add several new academic and residential facilities, including the com-
pleted $67 million Design and Innovation Building.
UC San Diego’s six undergraduate colleges have their own sets of general edu-
cation requirements, their own personalities, and differing ideals on which they are
based. Revelle College, the oldest, is the most rigorous and mandates that students
become equally acquainted with a certain level of coursework in the humanities,
sciences, and social sciences, as well as fulfill a language requirement. Muir allows
more flexibility in the distribution of requirements. Thurgood Marshall College was
founded to emphasize and encourage social awareness. Like Revelle, it places equal
weight on sciences, social sciences, and humanities, but it also stresses a liberal arts
education based on “an examination of the human condition in a multicultural
Website: www .ucsd .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Public
Total Enrollment: 39,516
Undergraduates: 32,083
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 60%
Pell Grant: 24%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 39%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 131,254
Accepted: 24%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (858) 534- 4831
Email Address:
admissionsreply @ ucsd .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Computer Science
Oceanography
Biology
“You end up teaching a lot
of the material to yourself.”
All in all, Riverside is expanding and improving, albeit not without some growing
pains, including tuition and living costs. But it still offers more personal attention to
its students than many of its larger, sister UC campuses. “UCR has grown immensely
over the past few years,” one sophomore says. “The emphasis for the future is to estab-
lish a name for UCR, to let the nation know what a wonderful university this is.”
If You Apply To ›
Riverside: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to a particular
college, school, or program. Application includes optional question about gender/sexual identity.
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108 UC SAN DIEGO
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
society.” Warren has developed a highly organized internship program that gives
its undergraduates more practical experience than the others do. Eleanor Roosevelt
College devotes its curriculum to international and cross- cultural studies. Sixth
College focuses on art, culture, and technology, with the aim of preparing students
to work collaboratively and enjoy working in their communities. Prospective fresh-
men apply to the university but must indicate their preferred college.
UC San Diego’s programs in science, engineering, and computer science have
global reputations and are “not for the faint of heart,” says one student. The engi-
neering school, notable for offerings like structural engineering and nanoengineer-
ing, is particularly competitive, and a limit to the number of students who can
declare these majors means acceptance usually requires an A average and top test
scores in entry- level courses. The nearby Scripps Institution of Oceanography is also
excellent. Biology (the most popular major) and chemistry are also strengths, but
you really can’t go wrong in any of the hard sciences. Although the humanities and
social sciences are not as solid in comparison, international studies, psychology, and
cognitive science are popular majors. Students may also devise their own majors.
Twenty- one percent of students study abroad; San Diego’s five- week, faculty- led
Global Seminars in the summer are especially popular.
San Diego operates on the quarter system, which means students cram 3 or 4
courses into 10 weeks. Science students in particular find the workload intense. The
quality of research done by the faculty, half a dozen of whom are Nobel laureates, is
extremely high, and students have ample opportunities to assist with research,
sometimes as early as freshman year. Students say the typical scenario of research
over teaching is not as common at UC San Diego. Even so, given the large class
sizes— 26 percent of undergraduate courses enroll more than 50 students— “you end
up teaching a lot of the material to yourself,” according to an anthropology major.
A theater major notes that the university’s academic intensity “does not mean that
all the students here are nerdy. We enjoy athletics and extracurricular activities, but
academic excellence is our priority.” San Diego ranks highly among public colleges and
universities in the percentage of graduates who go
on to earn a Ph.D. and in the percentage of stu-
dents accepted to medical school. Nine percent of
undergraduates are from states outside of California,
and 14 percent are international. Representation of
students of color is high, with 39 percent of the student body being Asian American,
23 percent Hispanic/Latino, and 3 percent Black. Diversity education includes a Cross-
Cultural Center for students, faculty, and staff that provides activities, brown- bag lun-
cheons, and programs on race relations. Merit scholarships averaging $12,700 are
available, and the university has begun to offer some athletic scholarships as it transi-
tions to Division I status.
Each of the university’s colleges has its own housing complex, with either dorms
or apartments. Most freshmen live on campus and are guaranteed housing for their
first two years. “The residence halls are very nice, with all the amenities,” says an
animal physiology major. Dorm residents are required to buy a meal plan, and their
Dining Dollars are good at any of the campus’s 13 eateries. Overall, 39 percent of
undergraduates live on campus; by junior year, students usually decide to take up
residence in La Jolla proper or nearby Del Mar, often in beachside apartments. That
can be costly, but if you are willing to relinquish the luxury of a five- minute walk to
the beach, a short commute will bring you relatively affordable housing.
“La Jolla is a rich, conservative, retired, white, snobbish community,” one
sophomore says. “Not a college town!” Cars are, of course, an inescapable part of
Southern California life, and owning one— many people do— makes off- campus
living even more pleasant. “No car equals no fun,” one international studies major
(continued)
Chemistry
International Studies
Psychology
Cognitive Science
UC San Diego’s
programs in science,
engineering, and
computer science have
global reputations.
“We enjoy athletics and
extracurricular activities,
but academic excellence is
our priority.”
San Diego’s five-
week, faculty- led
Global Seminars
in the summer are
especially popular.
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UC SANTA BARBARA 109
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Willpower is the watchword at UC Santa Barbara. On a beautiful day with the sound
of waves crashing in the distance, that’s what it takes to hang in there with pen,
paper, laptop, or book. Fairly or not, Santa Barbara is known as the party animal of
the UC system. In the classroom, science is the best bet. Free spirits should check
out the unusual College for Creative Studies.
For students at UC Santa Barbara, California’s famed beaches serve as both class-
room and playground. On weekends, sun- worshipping students grab surfboards and
don bikinis and head to the water for some serious fun. During the week, those same
students can likely be found studying technology rather than tan lines. “On a nice
Website: www .ucsb .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
says, although trying to park on campus can be difficult. Mexico is a half- hour drive
(even nearer than the desert, where many students go hiking), and the two- hour trip
to Los Angeles makes for a nice weekend jaunt.
For those looking to stay closer to campus, the Pacific Beach and downtown San
Diego, with its zoo, Sea World, and Balboa Park, are all only 12 miles away. Torrey
Pines State Natural Reserve is great for outdoor enthusiasts. “Most students hang out
at the dance clubs, jazz bars, and great restaurants
in the Gaslamp Quarter,” says a senior. The uni-
versity offers nearly 600 student- run groups, and
14 percent of the men and 14 percent of the
women join a fraternity or sorority. The campus is
dry, but some students claim that lax RAs and good fake IDs make for easy underage
drinking. Although campus life is relatively tame, everyone looks forward to university-
sponsored festivals, including the Open House, UnOlympics, and the Reggae Festival.
The biggest annual event pays tribute to a hideously loud and colorful statue of the
Sun God, which is the unofficial mascot for this sun- streaked student body. The Sun
God Festival draws such big- name performers as Drake and Wiz Khalifa.
Although San Diego will never be mistaken for a sports- crazed school (á la USC),
the university is in the process of transitioning from Division II to the Division I Big
West Conference. Triton volleyball, water polo, soccer, basketball, and tennis teams
have traditionally been the strongest. The school’s club surfing team has won seven
national championships. For weekend warriors, classes are available in windsurfing,
sailing, scuba diving, and kayaking at the nearby Mission Bay Aquatic Center. Most
students participate in one intramural league or another, and according to one, if
you’re not on a team, “you’re not a true UC San Diego student.”
The students at UC San Diego are exceptionally serious and out for an excellent
education. But the pace (study, party, relax, study more) and the props (sun, sand,
Frisbees, and flip- flops) give the rigorous curriculum an inimitable flavor that under-
graduates would not change. Indeed, many believe they have the best setup in higher
education: “a beautiful beachfront environment that eases a life of academic rigor.”
The annual Sun
God Festival draws
such big- name
performers as Drake
and Wiz Khalifa.
“Most students hang out at
the dance clubs, jazz bars,
and great restaurants in the
Gaslamp Quarter.”
Overlaps
University of
Michigan, U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
University of
Virginia, University
of Washington,
UW– Madison,
UCLA, UC
Berkeley, UC Santa
Barbara
If You Apply To ›
San Diego: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to a partic-
ular college, school, or program. Application includes optional question about gender/sexual identity.
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110 UC SANTA BARBARA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
sunny day, the beaches and grassy areas will be flooded with students,” says a fresh-
man, “but most of them are there with a book.”
UCSB provides a comfortable mixture of work and play that is unique even in
the UC system. Located just a stone’s throw from the beach, UC Santa Barbara’s
1,000- acre campus is bordered on two sides by the Pacific Ocean, with a clear view
of the Channel Islands. On the landward side are a nature preserve and the predom-
inantly student community of Isla Vista, and five miles to the north lie the Santa
Ynez Mountains. The campus, which joined the UC system in 1944, features mainly
1950s Southern California architecture with an atmosphere to match.
UCSB’s general education program features the usual distribution require-
ments and coursework in writing, non- Western cultures, quantitative relation-
ships, and ethnicity. Not surprisingly, the marine biology department stands out
among the university’s best, capitalizing on the school’s aquatic resources; chem-
ical engineering, physics, and chemistry are also well regarded. The Bren School
of Environmental Science and Management is home to world- renowned faculty,
boasting six Nobel Prize winners in economics, chemistry, and physics. The most
popular majors include sociology, psychological and brain sciences, communica-
tion, and global studies. The economics and accounting program is strong, and the
courses are geared toward taking and passing the CPA exam, so graduation is usually
followed by a mass recruitment by California’s big accounting firms. The College of
Creative Studies offers an unstructured curriculum to about 400 self- starters ready
for advanced and independent work in the arts, math, or the sciences. The inter-
disciplinary global studies major, another noteworthy option, combines language
study with global history, culture, economics, and politics.
“The academic climate of UC Santa Barbara is very collaborative,” says one
sophomore, but “the workload is definitely strenuous at times.” Fifty- seven percent
of all undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, but teaching is a hit- or-
miss affair, according to one junior: “Many of
the professors are more interested in their
research than teaching a class.” On the flip side,
many opportunities are available for undergrads
to assist professors, and 60 percent of students
get involved in undergraduate research. For
those who seek time away, Santa Barbara is the headquarters of the UC system’s
Education Abroad Program, which sends students to any of 120 host universities
worldwide; 17 percent of UCSB students study abroad.
UCSB students, 92 percent of whom are California residents, are traditionally
public- spirited and laid- back. “There are some who aren’t the most academically
focused, but for the most part I’d say the students are great at balancing their aca-
demic and social lives while getting involved in helping the community,” says one
mechanical engineering major. Asian Americans contribute 20 percent of the stu-
dent body, Black students make up 2 percent, Hispanics/Latinos account for 26 per-
cent, and multiracial students add 7 percent; 12 percent are international. The
campus vibe is decidedly liberal. “Some of the biggest political issues on campus
have to do with the environment. As a coastal area, UCSB is very susceptible to pol-
lution,” explains one student. Merit scholarships averaging $8,200 and more than
200 athletic scholarships are available for those who qualify.
University housing, which includes both dorms and privately run residence
halls, is comfortable, well maintained, and much sought after. “Our on- campus
housing is amazing, right in front of the beach,” a junior says. “They come fully
furnished, with high- speed Internet, cable, telephone lines, and a great atmosphere.”
Thirty- eight percent of students, most of whom are freshmen, snag on- campus
housing. Meals in the dorms are available to residents and nonresidents alike, and
(continued)
Total Enrollment: 25,739
Undergraduates: 22,794
Male/Female: 43/55
Financial Aid: 67%
Pell Grant: 28%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 40%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 111,006
Accepted: 26%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 86%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (805) 893- 2881
Email Address: admissions @
sa .ucsb .edu
Strong Programs:
Marine Biology
Chemical Engineering
Physics
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Economics and Accounting
Global Studies
Sociology
“Students are great at
balancing their academic
and social lives while
getting involved in helping
the community.”
The marine biology
department stands out
among the university’s
best, capitalizing
on the school’s
aquatic resources.
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UC SANTA CRUZ 111
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
UC Santa Cruz
1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
From its flower- child beginnings, UC Santa Cruz has wandered back toward the
mainstream. The yoga mats and surfboards still abound and Sammy the banana slug is
still the mascot, but students are a lot more conventional than their predecessors. The
emphasis continues to be on environmental stewardship, community engagement,
and teaching students how to think, not what to think. Inadequate student housing is
a huge problem.
UC Santa Cruz, still a baby in the UC system, was born during the radical ’60s
when it reigned as the ultimate alternative school, a place that consciously rebelled
against the stodginess of educational institutions. The founding vision of an inte-
grated learning environment remains to this day, and every undergraduate affiliates
Website: www .ucsc .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
are, according to most students, more than simply edible. “Great food and tons of
it!” cheers one student. While students say they feel safe on campus, one oft used
motto is “four years, four bikes,” because of the frequency of bicycle thefts. Regarding
campus sexual assault, “The school has provided as many resources as it can, really,”
says a chemical engineering major, and it “does its best to prevent it.”
“It is really easy to get involved and make friends through campus activities,” says
a sophomore. “Additionally, the social scene off campus is really thriving in the com-
munity of Isla Vista.” Neighboring Isla Vista has welcomed its student population— after
all, most of its population is UCSB students. Students in turn are very active in the
community. The fraternities and sororities, which attract 7 percent of men and 13 per-
cent of women, are known for their philanthropy. The campus is dry, and one student
says, “Drinking alcohol on campus is pretty well
regulated and not easy to do.” Movies and con-
certs are also available, and the mountains, Los
Padres National Forest, and L.A. are all an easy
drive away. The annual Extravaganza is an all- day
free concert, and students are known to go wild on Halloween and dress up for the
entire weekend. “Halloween is our claim to fame,” boasts one student.
All of UCSB’s varsity teams (the Gauchos) compete in Division I, and the most
successful include soccer, water polo, baseball, volleyball, swimming, and basket-
ball. A never- ending rotation of intramurals is available on and off the beach, and
about a quarter of the students participate. Ultimate Frisbee is also quite popular, as
well as nationally competitive.
Sure, UCSB students love to play, but that’s not why most come to this coastal
institution. “If there was anything that I would like to improve, it would be the lin-
gering reputation UCSB has as a party school,” observes one student. “This reputa-
tion is more of a relic from times past.” That said, UCSB students also know a good
thing when they see it: not everyone gets to spend four years near the beach and
come away with a degree.
One oft used motto
is “four years, four
bikes,” because of
the frequency of
bicycle thefts.
“The social scene off
campus is really thriving
in the community of Isla
Vista.”
Overlaps
UCLA, UC
Berkeley, UC San
Diego, UC Irvine,
UC Davis
If You Apply To ›
Santa Barbara: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to a
particular college, school, or program. Application includes optional question about gender/sexual identity.
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112 UC SANTA CRUZ
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
with one of the residential colleges. Progressive thought continues to flourish, as
does a strong academic program that strives to focus on undergraduate education.
Students still come to UC Santa Cruz to do their own thing.
The campus, among the most beautiful in the nation, is set on a 2,000- acre
expanse of meadowland and redwood forest overlooking Monterey Bay. Bike paths
and hiking trails wind throughout the redwood- tree- filled campus, and the beach
is a quick drive away— or a spectacular bike ride or scenic hike. The buildings range
from 1860 Cowell Ranch farm structures to the award- winning, modern residen-
tial colleges, whose styles range from Mediterranean to Japanese to sleek concrete
block. Thanks to a unique building code, nothing may be built taller than two-
thirds the height of the nearest redwood tree. The 26,000- square- foot Digital Arts
Research Center serves as a social and intellectual hub for UC Santa Cruz’s Arts
Division. Newer additions to campus include the LEED Gold– certified Coastal
Biology Building, located at UC Santa Cruz’s Coastal Science Campus. That campus
is also home to expansive greenhouses, the Ocean Health Building, and more cen-
ters that support research and teaching on coastal conservation, ecology, climate
change impacts, and similar concerns.
UC Santa Cruz’s academic offerings range as widely as its architecture and fea-
ture both traditional and innovative programs, but overall, the emphasis is on the
liberal arts and sciences, and a majority of the students eventually go on to graduate
study. To graduate, students must fulfill a standard set of distribution requirements,
in addition to taking one of three “perspectives” courses focused on environmental
awareness, human behavior, or technology and society, and a course on creative
process, collaborative endeavor, or service learning. A disciplinary communica-
tion requirement helps students develop writing skills specific to their chosen field
of study. All seniors complete a capstone experience.
Led by marine biology and biology, the sciences are UC Santa Cruz’s strongest
suit. Science facilities include state- of- the- art laboratories; the Institute of Marine
Sciences, which boasts one of the largest groups of experts on marine mammals in
the nation; and the nearby Lick Observatory for budding stargazers. UCSC’s Baskin
School of Engineering offers strong programs in robotics engineering and computer
engineering. The computer game design B.S. is noteworthy as the first such major in
the UC system, and linguistics is strong. Students in STEM fields may benefit from
research or internship opportunities coordinated through the university’s satellite
campus in Silicon Valley. UCSC offers more than the average number of interdisci-
plinary programs, including feminist, Latin American/Latino, and critical race and
ethnic studies; environmental studies and community studies are standouts. The
most popular majors are computer science, psychology, business management eco-
nomics, and politics. While most students pursue traditional majors, the possibility
is still there for eclectically minded students to
pursue “history of consciousness” or just about
anything else they can get a faculty member to
OK. The Italian Studies major has been discon-
tinued. Thirty- five percent of students engage in faculty- guided undergraduate
research, and 8 percent study abroad in more than 46 countries through 420 avail-
able options; field study and internships are also encouraged.
“Courses are very rigorous,” warns one undergrad. Though the curriculum is
demanding and the quarter system keeps the academic pace fast, the atmosphere
is noncompetitive. Classes can be large, with 31 percent enrolling more than 50
students, but most professors at UC Santa Cruz are there to teach. “I’ve been very
impressed with how accessible professors are,” says a sophomore. “Whether it’s via
email or regular office hours, I feel very comfortable talking to all of my professors.”
“Before I came here, I was told that UCSC was a ‘hippie- dippie’ college,” says
(continued)
Total Enrollment: 18,646
Undergraduates: 16,728
Male/Female: 48/48
Financial Aid: 54%
Pell Grant: 32%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 43%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 66,033
Accepted: 47%
Enrolled: 12%
Grad in 6 Years: 77%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (831) 459- 4008
Email Address: admissions @
ucsc .edu
Strong Programs:
Marine Biology
Biology
Robotics Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Game Design
Linguistics
Environmental Studies
Community Studies
“I feel very comfortable
talking to all of my
professors.”
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UC SANTA CRUZ 113
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
one student, “but it’s not true at all.” Even so, UC Santa Cruz remains the most
liberal of the UC campuses and, according to one student, is “still a school with a
social conscience.” Ninety- two percent of undergraduates are Californians, though
the university always manages to lure a few Easterners; 4 percent are international.
Asian Americans account for 23 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 28 percent, Black stu-
dents 2 percent, and multiracial students 8 percent. “Racial, ethnic, and cultural
diversity is celebrated and strongly encouraged by the majority of the students
here,” reports a politics major. One- third of incoming freshmen qualify for Pell
Grants. Merit scholarships, which average $7,600 each, are available, but there are
no athletic scholarships.
In an effort to become what one official calls a “near- perfect hybrid” between
the large university and the small college, campus life revolves around the residen-
tial colleges, each of which has dedicated faculty fellows and support staff. Some
dorms have their own dining halls with reasonably good food; students may also
opt to join a food co- op. The CARE (Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education)
office provides education on issues of sexual assault and support to survivors. The
university provides housing for more than half of undergraduates but guarantees it
for only one year. Finding subsequent accommodations in the tight— and
pricey— Santa Cruz housing market can be difficult. Soaring rents have forced some
students to live in cars, cram into shared apartments, and rent trailers without bath-
rooms and with limited internet.
A dozen fraternities and sororities attract 4 percent of the men and 5 percent of
the women, respectively. Students 21 and over are allowed to drink alcohol on
campus, although not in public areas, and parties must be registered. More than 150
student organizations on campus cover a wide
range of interests. The beach and resort town of
Santa Cruz, with its boardwalk and amusement
park, are only a 10- minute bike ride away,
although pedaling back up the hill takes much
longer. Those looking for city lights can take the mountainous highway to San Jose
(35 miles away) or the scenic coastal highway to San Francisco (75 miles), or ride a
bus to either city. Monterey, Big Sur, the Napa Valley, and the Sierras are easily acces-
sible by car.
Although UC Santa Cruz fields only a handful of varsity teams, which slug
it out in Division III, students love their school mascot, Sammy the banana slug.
Men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s and women’s volleyball, women’s golf
and basketball, and men’s tennis have performed well in recent years. Participation
in intramurals (“Friendship through Competition” is the motto) and club sports is
widespread, with rugby in particular growing in popularity. Sailing and scuba diving
are among the many physical education classes offered.
UC Santa Cruz is a progressive school with a gorgeous campus and innovative
academic programs, where the main focus of education is undergraduates. Many
students are concerned that it is growing too fast, and an ambitious proposal for
future expansion has threatened its heretofore cozy relationship with local citizens.
Still, as long as the university retains its belief in “to each his or her own”— and stu-
dents can find a place to live— it will remain uniquely UC Santa Cruz. Where else do
you get to rally around a banana slug?
UCSC’s Institute of
Marine Sciences
boasts one of the
largest groups
of experts on
marine mammals
in the nation.
“Racial, ethnic, and cultural
diversity is celebrated and
strongly encouraged by the
majority of the students.”
Overlaps
UC Santa Barbara,
UC San Diego, UC
Irvine, UC Davis,
UC Riverside, UC
Berkeley, UCLA,
Cal Poly
Students love their
school mascot, Sammy
the banana slug.
If You Apply To ›
Santa Cruz: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to a partic-
ular college, school, or program. Application includes optional question about gender/sexual identity.
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114 CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
California Institute of Technology
1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125
If you’re a Caltech student looking for tips on how to win a Nobel Prize, just ask a
professor who already has one. The small, West Coast counterpart to MIT among
bastions of STEM research and teaching, Caltech looks for hardworking students
with grit, wide- ranging intellectual curiosity, and a propensity for jaw- dropping
pranks.
The California Institute of Technology counts 46 Nobel Prize winners among its
faculty and alumni, and students’ demanding courseload means plenty of oppor-
tunities to tap into that brilliance. Expectations are high; “Techers” are fond of
saying that “the admissions office doesn’t make mistakes,” and it’s not unheard of
to take time off to deal with stress and avoid burnout. “The atmosphere promotes
a love of science, learning, and discovery that is truly exhilarating,” says a biology
major. No doubt about it— if you prefer particle physics to partying, Caltech is a
good place to be.
Caltech’s 124- acre campus is located in Pasadena, a wealthy suburban city less
than 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles. “It’s not a college town at all,” says a
senior. The distance means the school is relatively isolated from the glitz, glamour,
and good times that many people associate with La La Land. Outside the classroom,
at least, tranquility prevails, with olive trees, lily ponds, and plenty of flowers break-
ing up clusters of older Spanish mission- style buildings. Leafy courtyards and arcades
link these with what one student describes as more modern, “block institutional”
structures. The Beckman Auditorium (affectionately dubbed “The Wedding Cake”
due to its round shape and conical roof) features spaces for performing arts, lectures,
films, classes, and entertainment events. Newer additions include the $64 million,
211- bed Bechtel Residence.
Caltech’s mission, one official says, is “to train the creative type of scientist or
engineer urgently needed in our educational, governmental, and industrial devel-
opment.” After all, it was here that Albert Einstein abandoned his concept of a
static cosmos in favor of the expanding- universe
model. This is also where physicist Carl Anderson
discovered the positron. With these luminaries
as their models, students plunge right into the
extensive core institute requirements, which
include math, physics, chemistry, biology, science communication, two introduc-
tory lab terms, and 12 terms in the humanities and social sciences to round things
out. Students complain about the latter, and “usually take no more than absolutely
required,” says a biology major. Still, they can be tough to get into come registra-
tion time, says a computer science major, since enrollment is limited “to allow for
discussion among a small group.” The pass/fail grading system in the freshman year
goes a long way toward easing the acclimation period for new arrivals. And the
honor system, which mandates that “no one member of the Caltech community
shall take unfair advantage of any other member,” helps discourage unfair tactics
to get better grades. Professors give take- home exams, and if violations of the honor
code are suspected, “students decide if a violation was indeed made,” one student
explains.
Founded in 1891, Caltech made its name in physics, and students say that
program remains strong; it’s also one of the most popular majors, along with
computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemistry,
Website: www .caltech .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,401
Undergraduates: 982
Male/Female: 55/45
Financial Aid: 50%
Pell Grant: 10%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 27%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 16,626
Accepted: 3%
Enrolled: 50%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
%
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (626) 395- 2645
Email Address:
ugadmissions @ caltech .edu
Strong Programs:
Physics
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Chemistry
Bioengineering
Mathematics
Geological and Planetary
Sciences
“The atmosphere promotes
a love of science, learning,
and discovery that is truly
exhilarating.”
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CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 115
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
bioengineering, and math. Students praise the geological and planetary sciences
department for being “flexible with students and having excellent field trips,” says
a freshman. “GPS majors are some of the happiest at Caltech.” Caltech’s endow-
ment is one of the largest among the nation’s tech schools, and regardless of major,
students benefit from state- of- the- art STEM facilities, including the Beckman
Institute, a center for fundamental research in
biology and chemistry. Ninety percent of under-
graduates participate in research, including
80 percent who receive Summer Undergraduate
Research Fellowships, which offer the chance to get a head start on their own dis-
coveries, with help from a faculty sponsor. Many summer fellows publish results
from their endeavors in scientific journals. Eighteen percent of students also find
time to study abroad.
Despite Caltech’s reputation for ubiquitous brilliance, “The quality of instruc-
tion is variable, since Caltech is a research institution,” says a sophomore. “But
even the professors who are not stellar lecturers still provide a breadth of knowl-
edge.” Another student notes that professors in the humanities and social sciences
really shine, since they actually want to teach, rather than hole up in a lab with
mass spectrometers and computer simulations of atomic fission. Coursework tends
to be heavily theory- based, and one student describes the academic climate as
“collaborative, intense, and busy.” While teaching assistants do lead some recita-
tion sections affiliated with large lectures, it’s not uncommon for professors to
lead them too— even for freshmen— and 70 percent of all classes have fewer than
20 students.
“Caltech students are quirky, awkward, extremely passionate, and supportive,”
says a mechanical engineering major. Thirty- six percent of Techers come from
California, and 9 percent hail from foreign nations. Thirty- four percent of under-
grads are Asian American; other minorities are less well represented, with Hispanics/
Latinos making up 22 percent of the student body, Black students just 3 percent,
and multiracial students 9 percent. Men out-
number women, which has inspired the bitter-
sweet observation among distaff Techers that
“the odds are good, but the goods are odd.”
Students describe their classmates as mostly apathetic when it comes to politics, but
a physics major says, “The LGBTQ community is well supported and very present
on campus.” All financial aid is awarded based on need— meaning no merit or ath-
letic scholarships— and Caltech guarantees to meet the full demonstrated need of
all admitted students.
Caltech undergrads are required to live on campus for all four years in housing
that one student calls “comfortable and convenient.” There are no fraternities or
sororities, but the campus’s eight co- ed “houses” inspire a loyalty worthy of the
Greeks and offer social and emotional support in an academically intense environ-
ment. “Housing is the most special thing about Caltech: we are sorted into houses
in a fashion similar to rushing, except that everyone gets into a house,” explains a
computer science major. During Rotation Week, freshmen spend an evening visit-
ing each house, indicating at week’s end the four they like the most; the Office of
Residential Experience then sorts them into houses. The four older houses, which
have been renovated, offer single, double, and triple rooms, while the newer ones
have doubles. Each dorm has a dining hall, and those who live on campus must buy
a meal plan, which a junior calls “quite expensive for the quality of food.” Special
plates are prepared daily for those with specific dietary needs. During an annual,
student- led Title IX Summit, students plan solutions and strategies to prevent
sexual violence.
“Caltech students are
quirky, awkward, extremely
passionate, and supportive.”
The annual Halloween
Pumpkin Drop
involves immersing
a gourd in liquid
nitrogen and then
dropping it from
the library roof.
“[Geological and planetary
science] majors are some
of the happiest at Caltech.”
It was here that Albert
Einstein abandoned
his concept of a
static cosmos in favor
of the expanding-
universe model.
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116 CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The houses are the social center of Caltech life, and since each one takes a turn
hosting a themed “interhouse” party, students can count on at least eight school-
wide parties throughout the year. Caltech requires any house or organization host-
ing a party to hire a professional bartender, who checks IDs, and to have students
trained in safety and emergency procedures in attendance. Other than house par-
ties, students say, social life is pretty tame, since everyone is so busy with their
schoolwork. “Ask any local bartender for a Caltech Cocktail and you will get three
ounces of straight water,” quips a sophomore. Some students head off campus—
to Old Pasadena, nearby schools like USC, Occidental, and the Claremont Colleges,
or to downtown L.A., easily reachable on the Metro’s gold line. Disneyland and
Hollywood are always options, and road trips to the beach, mountains, or desert— or
south of the border, to Mexico— are possible for those with cars.
Even with ample off- campus diversions, many Caltech students still prefer to
make their own fun. The annual Pumpkin Drop (on Halloween, of course) involves
immersing a gourd in liquid nitrogen and then dropping it from the library roof, so
that it shatters into a zillion frozen shards. On
Ditch Day, underclassmen solve complex puz-
zles, defeat obstacles, and engage in “wild adven-
tures” that have been planned by seniors, who
disappear from campus, and then claim a prize at
the end of the day. “All classes are canceled, all deadlines are extended, and it’s just
a day of nerdiness,” says a sophomore. During finals week, stereos blast “The Ride of
the Valkyries” at seven o’clock each morning, just the thing to get you going after
that all- nighter. Caltech also has a storied history of practical jokes. The most fabled
student prank occurred during the 1984 Rose Bowl game, when UCLA played Illinois.
A group of Caltech whiz kids spent months devising a radio- control device that
would allow them to take control of the scoreboard in the second half, to gain
national exposure for Caltech by flashing pictures of their school’s mascot, the
beaver, and a revised score that had Caltech trouncing MIT.
As for Caltech’s actual athletic exploits, some of the most successful of the school’s
16 Division III teams include men’s and women’s tennis, swimming and diving, and
cross- country. The Beavers’ men’s basketball team became campus heroes in 2011
when they ended a conference losing streak that dated back to 1985. Perhaps more
popular than varsity competition, though, are the intramural matches between the
houses, in nine sports every year. Another favorite is the annual design competition
that is the culmination of Mechanical Engineering 72, in which student- built robots
must complete tasks while traversing an obstacle course.
Caltech students must learn to thrive under intense pressure, thanks to the
school’s tremendous workload and somewhat lackluster social life. But students say
they appreciate the freedom to think and explore— and the trust administrators
place in them through the honor code. “The unique student body, how available
professors are (I call almost all of them by their first names), and how much we learn
make Caltech a special place,” says a sophomore.
“Ask any local bartender
for a Caltech Cocktail and
you will get three ounces of
straight water.”
The campus’s eight
co- ed “houses”
inspire a loyalty
worthy of the Greeks
and offer social and
emotional support.
Overlaps
MIT, Harvey Mudd,
Stanford, Harvard,
Princeton, Yale,
UC Berkeley,
University of
Chicago
If You Apply To ›
Caltech: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Students have the option of
submitting published scientific research papers and letters from research mentors. Please consult Caltech’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Calvin University
3201 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
An evangelical Christian institution that ranks high on the private college affordability
list. About a quarter of the students are members of the Christian Reformed Church.
Archrival of Michigan neighbor Hope and Illinois cousin Wheaton. Best known in
the humanities and as one of the few Christian universities with engineering. Big
emphasis on study abroad, and investing in new sports, including football.
Calvin University takes seriously its mission to equip students to “think deeply, to
act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world.”
Along with Wheaton College in Illinois, it is regarded as one of the country’s top
evangelical colleges. Though no one is required to attend the school’s daily chapel
services, classes stop when worship starts, and most students view Christian values
as central to the academic experience. “Although not every student at Calvin is reli-
gious, Christian ideals and morals are very prevalent on campus,” says a secondary
education major.
Calvin was founded in 1876 as the educational wing of the Christian Reformed
Church in North America. After outgrowing one of its first homes, the school
bought a tract of land on the edge of Grand Rapids and built its present campus.
Calvin, which changed its name from “college” to “university” in 2019, spreads
out over 400 beautifully landscaped acres that include three ponds and a 100- acre
woodland and wetland ecosystem preserve used for classes, research, and recre-
ation. Most facilities are less than 50 years old and were designed by a student of
Frank Lloyd Wright. The east campus includes the DeVos Communication Center,
the Gainey Athletic Facility, and a new $11 million School of Business building that
opened in 2022.
The Calvin Core consists of four components: Foundations (Christian thought
and engagement); Competencies and Skills (writing, health, and world languages);
Knowledge and Understanding (coursework in a broad range of liberal arts and sci-
ence disciplines); and Cross- Disciplinary Integration (coursework that helps equip
students to be global citizens). In addition, Calvin LifeWork is an optional program
that teaches skills like financial literacy and career readiness, to prepare students for
success after college.
Preprofessional programs, such as business, engineering, education, and nursing,
tend to be Calvin’s best bets, students say, and those programs are among the most
popular majors. Philosophy, English, and religion
are also regarded as strong. Calvin is the only
Christian college in the U.S. to offer a comprehen-
sive Asian studies program, which includes courses
in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language, his-
tory, and culture. New majors in operations and
supply chain management, strategic communication, and criminology are available,
and five- year bachelor- to- master’s programs are offered in accounting and in speech
pathology and audiology.
Calvin is founded on the belief that every subject— even the sciences or mass
media and popular culture— can be approached from a Christian perspective, and
faculty members work hard to integrate faith and learning. “Topics like ethics or
the synthesis of religion and science are addressed in my classes,” explains an engi-
neering major. In the absence of teaching assistants, professors are expected to
reserve about 10 hours per week for advising and assisting students outside of class.
Website: www .calvin .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,757
Undergraduates: 2,636
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 54%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 4,079
Accepted: 74%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 77%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 688- 0122
Email Address: admissions @
calvin .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Engineering
Education
Nursing
Philosophy
English
Religion
Asian Studies
“Although not every student
at Calvin is religious,
Christian ideals and morals
are very prevalent on
campus.”
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118 CALVIN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Forty- one percent of the classes at Calvin have fewer than 20 students and only a
few have more than 50. “The academic climate is rigorous, Christ- centered, sup-
portive, and honest,” says a junior, and students agree professors are accessible and
friendly. Students give high ratings to peer tutoring and mental health counseling
services.
Learning also takes place outside of the classroom through internships and
practicums, and more than 80 percent of students complete at least one internship
before they graduate. About 15 percent collabo-
rate with faculty on research projects. Calvin
offers 21 faculty- led off- campus programs in such
locales as Britain, Peru, Nepal, and Washington,
D.C., in addition to programs offered in conjunc-
tion with partner institutions. “Study abroad is a major part of Calvin,” enthuses a
junior, calling it “crucial in my Calvin experience.”
Though Calvin still has a strongly Dutch heritage, students who are members
of the Christian Reformed Church now account for just 24 percent of the student
body. “Calvin welcomes diversity of thought and challenges us to think deeply in all
areas,” remarks a political science major. Fifty- eight percent of students are Michigan
natives, and 14 percent are international. Black students constitute 5 percent of the
total, Hispanics/Latinos 4 percent, Asian Americans 5 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 3 percent. “Political views are not a defining characteristic of campus, even
if they are discussed and argued in various settings,” says a junior. Eligible Calvin
students receive scholarships based on academic merit, worth an average of $22,700
annually; there are no athletic awards.
Calvin requires undergraduates to live on campus for three years. For their first
two years, students bunk in residence halls— each of which has separate wings for
men and women— in four- person suites with two bedrooms connected by a shared
bathroom. “The suites are typically set up with two freshmen on one side and two
sophomores on the other,” explains a nursing
major. Juniors can choose between residence
halls and on- campus apartments, and many
seniors opt to move off campus. Calvin offers
three intentional living/learning floors, “which
provide a place for students passionate about
the arts, outdoor recreation, racial justice, etc.,”
explains a human resource management major.
Students report “the food is good enough to be picky” at the dining facilities and
most praise the variety available. Safety is highly rated. “The Sexual Assault
Prevention Team is active on campus, and Campus Safety is patrolling 24/7, even
during school breaks,” notes a sophomore.
“Calvin is a dry campus, and there is no Greek life, but the students aren’t
uptight— meaning that those who are of legal age take advantage of going to bars
and breweries in Grand Rapids for a drink with friends on the weekends,” says a
senior. The downtown area also offers restaurants, coffee shops, minor- league sports,
galleries, and the annual ArtPrize festival and competition. On campus, students
find a wealth of entertainment, including movies, speakers, concerts, and dances.
Popular annual traditions include Chaos Night, which brings the dorms together for
an evening of wacky games and athletic contests. The Cokes and Clubs event “allows
50- plus student organizations to gather on the central lawn. Incoming students
receive (a bottle of Coke, of course!) information about each club to facilitate
involvement from the start,” raves a senior. Hardy souls look forward to the Cold
Knight Plunge, where hundreds of students voluntarily jump into the frozen
Seminary Pond each winter, led by the college president and university pastor. Road
“Calvin welcomes diversity
of thought and challenges
us to think deeply in all
areas.”
“The students aren’t uptight—
meaning that those who
are of legal age take
advantage of going to
bars and breweries in
Grand Rapids for a drink
with friends.”
Hardy souls look
forward to the Cold
Knight Plunge, where
hundreds of students
voluntarily jump into
the frozen Seminary
Pond each winter.
Most campus facilities
are less than 50 years
old and were designed
by a student of Frank
Lloyd Wright.
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CARLETON COLLEGE 119
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Carleton College
Northfield, MN 55057
Less selective than Amherst, Williams, and Swarthmore, if only because of its
out- of- the- way Minnesota location. Carleton retains its position as the premier
liberal arts college in the upper Midwest. Predominantly liberal, but not to the
extremes of its more antiestablishment cousins, and turns out lots of students who
go on to get Ph.D.s. Students at Carleton excel at making their own fun, especially
with frisbees in hand.
Minnesota is many things: the land of 10,000 lakes, home to the massive Mall of
America, birthplace of lore from Hiawatha to Paul Bunyan, and proud parent of the
Mississippi River. Beyond all that history- book stuff, tucked into a small town in the
southeastern corner of the state is Carleton College, arguably the best liberal arts
school in the Midwest. Add to this badminton competitions that raise money to
fight cancer, an expulsion of Coca- Cola from campus for human rights violations,
and an all- day spring music festival known as “Sproncert,” and you have the mak-
ings of an engaged, unique institution. “Carleton is quirky, and we’re not afraid to
embrace our quirk. In fact, we revel in it,” says a biology major.
Carleton was founded in 1866 and named for an early benefactor. Surrounded
by rolling farmland, Carleton’s 1,040- acre campus is in the small town of Northfield,
whose one- time status as the center of the Holstein cattle industry brought it the
motto “Cows, Colleges, and Contentment.” The campus boasts of fragrant lilacs in
spring, rich summer greens, red maples in the fall, and a glistening blanket of white
in winter. Lakes, woods, and streams abound, and you can traverse them on 15
miles of hiking and cross- country skiing trails. There’s even an 880- acre arboretum.
Carleton’s architectural style is somewhat eclectic, with everything from Victorian to
Website: www .carleton .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,017
Undergraduates: 2,017
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 82%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 37%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 8,583
Accepted: 17%
Enrolled: 37%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
trips include the beaches of Lake Michigan (a 45- minute drive) or Chicago (three
hours distant). Spring break trips see a number of students traveling to places like
Mississippi and Louisiana to complete service projects.
Calvin fields a robust Division III athletic program that competes in the Michigan
Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). In 2022, the university announced the
addition of football, women’s acrobatics and tumbling, and men’s volleyball to its
portfolio of athletic offerings with new facilities to house them. Particularly compet-
itive Knights teams include women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross- country,
and men’s and women’s soccer. Calvin’s competition with Hope College is one of
the great rivalries in Division III athletics and current students and alumni alike rally
together for the annual basketball game. The intramural program offers leagues and
tournaments in sports ranging from dodgeball to ultimate Frisbee and flag football;
half of all undergraduates participate.
Those who come to Calvin University are looking to build community with
friends and faculty members who share their passion for faith- based academics. Says
one junior, “The love of learning is prevalent on campus. Many students are eager
to absorb information and learn more about God’s creation.”
Overlaps
Hope, Wheaton
(IL), Taylor,
St. Olaf, Cedarville,
Cornerstone
University, Dordt,
Messiah
If You Apply To ›
Calvin: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
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120 CARLETON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
contemporary, but mostly red brick. Recent additions include Hasenstab Hall, home
to the political science department, and a multi- year Student Life and Housing Plan
to improve campus residences is ongoing.
Carleton’s top- notch academic programs are no less varied. The sciences— biology,
physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, and computer science— are among the best
anywhere, and scores of Carleton graduates go on to earn Ph.D.s in these areas.
Political science/international relations is a tradi-
tional strength; mathematics and psychology are
popular too. Engineers can opt for a 3– 2 program
with Washington University in St. Louis, and for
geologists seeking fieldwork— and maybe wanting to thaw out after a long Minnesota
winter— Carleton sponsors a program in Death Valley. Closer to home at the “arb,”
as the arboretum is affectionately known, students in the well- regarded environ-
mental studies program have their own wilderness field station, which includes a
prairie- restoration site. At the opposite end of the academic spectrum, the arts also
flourish. Music and studio art majors routinely get into top graduate programs, and
the college has expanded offerings in dance and theater. Carleton offers interdisci-
plinary programs in Asian, Jewish, urban, African and African American, and wom-
en’s studies. A minor in cross- cultural studies brings in international students to
discuss global issues and dynamics with their American counterparts. Seventy per-
cent of Carleton students spend at least one term abroad; offerings include 18 to 20
faculty- led programs every year. Seventy- seven percent of students conduct under-
graduate research.
Distribution requirements ensure that a Carleton education exposes students
not only to rigor and depth in their chosen field, but also to “a wide range of sub-
jects and methods of studying them,” administrators say. All students must show
proficiency in writing and a second language while fulfilling requirements in the
areas of humanistic and social inquiry, literary/artistic analysis, the arts, science, and
quantitative reasoning. There’s also a Global Citizenship requirement, under which
students must take one course on international studies and one course on intercul-
tural domestic studies, and a first- year Argument and Inquiry Seminar. In their final
year, all students complete a senior comprehensive project (known around campus
as “Comps”).
With highly motivated students and an “entirely rigorous” workload, according
to a biology major, Carleton isn’t your typical mellow Midwestern liberal arts col-
lege. The trimester calendar means finals may be just three months apart, and almost
everyone feels the pressure. “I often joke that the
hottest social spot at our school is the library,”
says a linguistics major. The five- week Christmas
vacation is Carleton’s way of dealing with the
cold winters. Seventy percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, so Carls are
expected to participate actively. Carleton’s faculty members are accessible and com-
mitted. “My professors are personal mentors as much as they are formal educators,”
says a physics major. As part of its extensive advising program, Carleton assigns a
“liberal arts advisor” to work with entering students for their first two years.
“Students here have a sense of adventure and curiosity,” says a senior. Not to
be confused with the quintessentially Midwestern students across town at St. Olaf,
17 percent of Carleton students are Minnesota residents, and 10 percent are inter-
national. More than half of the out- of- staters are from outside the Midwest, with
both coasts heavily represented. Black students account for 7 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans 10 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 9 percent. “As a person of color, it’s easy to find other people of color, and we
form a tight- knit community,” says a sophomore. The Carleton campus is decidedly
(continued)
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 995- 2275
Email Address: admissions @
carleton .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Physics
Computer Science
Political Science/International
Relations
Environmental Studies
Music
Studio Art
Mathematics
“I often joke that the hottest
social spot at our school is
the library.”
Students in the
well- regarded
environmental studies
program have their
own wilderness
field station.
“Students here have a
sense of adventure and
curiosity.”
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CARLETON COLLEGE 121
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
liberal (“I have watched the conservative minority at this school vanish,” remarks a
senior), concerned with issues including climate change, gender and racial equality,
and LGBTQ rights, and students are active in the local community. Carleton meets
the full demonstrated financial need of all enrolled students, and all financial aid is
need- based— there are no merit or athletic scholarships.
Eighty- one percent of Carleton students live on campus, and housing is guaran-
teed for all four years; those who wish to live off campus must receive approval to
do so. On- campus options range from comfortable old houses to modern hotel- like
residence halls. “All dorms are quite livable and not all that different,” says a fresh-
man. Dorms are co- ed by room, but there are two halls with single- sex floors. Several
college- owned “theme” houses, situated in an attractive residential section of town
close to campus, focus on special interests such as social activism and the outdoors;
the Farm House is an environmental studies house located on the edge of the arb.
All campus residents must submit to a meal plan, to the chagrin of many. “I would
not want to be a vegan or vegetarian and go to Carleton,” gripes a freshman.
Fortunately, students can also use their meal plans at neighboring St. Olaf, where
the food gets rave reviews. Students say the campus is safe, especially given its small-
town location.
Absent a Greek system, Carleton’s social life tends to be relaxed and informal, as
well as campus- based. “Parties can often be closer to a post– 9 to 5 happy hour than
a frat rager,” says a freshman. A group called Co- op sponsors dances and Wednesday
socials every two weeks, free movies, and special
events like Comedy Night. Students say there is
no pressure to drink on campus. Popular annual
events include the Midwinter Ball, the Spring
Concert, and Mai Fete, a gala celebrated on an
island in one of the two lakes on campus. Traditions include the weeklong freshman
orientation program, where, during opening convocation, students bombard profes-
sors with bubbles as the faculty members process. Another distinctive Carleton tra-
dition is the regular liberation and dramatic reappearance of a plaster bust of
Friedrich Schiller, the Romantic philosopher and buddy of Goethe— such as dan-
gling from a helicopter over homecoming football games.
Northfield itself is a history- rich town with a population of about 21,000. A
favorite town event is the annual reenactment of Jesse James’s failed bank robbery
in 1876. “Northfield is quaint,” a sophomore says, with old- style shops, a beautiful
old hotel, cafés, and a handful of bars and breweries. Students often frequent
St. Olaf’s campus and a popular coffee shop called Goodbye Blue Monday.
Minneapolis- St. Paul, 35 miles to the north, is a popular road- trip destination.
Students aren’t allowed to have cars on campus, but daily bus service is available.
The Knights compete in Division III athletics. Men’s and women’s cross- country
have won multiple Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles in recent
years, and men’s soccer and men’s and women’s tennis and track and field are also
competitive. “Carleton’s rivalry with St. Olaf is present in every sport,” notes
one student. “Carls have recently resorted to call-
ing St. Olaf ‘Northfield Community College!’”
The school’s powerhouse ultimate Frisbee club
teams have won several national championships.
About three quarters of the students compete in 24 club and 14 intramural sports,
including broomball in the winter and Rotblatt, a game described as “softball on
steroids” and unique to Carleton. “Played once each spring, this marathon softball
game begins at sunrise and lasts one inning for each year of Carleton’s existence. It
is Rotblatt tradition for players to both bat and field with a beverage of their choice
in one hand.”
The trimester
calendar means
finals may be just
three months apart,
and almost everyone
feels the pressure.
“As a person of color, it’s
easy to find other people of
color, and we form a tight-
knit community.”
During the opening
convocation
students bombard
professors with
bubbles as the faculty
members process.
“Parties can often be closer
to a post– 9 to 5 happy hour
than a frat rager.”
Overlaps
Bowdoin, Williams,
Amherst, Pomona,
Swarthmore,
Grinnell,
Middlebury,
University of
Chicago
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122 CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213- 3890
The only premier university equally strong in both technology and the arts, Carnegie
Mellon is a national leader in blending interdisciplinary and practical education.
Applications continue to increase, so it must be doing something right. Shares its
urban neighborhood with a variety of cultural and academic institutions, including
the University of Pittsburgh. Working hard to reduce student stress levels.
Students at Carnegie Mellon don’t have to choose between soaking up the high
drama of Shakespeare and plunging into the fast- paced tech world. The university
is known for both its science offerings and strong drama and music programs. But
scholars can’t just focus on their own course of study— Carnegie Mellon continues
to strive to offer both its technical and liberal arts students a well- rounded education
that requires a lot of hard work but promises great rewards.
Tracing its origins to 1900, when industrialist Andrew Carnegie founded a tech-
nical school for the children of Pittsburgh’s blue- collar workers, Carnegie Mellon
was formed by the merger of Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon
Institute in 1967. Its self- contained, 157- acre
campus is attractively situated in Pittsburgh’s
affluent Oakland section. Next door is the city’s
second- largest park and its major museum,
named after— you guessed it— Andrew Carnegie.
Henry Hornbostel, who attended the École des Beaux- Arts in the 1890s, designed
the campus using a plan that is a modification of the Jefferson plan for the University
of Virginia, with the Beaux- Arts device of creating primary and secondary axes and
grouping buildings around significant open spaces. Buildings are designed in a
Renaissance style, with buff- colored brick arches and piers, tile roofs, and terra cotta
and granite details. The $75 million Scaife Hall of Engineering is part of an ongoing
revitalization and expansion of the university’s engineering facilities.
Carnegie Mellon has seven constituent colleges that offer undergraduate and
graduate degrees: the College of Fine Arts, the Dietrich College of Humanities and
Social Sciences, the College of Engineering, the Mellon College of Science, the
School of Computer Science, the Tepper School of Business, and the Heinz College
of Information Systems and Public Policy. Each college has its own distinct character
and admissions requirements. All the colleges, however, share the university’s com-
mitment to interdisciplinary and practical education, which shows the relevance
of the liberal arts while stressing courses that develop technical skills and good job
Website: www .cmu .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 15,697
Undergraduates: 7,276
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 51%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 34%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 34,261
Accepted: 11%
Enrolled: 44%
Grad in 6 Years: 92%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (412) 268- 2082
Email Address: admission @
andrew .cmu .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Computer Science
Architecture
Drama
“[Courses are] extremely
rigorous with many hours
expected outside of the
classroom.”
It can be cold in Minnesota, in a face- stinging, bone- chilling kind of way. And
the classes are far from easy. But Carleton is a warm campus where students toe the
line between individuality and community. At Carleton, says one student, “It isn’t
about getting the degree; it’s about having an impactful experience where students
learn more about themselves and the world they live in.”
If You Apply To ›
Carleton: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Carleton’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY 123
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
prospects. Students interested in humanities and social science can major in applied
history, professional writing, or information systems, for example, instead of tradi-
tional disciplinary concentrations.
Most departments at Carnegie Mellon are strong, but exceptional ones include
engineering, computer science, architecture, and drama. The undergraduate busi-
ness program focuses on the technical aspects of management and quantitative
decision- making. The most popular majors are
computer science, business administration, elec-
trical and computer engineering, and mechani-
cal engineering. Initiatives aimed at connecting
art and technology include the Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology network,
which offers interdisciplinary minors like game design, animation and special
effects, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
Courses are “extremely rigorous with many hours expected outside of the class-
room,” says one student. Students at Carnegie Mellon work hard, no doubt about it,
and many complain that the academic environment encourages a serious culture of
stress, but the university has taken steps to try to counteract that. Every day includes
a designated “meeting- free” time for students, allowing them time to study or partic-
ipate in student activities. A mechanical and biomedical engineering double major
notes that there is a “mindfulness room” that serves as “a space for students to relax
and take a break from schoolwork” (and get weekly visits from trained therapy dogs),
and that students are encouraged to use campus counseling services “even if it is just
to discuss stress and how to manage a new environment.” Students also recommend
the Academic Development Office, and one says, “There is absolutely no stigma
against tutoring or outside resources.” Seventy percent of classes have fewer than 20
students, and professors rate highly with most students. “Some professors are better
than others at lecturing, but I have not encountered a professor that doesn’t care
about the course,” says an electrical and computer engineering major.
Students looking to hone their professional skills will find ample opportunities,
including five- year dual- degree options, co- op programs, and advising and other
resources within the Career and Professional Development Center. Research oppor-
tunities are available across the curriculum, as
are several types of grants and fellowships to
fund them. Those interested in service learning
can get involved with the university’s extensive
outreach efforts to improve youth STEM education in the local area. Study abroad
options are plentiful and include the university’s established undergraduate campus
in the Arabian Gulf nation of Qatar, but many students have difficulty fitting study
abroad into their rigorous schedules.
“CMU is for people who know what they want to do,” asserts one student.
Despite the university’s core emphasis on interdisciplinary, well- rounded education,
Carnegie Mellon remains one of the most fragmented campuses in the nation.
Students divide themselves between actors, designers, and other artsy types and
engineers, scientists, and architects. “Most CMU students own up to their identities
as nerds, whether they be of the drama, history, or science variety,” says a math
major. In any case, students here are all high achievers and are united in their quest
for a good job after graduation.
Once a largely regional institution, drawing mostly Pennsylvania residents,
Carnegie Mellon now counts 66 percent of its full- time undergraduate students from
out of state, including 24 percent from foreign countries, and they’ve eliminated
legacy preferences in admissions. Half are students of color, including 32 percent
Asian American, 4 percent Black, 10 percent Hispanic/Latino, and 5 percent mul-
tiracial. Students report that campus politics lean liberal, but most students don’t
(continued)
Music
Business Administration
Art
Design
“I have not encountered a
professor that doesn’t care
about the course.”
Students looking
to hone their
professional skills
will find ample
opportunities,
including five- year
dual- degree options.
“CMU is for people who
know what they want
to do.”
Carnegie Mellon was
formed by the merger
of Carnegie Institute
of Technology
and the Mellon
Institute in 1967.
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124 CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
get actively involved in social or political matters. The university says it remains
committed to need- blind admissions and guarantees to meet the full demonstrated
financial need of domestic students, including permanent residents and DACA stu-
dents. Most financial aid is need- based, and there are no merit- or athletic- based
awards. “Financial aid is not the most generous in comparison to peer institutions,”
remarks a student, in part because Carnegie Mellon’s endowment is smaller.
Housing is guaranteed for undergraduates all four years if they stay in the uni-
versity housing system, and 46 percent do so. Upperclassmen get first pick, so the
popular university- owned apartments fill up fast, but there are a number of resi-
dence halls specifically for first- year students. The quality of each dorm varies, says
a junior, but “the facilities are all very livable.” The best dorms for freshmen are
Stever House— the first LEED- certified residence hall in the U.S.— Donner, Resnik,
and Morewood Gardens. “Instead of buffet- style dining halls, we have several
themed eateries that you can pick from,” explains a sophomore, and meals are
described as satisfying. Students report feeling safe on campus, thanks to a compre-
hensive security program, but one comments, “There is not enough campus conver-
sation or emphasis on the issue of sexual assault.”
With all the academic pressure at Carnegie Mellon, it’s a good thing there are so
many opportunities to unwind, especially with the entire city of Pittsburgh close at
hand. “Pittsburgh is a great place to go to col-
lege,” cheers a junior. “Whatever type of evening
you’re looking for, Pittsburgh has it.” Nearby
Oakland has coffeehouses, inexpensive films,
dances, and concerts, and the downtown area
(just 20 minutes away by bus) offers a rich social scene, with opera, ballet, sym-
phony, concerts, and sporting events.
The Greek system provides the most visible form of on- campus social life, with
14 percent of men and 11 percent of women joining fraternities and sororities, and
the school offers late- night events and concerts too. Those of legal age are allowed
to have alcohol in their rooms, but according to one student, “Drinking takes place
mostly off campus.” One event that brings everyone together is the Spring Carnival,
a four- day weekend festival. Student groups build themed booths and design, build,
and race buggies made of lightweight alloys. Members of the student- run “Scotch ’n’
Soda” theater organization also present a show.
As for sports, the Carnegie Mellon Tartans compete in the Division III University
Athletic Association. The Kiltie Band, clad in kilts honoring Andrew Carnegie’s
Scottish heritage, rallies the crowd during home football and basketball games. In
recent years, men’s and women’s golf and cross- country, men’s indoor track and
field, and women’s soccer have performed well in their respective national cham-
pionship tournaments. Students also participate in 47 intramural and club sports.
Carnegie Mellon appeals just as much to those yearning for the bright lights of
Broadway as it does to those pursuing the glowing computer screens of the scientific
and business worlds. And with a broad range of liberal arts and technical courses
available to explore, there’s no doubt students leave with a well- rounded
education— and an impressive diploma. Students more interested in specializing in
one field than being exposed to many may fare better elsewhere, but most who opt
for Carnegie Mellon agree that the demanding environment is well worth it.
One event that
brings everyone
together is the Spring
Carnival, a four- day
weekend festival.
“Instead of buffet- style
dining halls, we have
several themed eateries
that you can pick from.”
Overlaps
UC Berkeley,
Northwestern,
University of
Southern California,
Boston University,
Princeton, Cornell,
MIT, UCLA
If You Apply To ›
Carnegie Mellon: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to particular school or college.
Please consult Carnegie Mellon’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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CASE WESTERN RESERVE 125
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Case Western Reserve
103 Tomlinson Hall, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106
CWRU has most of the offerings available at Carnegie Mellon or WashU in St. Louis,
but somehow it hasn’t quite found its deserved niche in the national consciousness.
Students in the know sing its praises, especially since CWRU is less difficult to get
into than other institutions of comparable, or even lesser, quality. Students get an
outstanding technical education with solid offerings in other areas.
Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve has much in common with Pittsburgh’s Carnegie
Mellon. Both are the product of mergers between a technical college, known for
excellence in engineering, and a more traditional university, focused on the arts
and sciences. Both are located in erstwhile Rust Belt cities that have long since rein-
vented themselves through technology, medicine, education, and advanced manu-
facturing. And both tend to attract brainy students more concerned with studying
than socializing. While CWRU has received less national attention than Carnegie
Mellon and WashU, a senior calls it “a university on the rise”: applications have
nearly doubled since 2013, and the school has become more selective. CWRU has
also increased its investment in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, with an
aim toward helping students connect these disciplines with their technical studies.
CWRU is located on the eastern edge of Cleveland, at University Circle. This
550- acre area of parks and gardens is home to more than 50 cultural, educational,
medical, and research institutions, including the city’s museums of art and natural
history, its botanical gardens, and Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Campus buildings are an eclectic mix of architectural styles, and several are listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. The Peter B. Lewis Building (or “PBL,” as
it’s known around campus), designed by Frank Gehry, is home to the Weatherhead
School of Management and features undulating walls similar to those of Gehry’s
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The Tinkham Veale University Center (“the
Tink”) meets LEED Silver standards and serves as a hub for campus dining, special
events, and more than 200 student organizations, while the Sears think[box] is a
fabrication lab designed to support cross- disciplinary entrepreneurial innovation.
The product of the 1967 marriage between Case Institute of Technology and
Western Reserve University, CWRU has four undergraduate schools: the College
of Arts and Sciences, the Case School of Engineering, the Bolton School of Nursing,
and the aforementioned Weatherhead School;
all also offer graduate programs. All CWRU stu-
dents participate in a general education program
known as SAGES— the Seminar Approach to
General Education and Scholarship. Emphasizing small seminars, critical thinking,
and writing, the program requires four seminars, a writing portfolio, and a senior
capstone experience that can be an individual or group effort. According to a bio-
medical engineering major, “CWRU is a collaborative environment that allows stu-
dents to excel in their own way.”
CWRU’s strongest programs include engineering— especially the biomedical
and mechanical kind— nursing, business management, computer science, and pre-
architecture. The school’s polymer science major is one of the few such undergrad-
uate programs in the country. Strengths in the College of Arts and Sciences include
music (a joint program with the nearby Cleveland Institute of Music), psychology,
anthropology (especially medical anthropology), and biology. Combined bachelor’s
and master’s programs are popular, as is the Preprofessional Scholars program, which
Website: www .case .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 11,054
Undergraduates: 5,878
Male/Female: 52/48
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 44%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 38,701
Accepted: 27%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 86%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (216) 368- 4450
Email Address: admission @
case .edu
Strong Programs:
Biomedical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Nursing
Business Management
Computer Science
Pre- Architecture
Polymer Science
Music
Psychology
“The majority of instructors
are very good and willing to
help at any time.”
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126 CASE WESTERN RESERVE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
gives top freshmen conditional acceptance to CWRU’s medical or dental schools,
assuming satisfactory progress through prerequisite courses. Half of all undergrad-
uate classes enroll fewer than 20 students. “The quality of instruction is variable,”
says a biology major, “but the majority of instructors are very good and willing to
help at any time.”
Undergraduate research is highly encouraged, and 80 percent of students con-
duct research as part of senior capstone projects or independent studies. Thirty per-
cent of students take part in study abroad, often in faculty- led programs during
winter, spring, or summer breaks. For help with academic and career planning, every
undergraduate is assigned a faculty advisor as well as a “navigator,” a staff member
who assists them throughout their four years. “A navigator is a great resource for
nonmajor- specific questions relating to campus resources, academic resources, club
suggestions, etc.,” explains a freshman.
A senior says CWRU students are “driven, high achievers” who often “feel the
need to prove themselves.” Twenty- one percent of CWRU’s students are Ohio
natives, and international students represent a strong contingent at 15 percent.
Black students make up 7 percent of the student
body, Asian Americans 26 percent, Hispanics/
Latinos 12 percent, and multiracial students
4 percent. Diversity 360 is a campuswide training
program designed to increase knowledge and
awareness about diversity issues. Students describe the political climate as low- key,
with liberals and conservatives both well represented on campus. Eligible students
receive scholarships based on academic merit that average $26,000, but there are no
athletic awards. The university has adopted a need- aware admissions policy that
includes a commitment to meet the full demonstrated financial need of incoming
freshmen.
Students are required to live on campus for their first two years, and 75 per-
cent of all undergrads live in campus housing. Each first- year student participates
in one of four residential colleges. “First- year rooms are adequate but nothing spe-
cial,” says one student, but upperclassmen rave about the amenities in the universi-
ty’s apartment- style suites. Dining- hall fare is “not Mom’s cooking every night, but
it’s not bad,” reasons one student. Some upperclassmen opt for off- campus apart-
ments within walking distance of campus. “As it is an urban campus, crime does
occasionally happen in the surrounding area or (rarely) on campus,” reports a
psychology major. “The school takes many strong measures to keep students safe,
including many security officers and free rides across campus at night.”
As for social life, says a junior, “Case is not ideal for anyone who prioritizes a
vibrant social scene, but students who enjoy being social and going to parties/bars
are able to find enough opportunities.” On campus, there are dances, concerts, and
movies. Fraternities and sororities draw 17 percent of the men and 22 percent of the
women, but students report that Greek groups here are more focused on philan-
thropy than partying. Popular campus traditions include the Springfest carnival to
celebrate the end of classes and “Study Overs,” where students gather during finals
week for free food, massages, study groups, and more. The annual sci- fi movie mar-
athon is a rite of passage, while Engineering Week features a fuel- cell- powered car
competition.
CWRU is located five miles from downtown Cleveland, which provides ample
opportunities for internships, volunteer work, dining, and entertainment. “We’re
surrounded by museums and cultural institutions, which become a part of our edu-
cation,” enthuses a history major. “It’s very budget- friendly,” adds a senior. The city
features the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and— in the warmer months— major league
baseball games at Progressive Field. Convenient RTA train passes are included in
The school’s polymer
science major is
one of the few such
undergraduate
programs in
the country.
“Students who enjoy being
social and going to parties/
bars are able to find
enough opportunities.”
The 26- mile Hudson
Relay pits teams of
runners from the
four classes against
one another.
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THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA 127
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The Catholic University of America
Washington, D.C. 20064
There are other Roman Catholic– affiliated universities, but this is THE Catholic
University. Catholics make up 69 percent of the undergraduate student body here
(versus roughly half at nearby Georgetown). If you can’t be in Rome, there is no
better place than D.C. to work and play. CUA even has a Metrorail stop right next to
campus. Academic freedom is the norm except in theology.
Founded in 1887 under a charter from Pope Leo XIII— making it a “pontifical”
university— The Catholic University of America was the brainchild of U.S. bishops
who wanted to provide an American educational institution where the curriculum
was guided by the tenets of Roman Catholic
thought. Over time, the university has garnered
a reputation as a research- oriented school that
also provides a strong undergraduate, preprofes-
sional education and an appreciation for the arts.
Faced in recent years with the challenges of
declining enrollment and changing demographics and social attitudes, top adminis-
trators have nonetheless doubled down on the university’s image of “cultivating
Catholic minds,” sparking renewed debate on campus about whether CUA is mar-
keting itself as “too Catholic” and making itself less welcoming to prospective
Website: www .catholic .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,594
Undergraduates: 2,786
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 60%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 5,801
“CUA is not necessarily
tough, but there are
moments where you
may be intellectually or
academically challenged.”
student charges for a reasonable price, but having a car can be helpful, especially for
road trips to nearby cities in Ohio or for longer jaunts to Chicago.
Although sports are not a major focus on campus, the Spartans field 17 Division
III teams, and the annual football game against Carnegie Mellon is big. Baseball and
softball are recent University Athletic Association champions, and men’s and wom-
en’s cross- country, men’s tennis, and women’s
soccer are nationally competitive. Twenty- seven
percent of students participate in at least one of
the 25 intramural and 16 club sports available, ranging from flag football and pick-
leball to ice hockey, badminton, and fencing. The 26- mile Hudson Relay, held the
last week of the spring semester to commemorate CWRU’s relocation from Hudson
to Cleveland, pits teams of runners from the four classes against one another, with
each person running a half mile.
A rigorous, science- and engineering- oriented research university, CWRU also
devotes noteworthy attention to the student experience. “CWRU’s personality is
friendly and spirited,” says a senior. “People can be self- deprecating and make a lot
of jokes about Cleveland’s bad weather, but the campus community itself is warm
and inviting.” With challenging academics, preprofessional programs, and research
opportunities across all disciplines, students here are well- equipped to excel in their
future careers.
“The campus community
itself is warm and inviting.”
Overlaps
Carnegie Mellon,
Johns Hopkins,
Vanderbilt,
University of
Rochester,
Emory, WashU
in St. Louis, Ohio
State, University of
Michigan
If You Apply To ›
CWRU: Early decision I and II, early action I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Audition required for artists and musicians. Please consult CWRU’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding
standardized test requirements.
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128 THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
students in the process. “Our authentic Catholic background rules our academics,
campus activities, and institutional offices all over campus,” says a senior.
Catholic University’s campus comprises 176 tree- lined acres, an impressive
layout for an urban university, and houses 34 research facilities. Buildings range
from ivy- covered limestone and brick to ultramodern, giving the place a true col-
legiate feel. A new 500- seat dining facility opened in 2022, and a new nursing and
sciences building was scheduled to open 2024.
CUA is one of the few schools in the country that began as a graduate institution
(others are Clark University and The Johns Hopkins University), and grad students
still account for a respectable portion of the student population. Ten of its 12 schools
admit undergrads. Specific graduation requirements vary by program, but all under-
graduates participate in the First- Year Experience, an introduction to CUA’s brand
of liberal arts guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition. Assigned to Learning
Communities of about 18 classmates, students take core classes in philosophy, the-
ology, and English, and they receive one- on- one academic advising throughout the
year. First- years also join their Learning Communities for out- of- class activities and
group excursions into the city.
Students have excellent options in almost any department at CUA. In addition
to politics, which is the most popular major and sets the tone on campus, psychol-
ogy, business, and physics are strong. The physics department enjoys a modern
vitreous- state lab, a boon for both research and
hands- on undergraduate instruction. The School
of Nursing is one of the best in the nation.
Engineering and architecture are highly regarded
and have outstanding facilities; environmental engineering is the university’s
newest major. The Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art is best
known for its music offerings, including a joint degree that combines music with
business. The National Catholic School of Social Service offers a bachelor of social
work degree.
In the classroom, says a politics major, “CUA is not necessarily tough, but
there are moments where you may be intellectually or academically challenged.”
Sixty- seven percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, which means indi-
vidual attention from faculty members is common. According to a sophomore,
professors “teach with passion, and it is apparent that they love what they do.”
About 60 percent of faculty members are Catholic (the Vatican requires that figure
to be at least 50 percent). Clergy are at the helm of the School of Theology and
Religious Studies and the graduate School of Canon Law. CUA’s chancellor is the
archbishop of Washington, mass is held on campus daily, and Catholic churches
across the country donate a fraction of their annual collections to the university.
One corollary of being the only Catholic school with a papal charter is that offi-
cials in Rome, who do not always warm up to American traditions of academic
freedom, keep a sharp eye on who teaches in the theology school and what they
write and say.
Top students are invited to enroll in the University Honors Program, which fea-
tures challenging seminar- style classes and the option of living in a dedicated honors
community. The university offers a wide variety of education abroad programs in
more than 75 locations around the globe; 31 percent of students participate. The
flagship Rome Center, jointly operated by CUA and an Australian counterpart,
sponsors programs for liberal arts and architecture students, as well as a three- week
summer program for the First- Year Experience. Eighty percent of students complete
at least one internship at organizations ranging from NASA and the National
Institutes of Health to the Smithsonian Institution. Students give mixed reviews to
career and counseling services.
(continued)
Accepted: 86%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (202) 319- 5305
Email Address: cua
-admissions @ cua .edu
Strong Programs:
Politics
Psychology
Business
Physics
Nursing
Engineering
Architecture
Music
“[Professors] teach with
passion, and it is apparent
that they love what they do.”
CUA’s chancellor is
the archbishop of
Washington, and
Catholic churches
across the country
donate a fraction
of their annual
collections to
the university.
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THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA 129
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
CUA students are “very open to friendship,” comments a philosophy major,
and they tend to have “a healthy sense of ambition.” Catholicism is clearly the tie
that binds the student body, with 69 percent of students identifying as Catholic.
Most students are also conservative, although some socially liberal causes are slowly
gaining traction on campus; students report that the administration’s insistence on
single- sex dorms, refusal to recognize LGBTQ student groups, and ban on speakers
who have expressed pro- choice views have been controversial among the student
body. “It is hard for a lot of students to reconcile their own personal set of beliefs
with the Catholic identity of the school, which can be said even for many of the
students who are Catholic themselves,” remarks a politics major. Ninety- three per-
cent of undergraduates are from outside D.C.; 2 percent arrive from foreign coun-
tries and most of the rest hail from the Northeast. Five percent are Black, 17 percent
are Hispanic/Latino, 3 percent are Asian American, and 4 percent are multiracial.
Catholic University maintains a need- blind admissions policy, and all applicants are
considered for merit scholarships, which average $28,000. No athletic scholarships
are available.
Sixty- two percent of undergraduates live in the 16 single- sex residence halls,
which are intended to foster an environment of virtuous living. On- campus housing
offers a variety of options ranging from the traditional to suites and apartments.
“Most of the residence halls are nice and com-
fortable enough to make your own impermanent
home,” says a politics major. Campus fare is a
mixed blessing: “The dining is unlimited, which
is awesome for big appetites,” says one student. “The problem is that it’s overpriced
and bland.” Shuttle buses and safety escort services are provided as part of campus
security, and students agree that they feel safe on campus, as long as they are careful.
The Peer Educators Empowering Respectful Students (PEERS) group helps to raise
awareness about sexual assault prevention.
When students want to explore the city, they need only walk to the Brookland-
CUA Metrorail stop adjacent to campus and then enjoy the ride. Capitol Hill is
15 minutes away and the stylish Georgetown area, with its chic restaurants and
nightspots, a half hour. “Because we’re in the city, most students would rather get
dressed up to go out to a bar than to a house party,” observes a senior. CUA does not
have a Greek system, and most students agree that school policies are effective in
curbing underage drinking. On campus, students have their choice of more than
100 clubs and organizations. Campus Ministry offers numerous opportunities to
engage in faith and service through frequent community service events, student
retreats, summer mission trips, and other programs. Forty- six percent of students
regularly participate in community service. Annual activities on campus include Fall
Festival, the Capital Fest concert featuring a well- known band, Mistletoe Ball,
Founders Day Ball, and Cardinalpalooza, a popular celebration of the end of the
academic year.
CUA’s Cardinals compete in Division III. Women’s lacrosse has won 13 Landmark
Conference championships in the last 16 years, and other recent winners include
women’s field hockey and men’s soccer, swimming and diving, and lacrosse.
Intramural and club- level programs attract plenty of interest, too, especially basket-
ball, indoor soccer, and ultimate Frisbee.
When the idea of a Catholic university was first raised, the man who would
become the university’s first rector, Bishop John Joseph Keane, argued for an insti-
tution that would “exercise a dominant influence in the world’s future” with a supe-
rior intellectual foundation. Now, 136 years later, CUA offers students a wealth of
preprofessional courses spanning the arts and sciences. Even as it grapples with how
best to express and uphold its Catholic identity, the university remains dedicated to
“The dining is unlimited,
which is awesome for big
appetites.”
Most students are
also conservative,
although some
socially liberal causes
are slowly gaining
traction on campus.
Forty- six percent of
students regularly
participate in
community service.
Overlaps
Notre Dame,
Villanova, Fordham,
Loyola University
Maryland, Saint
Joseph’s University,
Georgetown,
American
University, Fairfield
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130 CENTRE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Centre College
600 West Walnut, Danville, KY 40422
BEST
BUY
Centre may not be the most famous institution of higher learning in Kentucky, but it
is certainly the best, and it offers college the way it used to be— football games, Greek
row, and a decades- old tradition of streaking through campus and circling a statue of
a flame (nude). There is also the closeness between students and faculty that comes
with a student body of 1,300. Compare to Sewanee, Rhodes, and Davidson.
Centre College, the only independent school in Kentucky with a Phi Beta Kappa
chapter, has produced two- thirds of the state’s Rhodes scholars over the last 40 years.
But the school is not all work and no play. It’s also a retro throwback to the way
college used to be, with Friday night parties on Greek row and Saturday afternoon
football games. Centre’s small size offers an intimate classroom environment. And
its liberal arts focus means that despite Centre’s southern location, students are pro-
gressive, intellectual, and perhaps more well- rounded than their peers at neighbor-
ing schools.
Located in the heart of Kentucky Bluegrass country, Centre’s campus is a mix
of old Greek Revival and attractive modern buildings. More than 14 of them are
listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, a fact that’s less surprising when
you know that Centre, which dates to 1819, is the 48th oldest college in the United
States. The college is home to four LEED- certified buildings, including two at the
Gold level. Newer facilities include a 135,000- square- foot athletics complex featur-
ing an aquatic center, an indoor track and turf field, a strength and conditioning
center, and a nutrition and wellness center.
Centre’s general education curriculum requires coursework in each of the col-
lege’s three academic divisions: arts and humanities, social studies, and science and
mathematics. Students take three Doctrina Lux Mentis courses (named after the
school’s motto, Latin for “Learning is the light of
the mind”), beginning with a two- course sequence
in the first year that emphasizes written commu-
nication in the fall and oral communication in
the spring. The third course, taken junior or senior
year, focuses on interdisciplinary thinking and serves as a capstone experience.
Additionally, all students complete an experiential learning component, such as inde-
pendent research or community- based learning.
Centre’s most popular majors are economics and finance, international studies,
mathematics, and psychology. Other strong programs include politics, behavioral
neuroscience, and English. Art is solid, too, and glassblowing enthusiasts will find
one of the few fully equipped undergraduate facilities for their pursuit in the nation.
Centre launched a new business major in 2021. A 3– 2 program sends aspiring
Website: www .centre .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,343
Undergraduates: 1,343
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 52%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 2,746
Accepted: 62%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 87%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 423- 6236
Email Address: admission @
centre .edu
Strong Programs:
Politics
Behavioral Neuroscience
English
Art
Economics and Finance
International Studies
Mathematics
Psychology
“Our small class sizes allow
professors to really feed off
of the energy and needs of
the class.”
its mission of providing “scholarly research, education, and service in the light of
the Catholic intellectual tradition.”
If You Apply To ›
Catholic: Early decision I, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Accepts the Common Application.
Music applicants must audition.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
engineers on to one of four major universities, including the University of Kentucky
and Vanderbilt. Seventy- two percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. “My
professors took the time to really get to know me and my learning style,” says a
politics major. “Our small class sizes allow professors to really feed off of the energy
and needs of the class and make it a more personal environment.”
The Centre Commitment guarantees students an internship or research experi-
ence, a study abroad opportunity, and a degree in four years— or the college will
cover the cost of a fifth year of study. Approximately 65 percent of students choose
to engage in an internship, 37 percent perform collaborative research with faculty,
and 85 percent take advantage of Centre’s extensive study abroad programs. Centre
runs 13 regular semester- long programs for students in all majors in 10 countries,
including a new program in Bhutan, in addition to several shorter options offered
during the January term. A study- away semester in Washington, D.C., combines
coursework with internships. A psychology major highly recommends the college’s
career services: “They have monthly programs on ‘adulting’ and provide constant
assistance and support in the job- search process.”
Sixty- one percent of Centre students hail from Kentucky, and 5 percent arrive
from foreign nations. Black students represent 6 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans 4 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 7 percent, and multiracial students 4 per-
cent. Politically, the atmosphere is mostly liberal
and “not hugely charged,” says an international
studies major. Increasing diversity among faculty
and staff has been a particular focus of late.
Centre offers merit- based awards averaging
$33,600, but no athletic scholarships. Through
the Grissom Scholars Program, 10 incoming first- generation students per year are
awarded full- tuition scholarships plus $5,000 to support study abroad, research, or
an internship.
Virtually all students live on campus, thanks to a four- year residential require-
ment that students say makes for a strong sense of community. “As you gain senior-
ity, your housing options get nicer and nicer,” explains a sophomore. Suite- and
townhouse- style accommodations are available for upperclassmen, and small Greek
houses are an option for some, but most members of Greek life live in the residence
halls. Students dine in one main dining hall, Cowan, and three café- style eateries,
including Einstein Bros. Bagels, which recently opened in the library. “Cowan offers
many selections, except on weekends,” notes a senior. Students give high ratings to
campus safety.
Greek life is the center of the social scene, with 37 percent of men and 42 per-
cent of women joining up, and their parties are open to all. “Alcohol is a large part
of the weekend social life here for many students,” says a senior. The Student Activity
Council sponsors a variety of alternatives, such as free midnight movies at the local
theater and events like comedians, karaoke, and laser tag. Students also get free
admission to Centre’s separately endowed Norton Center for the Arts, a palatial,
1,500- seat auditorium that brings major musicals, concerts, and other performances
to campus. Homecoming in the fall and Carnival in the spring are big annual events.
Campus superstitions involve placing pennies on the toe of the Abraham Lincoln
statue for good luck on exams, and avoiding stepping on the Centre Seal so as not
to fail them. But Centre’s most hallowed (unofficial) tradition is “Running the
Flame” (remember that Latin motto?), which has students dashing from their resi-
dence halls to a large sculpture of a flame in the center of campus, circling it three
times, and running back— “naked, of course.” Community service through the
Greek system, Habitat for Humanity, or other organizations is another popular
activity. Danville (population 17,000) offers some small- town charm, but there is
All students
complete an
experiential learning
component, such as
independent research
or community-
based learning.
“By the time I reached my
senior year, I felt cultivated
as a public speaker, a
problem solver, and a
leader.”
Campus superstitions
involve placing
pennies on the toe
of the Abraham
Lincoln statue for
good luck on exams.
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132 CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Champlain College
251 South Willard Street, Burlington, VT 05401
A small college with a unique “upside- down” approach to blending professional
education and the liberal arts. Champlain’s major academic strengths are game
design, whose students tend to shape the campus culture, as well as business and
information technology. A good fit for students eager to get started in a career but
not a great place to explore options and find yourself. Social life revolves around
student- friendly Burlington, and nearby ski slopes beckon. Low graduation rate is
a challenge.
Situated on a hill overlooking the scenic Vermont lake for which it is named,
Champlain College has set out to reinvent the relationship between professional
studies and the liberal arts through its so- called upside- down curriculum. Instead
of following the traditional academic path— two years of general education courses
followed by two years of in- depth study in a major— students at Champlain imme-
diately pursue both their major and a highly structured liberal arts curriculum and
then continue this pattern simultaneously for all four years. This approach appeals
to career- minded students who still appreciate the value of a strong dose of the lib-
eral arts.
The college, whose roots date to 1878, sits on 22 acres in the historic Hill
Section of Burlington, adjacent to the University of Vermont. The core academic
campus consists of a mix of lovely restored Victorian mansions and complementary
modern structures of brick with slate roofs and green trim. The adjacent “lakeside”
campus houses the Leahy Center for Digital Investigation, while a “downtown”
campus, connected to the academic core by shuttle buses, provides housing and
Website: www .champlain .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,113
Undergraduates: 1,705
Male/Female: 63/37
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 24%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 68%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 6,766
Accepted: 56%
Enrolled: 14%
more to do in Lexington and Louisville, both within an hour’s drive, and it’s easy to
get to the countryside for camping, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits.
Centre’s football team has been around for more than a century, and while it
now competes against regional opponents in Division III, that wasn’t always the
case. In 1921 the Colonels beat then- powerhouse Harvard, six to zero, a triumph
that has been called the greatest sports upset in the first half of the 20th century.
Nowadays, Rhodes College and nearby Transylvania University are Centre’s key
rivals. Men’s and women’s soccer, track and field, and cross- country are particularly
competitive. A majority of the student body regularly participates in the intramural
program, with flag football, soccer, and basketball drawing the most players.
Centre College often takes visitors by surprise. Although situated in a quaint,
historic setting, much of the campus has a fresh, modern feel. Students come here
for a well- rounded liberal arts education yet receive plenty of real- world preparation
along the way. “By the time I reached my senior year,” recalls a math major, “I felt
cultivated as a public speaker, a problem solver, and a leader.” With faculty who care
about forming lasting friendships with students and a commitment to providing
hands- on learning opportunities, this undiscovered gem may be worth a look.
Overlaps
Rhodes, Sewanee,
Furman, Wofford,
Davidson, Kenyon,
University
of Kentucky,
Transylvania
If You Apply To ›
Centre: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Centre’s website for
the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
dining for 300 upperclassmen. The Center for Communication and Creative Media,
a 75,000- square- foot facility, offers game and audio labs, studio spaces, and a tradi-
tional and digital photo lab.
Champlain’s distinctive curriculum is built around three legs (“Education in 3- D,”
to use the local lingo). The first leg is professional programs. Students apply to one of
four academic divisions— Stiller School of Business; Communication and Creative
Media (CCM); Education and Human Studies; or
Information Technology and Sciences— and then
select a major in that division. For example, CCM,
the largest division, offers 11 choices, with broad-
cast media production, filmmaking, and profes-
sional writing among them. Students disillusioned
by their initial choices can easily transfer to another major within their division, but
switching to another division is harder. The second leg, the liberal arts component, is
a highly structured set of core courses taught on an interdisciplinary basis by profes-
sors from all departments. “Core classes involve reading and writing and often involve
fun topics such as conspiracy theories or being outside,” says a film major. Students
pursue a series of courses over three years that focus in progressive fashion on the
nature of the self, concepts of a just and sustainable community in the West, and
global themes, such as human rights. Seniors complete a capstone experience that
integrates learning from their professional, liberal arts, and out- of- classroom experi-
ences. The third and final curricular leg is the InSight career and personal finance
program, an array of workshops, company visits, and other activities that teach such
real- world skills as developing a résumé and cover letter, setting a budget, and earning
a good credit score. The school argues that four years of working simultaneously in a
professional field and the liberal arts gives students the broad thinking and learning
skills that will serve them well beyond their first jobs.
Seventy- four percent of classes at Champlain have fewer than 20 students, and
all are taught by professors (who are not awarded tenure) or adjuncts, with no TAs.
“The professors have experience from the industry and it shows during their instruc-
tion,” says a game art and animation major. Computer and digital forensics, graphic
design and visual communication, and game design are highly regarded fields, and
the business school offers seven majors, from accounting to game production man-
agement. Aspiring lawyers can prepare for law school by pursuing Champlain’s
unusual B.A. degree in law. The most popular majors are computer networking and
cybersecurity, game design, computer science and innovation, and game art. Many
students also take minors in areas such as global studies and social justice.
Virtually all students participate in some sort of internship at some point. Study
abroad plays an important role at Champlain, and the college offers free passports to
students who do not already have them. The college maintains international satel-
lite campuses in Dublin and Montreal, a major global center for the game industry,
as well as in Shanghai. There are no honors programs, and most graduates head for
the job market rather than graduate or professional schools.
Twenty- three percent of students are native Vermonters, with the rest hailing
mainly from the East Coast and Midwest. Black students account for 4 percent of the
total, Hispanics/Latinos 7 percent, Asian Americans
4 percent, multiracial students 5 percent, and
international students 1 percent. Largely because
of the nature of the curriculum, men outnumber
women by a ratio of 3 to 2. “Most of the campus is
comprised of geeks and gamers,” says a student. “There are many skiers and snow-
boarders, of course, and a great deal of people who care about the environment or
social issues.” The school awards merit scholarships averaging $18,800.
(continued)
Grad in 6 Years: 65%
Returning Freshmen: 76%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (802) 625- 0201
Email Address: admission @
champlain .edu
Strong Programs:
Computer and Digital
Forensics
Graphic Design and Visual
Communication
Game Design
Business
Law
Computer Networking and
Cybersecurity
Computer Science and
Innovation
Game Programming
“Core classes involve
reading and writing and
often involve fun topics
such as conspiracy
theories or being outside.”
Seniors complete a
capstone experience
that integrates
learning from their
professional, liberal
arts, and out- of-
classroom experiences.
“The professors have
experience from the
industry and it shows
during their instruction.”
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134 CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“Champlain’s first- year residence halls are renovated Victorian mansions that
have modern technology and safety features with the old charm preserved,” explains
a senior. Sophomores and upperclassmen can choose among well- maintained tradi-
tional dorms, some quite new, that feature tuning and repair facilities for bikes, skis,
and skateboards, or they can live in an off- campus apartment hall or find their own
off- campus digs. Overall, 77 percent of undergrads reside in college- owned housing.
Students take their meals at a single dining hall where the food gets lukewarm
reviews. One student reports, “Our school’s Public Safety department is incredibly
friendly and always shows up quickly (even if you just locked yourself out of your
room).”
Champlain is “not considered a party school,” says a junior. Adds a marketing
major, “Most of the social life is off campus, whether it’s downtown on Church
Street, by the lake, a friend’s apartment, or a concert.” The campus is dry and poli-
cies are enforced; in the absence of fraternities and
sororities, says a sophomore, “hard- core party folks
go to our neighbors, UVM.” The college sponsors
roughly 50 student clubs and organizes a range of
activities on and off campus. A small city of 45,000
residents, Burlington is near the top of everyone’s list
of best college towns. The Church Street pedestrian mall, just below the campus,
offers an array of cafés and shops for all tastes, as well as a vibrant music scene and
abundant nightlife, and there is a park and bike path that runs along the lake’s
waterfront.
No one seems to mind that Champlain has no varsity sports (except for the
eSports team). But it does have a mascot named Chauncey T. Beaver as well as plenty
of intramural options for all skill levels, including soccer, basketball, and dodgeball,
and a rugby club that competes against other schools. Not surprisingly for a school
full of gamers, Humans vs. Zombies and Quadball (formerly known as Quidditch)
are popular. Annual traditions include the Rail Jam skiing and snowboarding com-
petition in the fall and the Spring Meltdown carnival just before final exams. The
end of the year brings the Game Development Senior Show, where graduating
seniors show off their projects to the college community (and company recruiters).
Administrators at Champlain are sensitive about the fact that only 65 percent of
entering students graduate within six years. One contributing factor, students sug-
gest, is the need to plunge immediately into a professional field that may not be a
good fit. Other students point to the heavy workload in some majors and the lack of
cultural diversity as possible factors. Champlain “is heavily steeped in nerd culture,”
says a junior. “Escaping it is difficult on campus.” Administrators are working hard
to mitigate these stressors, emphasizing well- being— including making Wednesdays
free of daytime classes to give students time during the week to “recharge and reju-
venate the mind, body, and spirit”— and bolstering student support services.
For gaming enthusiasts, techies, creatives, and other career- oriented students,
Champlain is a small school with a big vision of how to refashion the relationship
between professional training and the liberal arts. It offers a unique option for stu-
dents who have a strong, focused interest in its professional majors and who are
eager to press “start” on their careers.
Study abroad plays
an important role
at Champlain, and
the college offers
free passports to
students who do not
already have them.
“Champlain’s first- year
residence halls are
renovated Victorian
mansions that have
modern technology.”
A small city of 45,000
residents, Burlington
is near the top of
everyone’s list of
best college towns.
Overlaps
Drexel, Emerson,
Wentworth
Institute of
Technology,
Worcester
Polytechnic, Roger
Williams, University
of Vermont,
Rochester Institute
of Technology,
Southern New
Hampshire
If You Apply To ›
Champlain: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supple-
ment. Apply to particular academic division. Some majors require portfolio submission.
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CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY 135
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Chapman sits at the hub of Orange County and a stone’s throw from L.A. Has parlayed
its O.C. location into burgeoning popularity in film, television, and the performing
arts. Those without showbiz aspirations can opt for strong programs in business,
communication studies, or biology. Disneyland is in the neighborhood and is a short
bike or train ride away.
Although best known as a Southern Californian mecca for budding filmmakers to
hone their craft, Chapman University continues to stake its claim as a comprehen-
sive institution that happens to offer one of the nation’s best film programs— rather
than a film school that also happens to offer other majors. Chapman boasts stellar
programs in business and has increased its emphasis on health sciences and technol-
ogy. It also facilitates countless internships to send its students out into the work-
force with real- world experience.
Founded in 1861, Chapman is one of the oldest private universities in California.
Originally called Hesperian College, the school was renamed in 1934 in honor of
C. C. Chapman, an Orange County entrepreneur and benefactor of the school. The
beautiful residential campus, situated on 80 tree- lined acres, features a mixture of
landmark historic buildings and state- of- the- art facilities. It is located in the his-
toric Old Towne district of Orange, near outstanding beaches, Disneyland, and the
world- class cultural offerings of Orange County and Los Angeles. Recent construc-
tion includes the Swenson Hall of Engineering, which opened in 2021 as part of the
Keck Center for Science and Engineering, and the Sandi Simon Center for Dance,
which opened in 2023.
Regardless of major, all students complete a four- part general education pro-
gram: a First- Year Foundations Course taken in the fall; six inquiry categories (natu-
ral science, quantitative reasoning, writing, social sciences, values and ethics, and
artistic studies); a Global Citizen cluster (two
courses in global studies, one in civic issues, and
a language course); and a mini- minor, minor, or
second major. Chapman’s first- year experience program, Fenestra (Latin for
“window”), encourages students to approach their first year as a “window of oppor-
tunity”; the program involves a weeklong orientation and special workshops, field
trips, and social activities held throughout the year.
The most popular majors are business administration, psychology, computer
science, communication studies, and film and television production. Dodge College
of Film and Media Arts is a comprehensive, production- based school that offers
such majors as news/broadcast journalism and documentary, writing for film and
television, public relations and advertising, and creative producing, as well as
internships and other active learning opportunities. Emerging entrepreneurs can
take advantage of a well- stocked portfolio of business programs through the Argyros
School of Business and Economics. The Economic Science Institute allows for
the study of experimental economics under the direction of Nobel laureate
Dr. Vernon Smith and encompasses fields as diverse as finance, engineering, neu-
roscience, computer science, and philosophy, among others. Notable programs in
music, theatre, and dance involve frequent national and international performance
components. Among the sciences, biology and health sciences are solid. The Fowler
School of Engineering offers undergraduate degrees in computer engineering, com-
puter science, data analytics, electrical engineering, and software engineering.
Website: www .chapman .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 9,016
Undergraduates: 7,327
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 87%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 46%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 13,690
Accepted: 73%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (714) 997- 6711
Email Address: admit @
chapman .edu
Strong Programs:
Film and Television Production
Writing for Film and Television
Performing Arts
Business Administration
Communication Studies
Biology
Health Sciences
Psychology
“Many of the professors
bring a lot to the table.”
Chapman University
One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866
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136 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Integrated degree programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s in five
years in several disciplines, including pharmaceutical sciences.
“Regardless of the course of study you are taking at Chapman, you are going to
have an in- depth and personalized education,” says a creative producing major.
Forty- six percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Freshmen are taught by
professors— there are no teaching assistants— and a sophomore says, “Many of the
professors bring a lot to the table, whether it’s experience in the field they’re teach-
ing about, connections with colleagues, teaching styles, or general charisma and
personality,” shares a health sciences major. Students interested in conducting
faculty- mentored research can apply to the SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research
Fellowship) program, which awards up to $4,000 in funding to selected fellows. An
English and sociology major highly recommends the Honors Program, which
allows students to “dive deeply into very niche topics” as well as “build and teach
their own classes to their peers.” Those seeking a global learning experience can
choose from semester- long study abroad programs, in addition to short- term,
faculty- led travel courses and international summer internships; 42 percent of stu-
dents avail themselves of these opportunities. As for career services, a junior says, “I
have had over five internships in two years, and most of that can be attributed to
the responsiveness and knowledge of the Office of Career and Professional
Development.”
“Students are active, social, and friendly,” says a data analytics major. “A major-
ity of the students are really involved in so much outside of just their schooling here,
which builds a great community,” adds a broadcast journalism major. Sixty- nine
percent of Chapman’s largely affluent student
body hail from California, and 3 percent are
international. Black students constitute 2 percent
of the population, Asian Americans 16 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 18 percent, and multiracial
students 9 percent. Chapman recently opened a Cross- Cultural Center, and a senior
says, “Ethnically and racially, the student body looks much more diverse today than
how it looked my freshman year,” touts a sophomore. Eligible undergraduates receive
merit scholarships worth an average of $20,200, but since Chapman is a Division III
school, there are no athletic scholarships.
Forty- seven percent of Chapman students reside on campus. First- years are
housed in residence halls based on their chosen academic program; one student
explains, “This allows for students to know their peers on day one of classes and
always have a study partner throughout the semester.” Meals at the Randall Dining
Commons are described as tasty and diverse. Campus safety receives positive reviews,
and the CARES (Creating a Rape- Free Environment for Students) student organiza-
tion is active in raising awareness about campus sexual assault.
Twenty- three percent of the men join fraternities, and sororities attract 39 per-
cent of the women; all members of the Greek community are required to perform
community service, and Greek life doesn’t dominate the social scene. A senior raves,
“there are tons of things to do in the area, especially since we have professional
sports teams, concerts, theme parks, and the beaches.” Every year, students flock to
the homecoming celebration’s chili cook- off and fireworks, WinterFest (complete
with fake snow and a visit from Santa), the Spring Sizzle festival, and Midnight
Breakfast during finals week.
The city of Orange (population 140,000) is a college town only in the technical
sense of the term. “It’s actually a very quiet city,” says a junior. The Old Towne dis-
trict is well known as “the Antique Capital of California,” although several trendy
restaurants, brew pubs, and boutiques have opened their doors in the last few years.
When students grow weary of the area, they take advantage of the pristine Southern
Notable programs
in music, theatre,
and dance involve
frequent national
and international
performance
components.
“A majority of the students
are really involved in so
much outside of just their
schooling here.”
First- years are housed
in residence halls
based on their chosen
academic program.
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COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON 137
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC 29424
A public school one- third the size of the University of South Carolina that blends
a small- college feel with the advantages of a midsized, urban university. College
of Charleston compares to Elon University or James Madison University. Offers
business, education, engineering, and the liberal arts and sciences. Location a feast
for history and culinary buffs.
Whether sampling the traditional Lowcountry cuisine or delving into the wide
range of courses offered at this strong liberal arts and sciences institution, students at
the College of Charleston know they are getting a solid education based on creative
expression, intellectual freedom, and hands- on learning experiences. Founded in
1770 as Colonial South Carolina’s first college, the College’s original commitment
to the liberal arts and sciences and to the citizens of the region has helped it become
a well- respected institution throughout the Southeast. And the location only adds
to the experience, providing opportunities for research and internships and a robust
social scene.
The 13th oldest college in the country, College of Charleston was founded as a
private college and, after a number of identity changes, became a state university
exactly 200 years later. Located in Charleston’s famous Historic District, the campus
features many of the city’s most venerable build-
ings. More than 80 of its buildings are former
private residences, ranging from the typical
Charleston “single” house to the Victorian, and the clap- clap of horse- drawn car-
riages bearing tourists is a routine sight. The campus is within easy walking distance
of the city’s shopping and restaurant district and offers proximity to beaches.
Cistern Yard, the area in front of Randolph Hall lined with moss- draped live oaks,
is a student gathering point and the site of May graduation ceremonies. The campus
has received countless awards for its design and has been designated a national
arboretum and a National Historic Landmark.
Website: www .cofc .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 9,427
Undergraduates: 9,148
Male/Female: 32/68
Financial Aid: 68%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 51%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 22,020
Accepted: 76%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 65%
Returning Freshmen: 80%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (843) 953- 5670
Email Address: admissions @
cofc .edu
“Courses are challenging
but always engaging.”
California weather to explore the great outdoors or take trips to Disneyland, L.A.,
or San Diego.
The Chapman Panthers compete in the Division III Southern California
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Football, baseball, and men’s and women’s
basketball are among the most competitive teams. The Chapman Dance Team has
brought home several national championships in the last decade. Intramurals and
club sports draw a quarter of the student body; intramural basketball and soccer are
the most popular, and the men’s club lacrosse team is nationally competitive.
Students at Chapman are expected not only to hit the books but also to actively
express their creativity through hands- on learning, on- campus involvement, and
forays into the real world. “Chapman is known for the people and the connections
people make,” says a senior.
Overlaps
Loyola Marymount,
Santa Clara,
University of
San Diego, Elon,
Pepperdine,
University of
Southern California,
UCLA, NYU
If You Apply To ›
Chapman: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application. Art and
talent- based programs require submission of a creative supplement.
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138 COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The college’s core curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts, sciences, and profes-
sional programs. The focus is on the development of problem- solving and critical-
thinking skills, as well as taking an entrepreneurial approach to addressing global
issues like climate change, social injustice, and economic inequality. Each student
is required to satisfy credits in English, history, mathematics or logic, social sci-
ence, natural sciences, humanities, and foreign language. All new students attend
Convocation, where they are introduced to the college’s academic traditions, and
freshmen from underrepresented groups can participate in several support programs
designed to ensure their successful transition to college. All freshmen take part in
the First- Year Experience and choose between seminar and learning community
options; sample seminars include Charleston Writers, Designing Your Life, and
Gateway to Neuroscience.
Biology, chemistry, and psychology are some of the strongest programs; many
graduates go on to the Medical University of South Carolina, a few blocks down the
street. Marine biology, German, international studies, and arts management are also
strengths. The most popular majors are psychology, business administration, com-
munication, biology, and public health. New majors in software engineering and
sustainability studies have been added. “Courses are challenging but always engag-
ing,” says a senior. Thirty- eight percent of all classes enroll fewer than 20 students,
and while students say the quality of instruction can be hit- or- miss, a communi-
cation major comments, “The majority of my professors have been unforgettable
mentors to me and have played a critical role in my learning.”
About 850 students enroll in the Honors College, where they are given a more
demanding workload, including a culminating Bachelor’s Essay that is undertaken
with the support of a faculty mentor. The Office of Undergraduate Research and
Creative Activities awards competitive grants to fund student/faculty research proj-
ects. Roughly a quarter of undergrads study internationally; the college sponsors
more than 30 faculty- led study abroad programs, as well as upperclassmen spring
break programs. Students may also choose from hundreds of additional options
through preapproved providers. Many performing arts majors take advantage of
internships with Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston’s annual international arts festi-
val. The city’s growing biomedicine, tech, and aerospace industries also provide
opportunities for research and internships.
According to an English major, the College’s student body is “pretty accepting,
artistic, and fun.” Forty- nine percent of students hail from out of state, and another
2 percent from foreign countries. The administration has been pushing to increase
the proportion of students of color; currently,
Black students account for 6 percent of the stu-
dent body, Asian Americans 2 percent, Hispanics/
Latinos 7 percent, and multiracial students
4 percent. Racial tension in the city of Charleston,
known for its history as a major slave- trading
port, has sparked “some protests and disagreements” on campus, says a junior, but
overall, the political climate is left- leaning and usually relatively calm. The Race and
Social Justice Initiative and the Center for the Study of Slavery raise awareness of
racial injustice and the legacies of slavery through research, public events, exhibi-
tions, and other projects. The college offers merit scholarships averaging $13,300
and more than 100 athletic scholarships.
“On- campus housing at the College of Charleston is very nice, with choices
between dormitories, apartments, or historic houses,” says a student. Twenty- eight
percent of students live on campus, and students say more would stay if there were
space to accommodate them. Off- campus housing can get quite expensive, although
the college has acquired multiple housing buildings within walking distance of
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Biology
Chemistry
Psychology
Marine Biology
German
Arts Management
Business Administration
Communication
Each student is
required to satisfy
credits in English,
history, mathematics
or logic, social science,
natural sciences,
humanities, and
foreign language.
“The city is a social
playground for college
students. There are tons of
restaurants and beautiful
architecture to enjoy.”
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UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO 139
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
campus in order to help ease the strain. Dining services provide options for all types
of eaters, including vegetarian, vegan, and kosher fare. “The omelets at Liberty are
what I live for!” cheers a junior. As for security, “Being in the heart of a city can
sometimes be overwhelming, but generally, campus feels safe,” says one student.
Nineteen percent of the men and 17 percent of the women belong to fraternities
and sororities, respectively. A junior says, “Greek groups are the gatekeepers of party
culture at the College.” More than 220 student organizations help provide alterna-
tives, and students enjoy Charleston’s sporting events, concerts, and numerous
festivals. As one student puts it, “The city is a social playground for college students.
There are tons of restaurants, events to attend, and beautiful architecture to
enjoy.” On weekends, students can head to beaches such as Folly Beach, Sullivan’s
Island, and Isle of Palms, which are merely minutes away. For those who don’t mind
a drive, there’s “the Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach, 90 miles north, Savannah and
Hilton Head to the south, and Atlanta to the west.
The absence of a football team is a common gripe among students, but other
athletic teams are popular, none more so than basketball. The College of Charleston
is a Division I school, and several Cougar teams are competitive in the Colonial
Athletic Association conference, including men’s basketball and men’s and wom-
en’s golf. The sailing team is a top performer nationally. The intramural program
offers eight team sports throughout the year, and basketball and soccer are the most
popular, both in terms of participation and competitive fervor; more than 20 club
sports are also available.
The College of Charleston has become the finest public liberal arts and sciences
institution in South Carolina, propelled by its historic setting, an honors college,
opportunities for internships and study abroad, and a healthy social life. “There’s so
much history here that you can’t help but feel like you’re making some yourself,”
muses an anthropology and biology major.
The Race and Social
Justice Initiative
and the Center for
the Study of Slavery
raise awareness of
racial injustice.
Overlaps
Appalachian State,
James Madison,
University of Mary
Washington, UNC
Wilmington, Elon,
University of South
Carolina, Clemson,
Coastal Carolina
If You Apply To ›
Charleston: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Application
includes optional questions regarding preferred first name, birth sex, and gender identity. Please consult Charleston’s web-
site for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Chicago
Rosenwald Hall 105, 1101 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
Traditionally known as a haven for true intellectuals who enjoy nothing more than
the chance to debate a fresh idea. The Common Core remains the intellectual heart
of the school, but Chicago has worked hard to shed its reputation as the place
“where fun comes to die.” Recent investments in dormitory life, the arts, and athletic
facilities— coupled with more aggressive recruiting— have helped cement UChicago’s
status alongside the top Ivies and Stanford. Quarter system can be stressful.
The University of Chicago attracts students eager to move beyond the cliquishness
of high school and the superficial trappings of Ivy League résumé building— the
kids more concerned about learning for learning’s sake than about getting a job
after graduation, though they’re certainly capable of the latter. “‘Life of the Mind’
is taken very seriously,” says a student. “The academic atmosphere extends beyond
Website: www .uchicago .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 12,426
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140 UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the classroom, and most people like it that way.” Still, administrators have realized
that in the 21st century, even the best schools cannot survive on intellectual might
alone. To make UChicago more attractive, they’ve broadened the offerings in the
core curriculum, expanded study abroad programs and career advising, and com-
pleted a bevy of new facilities. The result? Applications have doubled in the last
decade and enrollment is surging. Says a freshman, “The fact that college here is a
good time just makes us that much happier.”
The university’s 217- acre, tree- lined campus sits in Hyde Park, an eclectic com-
munity on Chicago’s South Side, surrounded by neighborhoods on three sides and
Lake Michigan on the other. One of 77 city neighborhoods, Hyde Park “is pretty
intellectual,” says one student, noting that “two-
thirds of our faculty live here.” Streets are lined
with brownstones, rowhouses, and townhouses,
giving way to luxury high- rises with beautiful
views as you get closer to the lake; the city’s
Museum of Science and Industry is within spit-
ting distance. The campus itself is self- contained and architecturally magnificent.
The main quads are steel- gray Gothic— gargoyles and all— and other buildings were
designed by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, and Mies van der Rohe.
The Regenstein Library (known as “the Reg”) is a national treasure, symbolically
located in the heart of the campus. Next to the Reg is the Mansueto Library, a geo-
desic dome.
Founded in 1890 thanks to John D. Rockefeller and Marshall Field largesse,
UChicago has historically drawn praise for its graduate programs, but in subse-
quent years the undergraduate college has flourished, competing successfully with
the likes of Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton. To that end, the university remains
unequivocally committed to the view that a solid foundation in the liberal arts is
the best preparation for future study or work and, moreover, that theory is better
than practice. Thus, music students study musicology, but also learn calculus, along
with everyone else. Regardless of major, 15 to 18 of a student’s 42 courses fall under
general education requirements called the Common Core, which is one of the most
comprehensive sets of distribution requirements anywhere. (The precise number of
courses in the Core depends on how much foreign language instruction a student
needs to reach proficiency.)
Other Core requirements include courses in the sciences and math, humanities,
arts, social sciences, and a sequence of study in a specific civilization. There is a
required writing tutorial as well. “UChicago is an academically difficult school, but
that is why the students love it and choose to
attend,” admits a senior. Adding to the intensity
is the quarter system, pioneered by UChicago,
whereby class material is presented over 10- week
periods with the first term starting in late
September and ending in mid- December. In
practice, this means that students take more classes over four years than they would
on a semester- based system, with virtually uninterrupted work through the year,
punctuated by a long summer vacation and three exam weeks. A senior says, “With
an intense workload, it is important to practice time management in order to suc-
ceed. Once you get into the swing of things, however, everything is manageable.”
Seniors are also encouraged to do final- year projects. Classes are intimate, with
77 percent enrolling fewer than 20 students, and led by brilliant faculty members
who’ve won Nobel Prizes, Guggenheims, and other prestigious awards. “Professors
care so deeply about your growth both as a human being and as an intellectual that
they are constantly seeking to meet to discuss your written work,” raves a junior.
(continued)
Undergraduates: 7,455
Male/Female: 53/47
Financial Aid: 49%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 14%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 37,522
Accepted: 5%
Enrolled: 85%
Grad in 6 Years: 96%
Returning Freshmen: 99%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (773) 702- 8650
Email Address:
collegeadmissions @ uchicago
.edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Environmental and Urban
Studies
Global Studies
Area Studies
Biological Sciences
Mathematics
Public Policy Studies
English
Social Sciences
Physical Sciences
“UChicago is an
academically difficult
school, but that is why the
students love it and choose
to attend.”
Classes are led by
brilliant faculty
members who’ve
won Nobel Prizes,
Guggenheims, and
other prestigious
awards.
“There is a culture of
free speech that enables
a climate of open
conversation that is
refreshing.”
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The economics department, which has produced numerous Nobel laureates,
is known as a bastion of free market economics and is UChicago’s main academic
claim to fame. Popular majors include economics, biological sciences, mathe-
matics, public policy studies, and English.
Inter disciplinary majors in environmental and
urban studies and global studies are notable.
The university also prides itself on area studies
programs, such as those focusing on East Asia,
South Asia, the Middle East, and the Slavic countries. The Accelerated Medical
Scholars Program allows exceptional undergrads to begin medical school during
their fourth year, and similar joint- degree and professional options allow under-
grads to engage with any of the university’s other graduate and professional
schools. The cross- subject molecular engineering major— the university’s only
undergraduate degree in engineering— focuses on “solving societal problems at
the molecular level”; students delve into such topics as water conservation,
quantum computing, and advances in biological immuno- engineering.
Students enjoy an abundance of research assistantships and opportunities for
publication, even before they graduate— “There is a ridiculous amount!” marvels a
theater and performance studies major. Through the Metcalf Internship Program,
students have access to 3,000 fully funded internships that are offered exclusively to
UChicago students. Established internships are available at the Argonne National
Laboratory and Fermilab, both located in nearby suburbs, and at the UChicago-
affiliated Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. When
Chicago gets too cold and snowy, students may take advantage of more than 60
study abroad programs, which reach most corners of the globe and include study at
the university’s centers in Hong Kong, Beijing, Delhi, and Paris. Financial aid applies
to study abroad programs, and 40 percent of students take part. All students are
assigned both an academic and a career advisor, and UChicago has one of the best
career advising systems of any school, aimed at assuring that its graduating intellec-
tuals can still get a job.
At UChicago, says a junior, “What brings together the student body is a love for
learning and maybe just a bit of geekiness, whether that comes from a love of Plato
or an obsession with big bang theory.” Sixty- eight percent of undergraduates come
from out of state, including many East Coasters with academic parents; another
16 percent are international. Just 6 percent of freshman applicants are accepted
here, in part because the admissions office is
wary of admitting students whom it thinks might
not come. Asian Americans represent 20 percent
of the total, Hispanics/Latinos 16 percent, Black
students 7 percent, and multiracial students
7 percent. Students are quick to give voice to
opinions and political allegiances. “Of course there are hot- button issues, but there
is a culture of free speech that enables a climate of open conversation that is refresh-
ing,” opines a math major. In a sign of UChicago’s educational philosophy that
attracted national attention several years ago, incoming freshmen received a letter
reiterating the university’s commitment to freedom of speech and thought, reject-
ing “safe spaces” for the hypersensitive and cancelations of invitations to controver-
sial speakers.
Admissions at UChicago are need- blind, and the university meets 100 percent
of students’ demonstrated need with financial aid packages that include grants
instead of loans. The Odyssey Scholarship program offers generous financial aid
packages, funding to support internships or study abroad, and other benefits to first-
generation and lower- income students. Socioeconomic diversity is slowly inching
“The academic culture
becomes more and more
collaborative with every
passing year.”
UChicago’s Common
Core is one of the
most comprehensive
sets of distribution
requirements
anywhere.
“Our main [athletic]
nemesis is Harvard, as they
are our main intellectual
and same school- color
rival.”
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142 UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
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upward. The university has made a major effort in recent years to serve veterans,
investing in dedicated housing facilities, academic advising, and career counseling
for its veteran population.
New incoming students are required to live on campus for the first two years
(transfer students only one year), and the school guarantees housing for four years.
Sixty- one percent of all undergrads live in the dorms, where “students are split into
houses, which serve as smaller, more intimate communities that offer a very home- y
feel,” explains a political science major. All halls are co- ed, though some offer single-
sex floors, and each dorm is different— some house fewer than 100 people in tradi-
tional, shared double rooms without kitchens, while another has 700 beds organized
into colorful suites. The recently built Woodlawn Residential Commons offers a
dining facility and 11 college houses accommodating 1,200 undergrads. It is part of
a long- term campaign to provide more on- campus housing. Still, “Hyde Park has
tons of really cute, cheap apartments,” reports one student, so many of the more
“independent- minded” students move off campus. “Campus safety and sexual
assault is something the school has taken extremely seriously,” says a junior. “They
have security guards on almost every corner, free Lyft rides at night, and are in
constant conversation with the students to meet our needs.”
The UChicago social scene is varied, according to a senior: “There is always some
sort of event going on around campus, be it a theater performance or an a cappella
show.” Indeed, the university’s a cappella scene is one of the tops in the country,
and Chicago offers museums galore; world-
class symphony, opera, and dance; the Second
City comedy improv troupe (invented by
University of Chicago undergrads); professional
spectator sports; and plenty of clubs and bars.
The university provides students with free,
unlimited access to all parts of the city via public transportation, and Arts Pass offers
free or discounted student admission to city art, theater, and cultural events. Cars
are a nice luxury (if you can find a parking place). Road trips are infrequent, but one
popular destination is Ann Arbor, about five hours away, for concerts and more tra-
ditional collegiate fun at the University of Michigan. Greek life has only a small
presence on campus.
Tradition is a hallmark at UChicago. Students have fond memories of freshman
orientation, known as O-Week, an event administrators claim was invented at the
university in 1934. In the winter, students head for the outdoor skating rink on the
Midway, site of the 1893 World’s Fair, for broomball. Students also celebrate the fes-
tival of Kuviasungnerk/Kangeiko (“Kuvia” for short), a week of early morning calis-
thenics and other activities, culminating in a Friday morning yoga session by Lake
Michigan and a Polar Bear Run, where naked or seminaked Maroons dash across the
academic quad. Each spring, students look forward to the four- day Scavenger Hunt
(“Scav”), “a pumped- up version of a regular scavenger hunt, with a list of 300 bizarre
items,” says a sociology major.
UChicago’s Maroons compete in Division III, but, says a senior, “We don’t really
have many athletic rivalries anymore, so our main nemesis is Harvard, as they are
our main intellectual and same school- color rival.” Aside from hitting the gridiron
or the basketball court, “even the varsity athletes are Phi Beta Kappa (that is, very
smart) and involved with university theater,” a junior marvels. In fact, athletes here
have a higher overall GPA than the student body as a whole. Consistently solid pro-
grams include men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s swimming and
diving, women’s basketball and men’s and women’s tennis, cross- country, and track
and field. Intramurals draw heavy participation, with students competing on their
house teams in sports ranging from the traditional (flag football, soccer, and
Established internships
are available at the
Argonne National
Laboratory and
Fermilab, both located
in nearby suburbs.
“There is always some sort
of event going on around
campus, be it a theater
performance or an a
cappella show.”
Naked or seminaked
Maroons dash across
the academic quad
during the annual
Polar Bear Run.
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UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI 143
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University of Cincinnati
P.O. Box 210091, Cincinnati, OH 45221
In most states, UC would be a big enchilada. But with Ohio State two hours up the
road and Miami of Ohio even closer, Cincinnati has to hustle to get its name out
there. A pioneer along with Antioch in co- op education, it offers quality programs in
everything from engineering to art— and a competitive men’s basketball team to boot.
Many first- time visitors to Cincinnati are surprised to find an attractive and very livable
city. As they traverse the city’s hilly roads, they are in for another surprise— its univer-
sity. Not only has the University of Cincinnati made its mark with its extensive research
programs, but its signature cooperative education program, first established in 1906, is
also the largest co- op offering of any public college or university in the country.
The compact campus is a mile uphill from Cincinnati’s downtown area.
Ultramodern buildings rise up next to traditional ivy- covered Georgian halls. A
major $233 million university construction project created a “Main Street” in the
center of campus and consolidated all student activities. Recent additions include a
$120 million facility housing UC’s business programs and a $65 million building for
the College of Allied Health Sciences.
Research has been a longtime forte. Campus scientists have given the world
antiknock gasoline, the electronic organ, antihistamines, and the U.S. Weather
Bureau. But the university is perhaps best known
for cooperative education, which allows students
to earn while they learn. More than 40 programs
across the Cincinnati curriculum offer the popu-
lar five- year professional- practice option, and about 3,500 students participate in
co- ops each year. UC has taken steps to improve the quality of undergraduate
Website: www .uc .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 31,332
Undergraduates: 25,165
Male/Female: 51/49
Financial Aid: 60%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 57%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 29,024
Accepted: 86%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 72%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- -
Social:
% % %
“We are your traditional
hardworking college
students.”
volleyball) to the offbeat (inner- tube water polo, broomball, and archery). Thirty-
eight club sports are available as well.
Although T-shirts lovingly mock the university’s rigor (“Where Fun Comes to
Die”), the University of Chicago has moved well beyond the Spartan attitudes of former
president Robert Maynard Hutchins, who led UChicago from 1929 to 1951 and once
told members of the football team that was about to be abolished, “When I feel like
exercising, I just lie down until the feeling goes away.” A major national force for the
liberal arts, he also once declared, “My idea of education is to unsettle the minds of the
young and inflame their intellects.” UChicago undergraduates today are certainly
more social and more heavily involved in extracurricular activities than their predeces-
sors, but the university still occupies its distinctive historical academic niche. The pre-
vailing culture “becomes more and more collaborative with every passing year,” says
an English major— and the university draws strength from its role as a high- powered
haven for superbright students, including those who lack the polished nonacademic
credentials favored by admissions committees in places like Cambridge and New
Haven. Students at UChicago continue to relish a quirky kind of fun.
Overlaps
Columbia, Harvard,
Yale, Stanford,
University of
Pennsylvania,
Northwestern,
Princeton, Cornell
University
If You Apply To ›
UChicago: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with essay supplements.
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144 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
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education by strengthening its general education requirements to focus on critical
thinking and expression, by creating more than 100 learning communities for fresh-
men, and by expanding its honors program. Freshmen must take English, math, and
a contemporary issues class, and all students are required to complete a capstone
experience. Other requirements vary by college.
The colleges of engineering; business administration; and design, architecture,
art, and planning (the schools with the most co- op students) are the best bets at UC.
The university’s music conservatory, one of the top programs in the field, also offers
electronic media and broadcasting training. The colleges of nursing and pharmacy
are well known and benefit from UC’s health center and graduate medical school.
The most popular majors fall under the fields of business administration, health pro-
fessions, engineering, and biological sciences. Education students earn two bache-
lor’s degrees: one in education and one in a liberal arts subject. Additional initiatives
include a culinary arts and science degree program offered jointly with Cincinnati
State, and the state’s first baccalaureate program in facilities and hospitality man-
agement. UC also sponsors a language- immersion house, a freestanding residence
where students are required to live, work, study, and play 24/7 in another language.
About a quarter of undergrads choose to study abroad or work in international co-
ops offered in more than 50 countries.
At UC, the academic rigor is largely a function of one’s major; fields such as
engineering and nursing require a substantially larger academic commitment. “I
would say that the most rigorous courses are those that are nontraditional,” offers
one student, citing “study abroad, capstones, projects with corporate partners, and
advanced topics classes.” Some courses end up being quite large (in popular design
courses, two people to a desk is not unusual); 32 percent of all classes have fewer
than 20 students. A third of the faculty members hold outside jobs, bringing fresh,
practical experience to the classroom. “Most of my professors are accessible because
they offer office hours; however, I have run into difficulty from time to time receiv-
ing answers to my emails,” reports one student.
“We are your traditional hardworking college students,” says a sophomore of
UC’s largely homogeneous student body. Eighty- one percent of undergraduates are
native Ohioans, and 5 percent come from abroad. Black students make up a mere
8 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 5 percent, and Hispanic/Latino and
multiracial students each add 4 percent. Diversity, feminist issues, campus construc-
tion, and rising tuition are the hot topics on campus. The school offers merit schol-
arships averaging $6,200 and nearly 250 athletic scholarships.
Twenty- five percent of UC students live in campus- owned housing. Many
upperclassmen consider off- campus living far better than dorm life, and apartments
can usually be found nearby. For meals, “Campus
has three dining facilities, multiple fast food
restaurants in the university center, and a few
cafés located in certain buildings,” explains a
senior. A marketing major adds, “Living in an
urban environment means there are extra safety precautions that keep students safe.
Never have I felt unsafe on campus.”
Merchants have turned the area surrounding UC, called Clifton, into a mini
college town with plenty to do. Although not a major metropolis like Chicago or
Boston, the “Queen City” of Cincinnati (as in “Queen of the West”) does offer an
urban feel. Nine nearby bus lines take undergraduates into the heart of the city in
minutes; there, they find museums, ballet, professional sports teams, parks, rivers,
hills, and as many large and small shops as anyone could want. On- campus activi-
ties include 550 student clubs, with everything from mountaineering to clubs in
various majors. Fraternities and sororities attract just 4 percent of the men and
(continued)
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (513) 556- 1100
Email Address: admissions @
uc .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Business Administration
Architecture
Art and Design
Music
Nursing
Prepharmacy
Biological Sciences
More than 40
programs across the
Cincinnati curriculum
offer the popular five-
year professional-
practice option.
“There is a party culture
present at the university,
but it is by no means
dominant.”
On- campus activities
include 550 student
clubs, with everything
from mountaineering
to clubs in various
majors.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
4 percent of the women but are still the most active places to party on campus, usu-
ally opening their functions to everyone. “There is a party culture present at the
university, but it is by no means dominant,” says one senior. The university spon-
sors some events, such as WorldFest and Greek Week. Cleveland and Columbus
make for good road trips.
Seventeen Bearcat teams now compete in the Division I Big 12. The men’s bas-
ketball team is highly competitive, as are football, women’s basketball, and women’s
volleyball. Everyone mentions the football rivalry with Miami of Ohio as a game
you won’t want to miss, and the same holds true when the men’s basketball squad
takes on Xavier University. Weekend athletes take advantage of UC’s first- rate rec-
reation center, and more than 50 club sports and 15 intramurals are an option too.
UC offers students a lively social scene, both on campus and minutes away in
downtown Cincinnati. But cooperative education is the name of the game at this
Ohio school, where the co- op program allows students to take their degrees out for
a test drive before graduation and have a head start on their peers after it.
Overlaps
Ohio State, Miami
University (OH),
Ohio University,
Bowling Green
State, Wright State,
Xavier (OH)
If You Apply To ›
UC: Early action, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular program. Please
consult UC’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Claremont Colleges
In 1925, theologian and educator James A. Blaisdell had the vision to create a group of colleges patterned after
Oxford and Cambridge in England— an “Oxford of the Orange Groves,” as he elegantly put it. Nearly a century
later, the five schools that comprise the Claremont Colleges thrive as a consortium of separate and distinct under-
graduate colleges with two adjoining graduate institutions, a theological seminary, and botanical gardens. Like
families, the colleges coexist, interact, and experience their share of both cooperation and tension. Ultimately,
however, the Claremont Colleges consortium forms a mutually beneficial partnership that offers its students the
vast resources and facilities one might only expect to find at a large university.
The colleges are located 35 miles east of Los Angeles on 546 acres in the suburb of Claremont (population
36,000), a peaceful, tree- lined neighborhood at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. The picture- perfect California
weather has sometimes been marred by smog, courtesy of the neighbors in nearby L.A., but the smog level has
declined dramatically in the past few years.
Of the five undergraduate colleges that make up the Claremont Colleges— Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd,
Pitzer, Pomona, and Scripps— Pomona is the largest, with about 1,700 students. Each school retains its own insti-
tutional identity, with its own faculty, administration, admissions, and curriculum, although the boundaries of
both academic work and extracurricular activities are somewhat flexible. Each of the schools also tends to specialize
in a particular area that complements the offerings of all the others. Claremont McKenna, which caters mainly
to students planning careers in economics, business, law, or government, has 11 research institutes located on
its campus while Harvey Mudd is a liberal arts college specializing in engineering, science, and math. Pitzer, a
classical liberal arts institution and the most socially progressive of the five, excels in environmental and sustain-
ability studies, and at the all- women Scripps, the top majors include the social sciences, biology, and visual and
performing arts. The oldest of the five colleges, Pomona ranks as one of the top liberal arts colleges anywhere and is
strong across the board.
Collectively, the colleges share many services and facilities, including a student newspaper, a biological field sta-
tion, a student health center, auditoriums, a 2,500- seat concert hall, a 350- seat theater, bookstores, a maintenance
CLAREMONT COLLEGES 145
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146 CLAREMONT MCKENNA COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
department, a business office, and a shared campus safety force. The Queer Resource Center, housed at Pomona but
serving the whole community, is a model of collaboration between schools, and the EmPOWER Center provides
the community with comprehensive support and educational resources on sexual assault, dating and domestic
violence, and stalking. The Claremont library system makes 2 million volumes available to all students. Faculties
and administrations are free to arrange joint programs or classes between all or just some of the schools. Courses
are open to students from the other colleges (approximately 2,700 courses in all), but each college sets limits on
the number of classes that can be taken elsewhere. Perhaps the best example of academic cooperation is the team-
taught interdisciplinary courses, which are organized by instructors from the different schools and appeal to a mix
of different academic interests.
The Claremont Colleges draw large numbers of students from within California, although their national rep-
utation is growing. These days, about half the students hail from other Western and non- Western states, with a
sizable contingent from the East Coast. The tone at the Claremont Colleges is decidedly intellectual, and graduate
programs in the arts and sciences are more common goals than business or law school. Anyone who is bright and
hardworking can find a niche at one of the five schools.
One student describes the town of Claremont as “a wonderful place if you’re married or about to die.” Indeed,
the quiet local community (“the Village”) has its share of senior citizens, but it also offers a flavor reminiscent of
Ann Arbor (home to the University of Michigan), with quirky boutiques, coffee shops, truly remarkable candy
stores, a Sunday farmers market, and eateries ranging from fine dining to diners and specialty bagel shops. There
are even ice cream shops that freeze your ice cream with liquid nitrogen before your eyes— and it’s all an easy walk
or bike ride from any campus. Students report that the endless list of social activities offered at the colleges makes
up for anything Claremont might lack. For hot times, Hollywood’s glamour and downtown L.A. are within sniff-
ing distance. The availability of shared Zipcars, rideshare services, and a nearby Metro line make these and other
locations easy to access. Nearby mountains and the fabled surfing beaches make this collegiate paradise’s backyard
complete. Mount Baldy ski lifts, for instance, are only 15 miles away, and you’ll reach Laguna Beach before the end
of your favorite album. For spring break, Mexico is cheap and a great change of pace.
On campus, extracurricular life maintains a balance between cooperation and independence. Claremont
McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Scripps field joint athletic teams, and the men’s teams especially are Division III
powers, due to the exploits of CMC athletes. Pomona and Pitzer also compete together with particular strength
in water polo, track and field, and soccer. The popular Claremont Colleges Ballroom Dance Company has won
multiple national collegiate championships, as has the perennially successful Claremont Colleges Debate Union.
Each of the five colleges has its own dorms, and since off- campus housing is limited in Claremont proper,
the social life of students revolves around their dorms. Large five- school parties are regular Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday night fare. “In my opinion, Mudd’s parties are the best because they always have themes,” says a physics
major. Claremont McKenna is said to have the most raucous party scene, while Pitzer hosts multiple music festivals
throughout the year. There are no fraternities, except for three local ones at Pomona, where joining is far from de
rigueur. All cafeterias are open to all students, and most big events— films, concerts, etc.— are advertised through-
out each campus. Day- to- day social interaction among students at different schools, be it for meals or dates, is not
what it might be. Occasional political squabbles break out between liberal faculty and students at Pitzer and their
conservative counterparts at Claremont McKenna. For the most part, students benefit not only from the nurturing
and support within their own schools, each of which has its own academic or extracurricular emphasis, but also
from the abundant resources that the Claremont Colleges consortium offers as a whole.
Claremont McKenna College
890 Columbia Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
Watch your back, Pomona— this rising star is no longer content with being a social
sciences specialty school. CMC is half the size of a typical liberal arts college and
smaller than Pomona by about 300 students. Most conservative of Claremont schools.
CMC continues to develop its national and global reputation, and Californians now
make up less than half the student body.
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Claremont McKenna College’s special niche in the Claremont College pantheon is
top programs in government, economics, and international relations. In addition,
CMC has 11 research institutes located on campus, which offer undergraduates
ample opportunities to study everything from political demographics to the environ-
ment. The arts and humanities are also available, but Claremont McKenna is better
suited to those with high ambitions in business leadership and public affairs. “CMC
provides students with a pragmatic liberal arts education that will prepare them for
grad school and a career,” a senior says. “It is a great place to spend four years.”
The 69- acre campus is mostly “California modern” in its architecture, with lots of
Spanish tile roofs and picture windows that look out on the San Gabriel Mountains.
Described by one student as “more functional than aesthetic,” the physical layout
fits right in with the school’s practical attitude. Kravis Center is a state- of- the- art
academic center that houses classrooms, seminar rooms, a computer laboratory, and
faculty offices. Roberts Pavilion serves as an athletic, fitness, and events center.
CMC’s extensive general education requirements include two semesters in the
humanities; three in the social sciences; one each in the natural sciences and
mathematics; and a senior thesis. All first- years take a Freshman Writing Seminar
and a Freshman Humanities Seminar. Claremont
McKenna offers top programs in economics and
government, but the international relations,
psychology, and history programs are also con-
sidered strong. A few programs combine these
strengths into interdisciplinary majors, such as the environment, economics, and
politics major. The biology, chemistry, and physics departments are greatly
enhanced through the use of Keck Science Center, an outstanding facility provid-
ing students with hands- on access to a variety of equipment. In addition, the 85-
acre Bernard Biological Field Station is located just north of the CMC campus and
is available to students for field work. Newer majors include public policy and data
science. The college also offers a popular 3– 2 program in economics and engineer-
ing, a four- year B.A./M.A. program, and a 4– 1 M.B.A. program in conjunction with
the Claremont Graduate University.
The academic climate is fairly strenuous at Claremont McKenna, but not over-
whelming. “There are very difficult courses that will push you to the brink of your
comfort zone in every major,” a junior says. Eighty- three percent of classes have fewer
than 20 students (“one of the perks of a small college,” says a neuroscience major), and
professors are praised for their accessibility. “I have met some of the most incredible
teachers at CMC who are both brilliant and devoted to their students,” raves an eco-
nomics major. All freshmen take part in a five- day orientation program that includes a
Welcome Orientation Adventure (WOA!) trip and a reception with the president and
department chairs. Thirty- three percent of Claremont McKenna students take advan-
tage of study abroad programs offered in more than 55 countries, including Australia,
Brazil, Costa Rica, and Japan. Participants in the Washington Semester can intern
with the State Department, the White House, and lobbying groups, and a semester-
long Silicon Valley internship program places liberal arts students in technology firms.
The college provides stipends to low- income and first- generation students in order to
allow them to take unpaid internships.
A senior describes CMC students as “career- oriented, ambitious, and serious
about their classes.” The CMC student body is 40 percent Californian, with many
other domestic students coming from the East Coast, and 18 percent of students are
international. Asian Americans account for 16 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 16 percent, Black students 6 percent, and multiracial students
7 percent. Although CMC is the most conservative of the five Claremont schools,
one student notes, “There is a good mix of liberals, conservatives, and libertarians.”
Website: www .cmc .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,380
Undergraduates: 1,377
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 48%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 32%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 5,709
Accepted: 10%
Enrolled: 54%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (909) 621- 8088
Email Address: admission @
cmc .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Government
International Relations
Psychology
History
Environment, Economics, and
Politics
“There are very difficult
courses that will push you
to the brink of your comfort
zone.”
The college sponsors
an outstanding
lecture series at
the Athenaeum on
Monday through
Thursday nights
each week.
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148 CLAREMONT MCKENNA COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The school accepts domestic applicants on a need- blind basis and guarantees to
meet the demonstrated need of all admitted students. It also awards a limited
number of merit scholarships to eligible students.
Eighty- five percent of CMC students live on campus, “because of the social life,”
according to one. All the residence halls are co- ed, and Stark Hall, a substance- free
dorm, gives students more living options. A cluster of on- campus apartments
equipped with kitchen facilities is a popular option for upperclassmen. Dorm food
is said to be quite good, and students can eat in dining halls at any of the other four
colleges, though the best bet may be CMC’s Collins Dining Hall. “They have a large
spread with lots of different options,” says one student, including vegetarian, vegan,
and organic fare. CMC has expanded its staff dedicated to assisting the campus com-
munity with issues related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
Most students agree that the social life at CMC is more than adequate, thanks to
the five- college system. “There are always parties, club events, barbecues, movie
screenings, and other events,” says a junior. Perhaps consistent with its origins in
1946 as an all- male college (it became co- ed in
1976), CMC has a reputation for raucous party-
ing, at least in comparison to its other Claremont
counterparts; CMC is said to have something of
a “bro culture” around drinking— an atmosphere that appeals to some students but
keeps others away. Aside from that party scene, Monte Carlo Night is a favorite
annual bash, and Club Claremont plans on- campus events as well as outings for
everything from surfing and skiing nearby to day trips to Disneyland and L.A.
Ponding, another unusual CMC tradition, involves being thrown into one of the
two campus fountains on one’s birthday. The college sponsors an outstanding lec-
ture series at the Athenaeum (a.k.a. “the Ath”) on Monday through Thursday nights
each week. Before each lecture, students and faculty can enjoy a gourmet dinner
together and engage in intellectual debates. Students also highly recommend
road trips to Joshua Tree, Coachella, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
Division III athletics are an important part of life at Claremont McKenna, and
the school has an overstuffed trophy case to prove it. The women’s tennis team
brought home the national title in 2022 and 2023. Recent Stag (men’s) and Athena
(women’s) conference champions include cross- country, swimming and diving,
track and field, golf, and volleyball. A third of the students play varsity sports, and
CMC students tend to dominate the teams jointly fielded with Harvey Mudd and
Scripps. Top rivalries include Pomona– Pitzer, both in athletics and academics, one
student claims. Intramural offerings include cornhole, inner tube water polo, pick-
leball, and more.
CMC has embraced its mission to produce great leaders by providing students
with ample opportunities for research and study abroad, as well as top- notch pro-
grams in government and economics. “Leadership pervades almost everything that
goes on here,” says a junior. “Claremont McKenna builds character, fosters a sense
of ambition among its students, and drives them to set their sights high.”
The Keck Science
Center provides
students with hands-
on access to a variety
of equipment.
“There is a good mix of
liberals, conservatives, and
libertarians.”
Overlaps
UC Berkeley,
UCLA, Pomona,
University of
Southern California,
Stanford
If You Apply To ›
Claremont McKenna: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please
consult Claremont McKenna’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Harvey Mudd College
301 Platt Boulevard, Claremont, CA 91711
Harvey Mudd may rank as the finest institution that few people outside of STEM-
world have ever heard of. Renowned for encouraging women to go into engineering
and other STEM areas, HMC challenges larger neighbor Caltech for sheer brainpower
and tops it in access to outstanding faculty. Only Caltech sends a higher proportion
of its graduates on for Ph.D.s. Offers more exposure to the liberal arts than most
science- and technology- oriented schools, and a tight- knit community.
A top- ranked liberal arts college with a technical bent, Harvey Mudd College, estab-
lished in 1955 and named for a founder, strives to give its students a sense of aca-
demic balance. Although it’s a leading provider of high- quality programs in science
and engineering (Where else can you take an introductory engineering class where
you build your own underwater robot?), it also emphasizes a well- rounded educa-
tion with knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. “Harvey Mudd
is a nerdy, organic, stressful, and academically engaging college,” says a first- year
student. A senior adds, “I really think the culture and community at Harvey Mudd
is my favorite part about this school.”
HMC’s mid- ’50s vintage campus of cinder- block buildings, in the words of one
student, “looks like an engineering college; it’s very symmetrical and there’s no
romance.” In addition, most buildings have small, square prism bricks, intended
to accentuate architectural lines, that students have dubbed “warts”— not a very
attractive picture. As part of a massive building campaign, however, the college
has added a modern residence hall, the Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning,
and the $30 million McGregor Computer Science Center, which boasts a cutting-
edge makerspace.
While most STEM- oriented schools tend to have a narrow focus, HMC has come
up with the quaint idea that even scientists and engineers “need to know and appre-
ciate poetry, philosophy, and non- Western thought,” says an administrator. The
Common Core includes coursework in mathematics, computer science, and engi-
neering; physics, chemistry, and biology (each with an associated laboratory); col-
lege writing (taught by faculty from all departments); humanities, social sciences,
and the arts; and an Impact course that explores the intersection of STEM and soci-
ety. Students report that classes are formidable, and the heavy workload is a common
complaint. Concerned that the core curriculum has indeed become too onerous and
even “soul crushing,” the administration has taken steps to relieve student stress
without sacrificing rigor, including reducing the
number of courses students are required to take
in their first four semesters and setting up a mul-
tidisciplinary care team to help students strug-
gling with academic or personal issues. “There is
a huge focus on getting help if you need it,” says
a chemistry major. The faculty has also set a goal for the Common Core of nurturing
“the joy of learning.” Sixty- two percent of classes have fewer than 20 people, and
the absence of graduate programs means that undergraduates get uncommon
amounts of attention, even from top faculty. A physics major says, “Instruction here
is excellent, and professors have a really wonderful open- door policy,” in addition
to regular office hours.
Of the school’s 10 majors, engineering enrolls the most students; computer
science, mathematics, and physics are other top choices. HMC has one of the
Website: www .hmc .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 906
Undergraduates: 906
Male/Female: 51/49
Financial Aid: 68%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 48%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 4,440
Accepted: 13%
Enrolled: 40%
Grad in 6 Years: 92%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (909) 621- 8011
Email Address: admission @
hmc .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Computer Science
Physics
Mathematics
Computer Science and
Mathematics
“Harvey Mudd attracts
people who have a lot of
passion for technical things,
are overachievers, and like
to have fun with that.”
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150 HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
nation’s best computer science programs and an award- winning math department,
and a combined major in computer science and mathematics is also very popular.
Students rave about the Clinic Program, which plops real- life math, science, and
engineering tasks (sponsored by major corporations and government agencies) into
the laps of students. Recent sponsors have included NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory,
Google, Microsoft, and Toyota. All students must either participate in the Clinic
Program or complete original thesis- driven research in order to graduate. About 200
students stay on campus in the summer for 10- week research experiences, and a
sophomore says, “In research positions, students are working one- on- one with the
professors— they aren’t washing beakers.” Twenty- two percent of students pack up
their laptops for study abroad programs in their choice of more than 20 countries,
usually during their junior year.
“To the surprise of no one, Harvey Mudd attracts ‘nerds,’ but more specifically,
people who have a lot of passion for technical things, are overachievers, and like to
have fun with that,” explains a physics major. For a technically oriented school,
Mudd boasts a relatively high proportion of female students, at 50 percent, and it is
also one of the few colleges strong in engineering and science that has a female pres-
ident. Forty- seven percent of the students are homegrown Californians, and 9 per-
cent are international. Black students represent 6 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 21 percent, Asian Americans
22 percent, and multiracial students 11 percent.
A senior notes that while students are often too
“wrapped up in schoolwork” to get involved in
social and political issues, student groups like
FEM Union (Female Empowerment at Mudd)
and BLAM (Black Lives and Allies at Mudd) “have created spaces for discussions
about issues of diversity and privilege.” Merit scholarships averaging $14,100 help
some with the hefty tuition bill, but as a Division III college, Mudd offers no athletic
scholarships. It does, however, honor policies of need- blind admissions and cover-
ing 100 percent of students’ demonstrated need with its financial aid packages.
Ninety- eight percent of undergrads live on campus, and students speak of a
strong “dorm culture” on campus. “Each dorm has a proctor (think: the ‘mom’ or
‘dad’ of the dorm, usually a senior) as well as several mentors (the ‘older siblings’
of the dorm, who are mostly there for freshmen),” explains a computer science
major. “The proctor- mentor team helps keep the dorm community strong and
safe.” Mudd’s dining options are said to be satisfying, and students appreciate their
access to dining facilities at the other Claremont Colleges, which vastly expands
their options.
Despite their heavy workload, most HMC students find abundant social outlets,
even if it’s just joining the parade of unicycles that has overrun the campus— not to
mention skateboards, longboards, scooters, and freeline skates. Dorms host parties
almost every weekend, a favorite being the Wild Wild West party, “where we fill a
dorm courtyard with peanut shells and get a mechanical bull,” says a physics major.
Students describe the party scene as a pressure- free one where classmates look out
for each other. While students do frequent the other Claremont campuses to social-
ize, it’s Mudd’s many traditions that really get them going. When finals roll around
each semester, Noisy Minutes provide breaks from long hours of studying with loud
music, snacks, and activities like a bouncy ball drop, non- Newtonian fluid racing,
and battle tie- dye. Engineering pranks are popular but must be reversible within
24 hours, as established by the honor code. “Pranking the president’s house is one
of the first things you do as a first- year student at Harvey Mudd!” enthuses a senior.
Mudd fields varsity sports teams together with Claremont McKenna and
Scripps, and the teams do extremely well. Women’s tennis (Division III national
“In research positions,
students are working
one- on- one with the
professors— they aren’t
washing beakers.”
HMC has one of the
nation’s best computer
science programs and
an award- winning
math department.
About 200 students
stay on campus in the
summer for 10- week
research experiences.
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PITZER COLLEGE 151
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
champions in 2022 and 2023), women’s volleyball and golf, and men’s and wom-
en’s cross- country, swimming and diving, and track and field are some of the stron-
gest teams. Intramurals, also in conjunction with Claremont McKenna and Scripps,
are even more popular. King among these is inner- tube water polo, which draws
huge cheering crowds and, most importantly, removes the most difficult aspect of
the sport— treading water.
HMC is right on the heels of Caltech as the best technically oriented school in
the West. The college offers a gem of a technical education blended with a worth-
while amount of humanities and social sciences, and the administration seems seri-
ous about addressing the common student refrain that the heavy workload comes at
the expense of time to reflect on what they are learning. HMC offers a welcoming
attitude toward women and other groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM
fields. As one student asserts, “Mudd is the college for students to be challenged like
they never have been before and have the support to go through it.”
Overlaps
MIT, Olin College
of Engineering,
Caltech, Stanford,
Carnegie Mellon,
UC Berkeley,
UCLA, Harvard
If You Apply To ›
Harvey Mudd: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Harvey Mudd’s
website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Pitzer College
1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
Offers a haven for the otherwise- minded without the hard edge of nonconformity at
places like Bard and Evergreen. Traditional strengths lie in the social and behavioral
sciences, including innovative options such as secular studies. Students play a role
in college governance. Far more selective than it was 15 years ago. A national leader
in turning out Fulbright scholars.
As the most socially aware of the Claremont Colleges, Pitzer College offers students
a creative milieu, abundant opportunities for intellectual exploration, and a sense
of fierce individualism. Founded in 1963 and named for a benefactor, this small
liberal arts and sciences school has changed with the times but continues to empha-
size progressive thought, social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and an
open social attitude. In the last 25 years, Pitzer students and alumni have been
awarded more than 250 Fulbright fellowships, and the school continues to attract
top talent from around the world.
Even Pitzer’s campus is, well, different. The classroom buildings are modernistic
octagons, and the grass- covered “mounds” that distinguish the grounds “are perfect
for sunbathing and Frisbee,” says one student, and for lounging in Adirondack
chairs beneath the palm trees. Drought- tolerant
landscaping pervades the campus, and there is
an organic garden. One interesting campus curi-
osity is the Grove House, a California craftsman-
style house students saved from the wrecking ball decades ago and moved to campus.
It houses a dining room, study areas, and art exhibits. Additional facilities include
eight LEED- certified residence halls, Benson Auditorium, and the Gold Student
Health and Wellness Center.
In keeping with Pitzer’s philosophy of student autonomy, each student has the
Website: www .pitzer .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,178
Undergraduates: 1,178
Male/Female: 40/58
Financial Aid: 36%
Pell Grant: 10%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 36%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 3,500
Accepted: 18%
Enrolled: 48%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
“Pitzer people are genuinely
socially conscious and
academically adventurous.”
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152 PITZER COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
maximum freedom to choose which classes to take. Instead of traditional academic
departments, Pitzer has “field groups,” which, as a political studies and Spanish
double major explains, “allow for students to major in one subject area, yet receive
a holistic education.” All students take a sequence of courses on social justice and
intercultural exploration, and a lively first- year seminar program sharpens students’
learning skills, especially writing. Students select from 37 majors, and they’re also
encouraged to design their own. Almost anything in the social and behavioral
sciences is a sure bet, especially psychology. Environmental analysis, econom-
ics, political studies, media studies, biology, and English and world literature are
other strong and popular programs. Pitzer is the first college in the country to offer
a program in secular studies, with courses such as God, Darwin, and Design in
America. Most courses in Pitzer’s weaker areas can be picked up at one of the other
Claremont schools; on average, Pitzer students take 30 percent of their courses at
the other colleges.
The academic climate is “relaxed, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and very
discussion- based,” according to a sociology major. Class size is generally small,
with 74 percent of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, which promotes close
interaction between students and faculty. “The professors I have had are very
down- to- earth and incredibly knowledgeable in their fields,” says a sociology and
gender/feminist studies major. Students play a large role in Pitzer’s community
government and sit on all policy committees, including those on curriculum and
faculty promotion. The environment is a big focus here, and the college boasts the
Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability. The Firestone
Center for Restoration Ecology in Costa Rica is home to programs in science, lan-
guage, and international studies and provides opportunities for research. Pitzer
also runs its own study abroad programs in Brazil, Ecuador, Italy, Nepal, Vietnam,
and Southern Africa and offers students access to 48 international and five domes-
tic exchange programs; in all, 54 percent of Pitzer students go abroad. Forty- six
percent conduct undergraduate research.
Individualism is a prized characteristic among Pitzer students, but one junior
says the oft- bandied “hippie” label is unfair: “Pitzer people are genuinely socially
conscious and academically adventurous but do go on to good jobs.” Thirty- six per-
cent of students are from California, and 7 percent are from foreign nations. Many
come from wealthy backgrounds. Black students
represent 5 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, Asian Americans
12 percent, and multiracial students 10 percent.
Students are heavily involved in volunteer work
and cite “racism on campus, labor rights, immigration reform, environmental issues,
and police brutality” as hot- button social and political issues. The school is commit-
ted to meeting 100 percent of enrolled students’ demonstrated need, but it is not
need- blind in its admissions. A limited number of merit scholarships are awarded to
top achievers.
Ninety- seven percent of students live in campus housing, and many find them-
selves in the newer, environmentally friendly dorms; the remainder hang their hats
in “old but spacious” rooms. Boarders can choose from a variety of meal plans, and
the food gets rave reviews, especially the fresh salad, sandwich, and fruit juice bars
in the main dining hall. “The food is awesome: locally sourced, excellent variety,
easy to be vegetarian,” says a senior. Students say the Pitzer Advocates for Survivors
of Sexual Assault student group has been a helpful campus resource.
As for the social scene, “Most students stay on campus to attend events or go to
parties,” says a senior. Pitzer has no Greek organizations, nor does it want any, and
social life tends to be fairly low- key. Kohoutek, an alternative music festival, is the big
(continued)
Admissions: (909) 621- 8129
Email Address: admission @
pitzer .edu
Strong Programs:
Psychology
Environmental Analysis
Economics
Political Studies
Media Studies
Biology
English and World Literature
Secular Studies
“The professors I have had
are very down-to-earth and
incredibly knowledgeable
in their fields.”
In the last 25 years,
Pitzer students
and alumni have
been awarded more
than 250 Fulbright
fellowships.
Pitzer is the first
college in the country
to offer a program
in secular studies.
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POMONA COLLEGE 153
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
annual event, featuring bands, food, and a “whole week of hoopla”; there is a rocka-
billy festival as well. “There is very heavy alcohol and weed usage on campus,” says a
junior. All parties that serve alcohol must be registered. As much as students enjoy
the campus scene, some warn that without a car, things can get claustrophobic.
The Pomona– Pitzer football team has had winning seasons, and the school
fields a variety of competitive Sagehens teams within the Southern California
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Men’s and
women’s water polo and men’s cross- country
have won national championships recently.
Women’s lacrosse and golf and men’s basket-
ball and swim teams also do well. Recreational
sports thrive, with more than 27 club sports, about a dozen intramurals, and a
hugely popular annual Humans vs. Zombies tag game that draws 500 participants
across campus.
Pitzer College attracts open- minded students looking for the freedom to go their
own ways. “Pitzer people are really caring and often fight for what they believe in.
It is a really loving place,” muses one student, “a place that values the silly and the
weird parts of yourself.”
“The food is awesome:
locally sourced, excellent
variety, easy to be
vegetarian.”
Overlaps
Macalester,
Grinnell, Franklin
& Marshall,
Occidental,
Dickinson, Pomona,
Scripps, Colorado
College, UC
Berkeley, Oberlin
If You Apply To ›
Pitzer: Early decision I, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Accepts the Common Application. Application
includes optional fields for gender identity and gender pronouns.
Pomona College
333 North College Way, Claremont, CA 91711
The finest liberal arts college in the West, and one of the few that Ivy- oriented
Easterners will travel across the country to attend. Offers twice the resources
of stand- alone competitors with access to the other Claremonts. A haven for the
otherwise- minded, though not to the same extent as nonconformist neighbor Pitzer.
Strong across the academic spectrum.
Pomona College, located just 35 miles east of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood,
is the undisputed star of the Claremont Colleges and one of the top small liberal
arts colleges anywhere. This small, elite institution is the top liberal arts college
in the West. But the school’s prestigious reputation doesn’t go to the heads of
Pomona’s friendly students. “Students here are very open about different types of
people— Pomona prides itself on its diverse community,” chirps one Sagehen (the
school’s mascot).
The architecture is variously described as Spanish Mediterranean, pseudo- Italian,
or, as a sophomore puts it, “a perfect mix of Northeastern Ivy and Southern California
modern.” One certainly notices more than one stucco building topped with a red
tile roof on campus, as well as eucalyptus trees,
canyon live oaks, and an occasional “secretive
courtyard lined with flowers.” The numerous
open courtyards and gardens are popular study spots. By virtue of its location and
beauty, Pomona’s campus has served as the quintessential collegiate milieu in vari-
ous Hollywood movies. Recent campus projects include Andrew Science Hall, which
Website: www .pomona .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,774
Undergraduates: 1,774
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 56%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 26%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 12,121
Accepted: 7%
Enrolled: 50%
Grad in 6 Years: 93%
“Pomona prides itself on its
diverse community.”
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154 POMONA COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
features a host of cutting- edge spaces and equipment, including a digital planetar-
ium and electron microscope, and the Pomona College Museum of Art.
Pomona was founded in 1887 by Congregationalists who wanted to import
“New England– type” education to Southern California. In order to graduate, stu-
dents must take at least one course in each of six Breadth of Study areas: criticism,
analysis, and contextual study of works of the human imagination; social institu-
tions and human behavior; history, values, ethics, and cultural studies; physical and
biological sciences; mathematical and formal reasoning; and creation and perfor-
mance of works of art and literature. The required Critical Inquiry seminar empha-
sizes thoughtful reading, logical reasoning, and graceful writing; students choose
from more than two dozen offerings, with subjects such as Pomona Goes Green and
Molecules and the Mind. Students must also complete a senior exercise in their final
year. A five- day freshman orientation program divides the new arrivals into groups
of six to 12 students headed by a sophomore. “We provide a great deal of support
in acclimating students to a college environment,” says a senior. Economics, math-
ematics, computer science, neuroscience, and public policy analysis are the most
popular majors; international relations is well regarded.
“Although classes can be difficult, students help each other out, and the class-
room environment is an enjoyable one,” offers one economics major. Students
often form study groups in an effort to help one another through the demanding
curriculum. One undergrad estimates the average student spends 20 to 30 hours a
week studying outside the classroom. Classes are small— 73 percent have fewer than
20 students— and the faculty makes a point of being accessible. An ever- popular
take- a- professor- to- lunch program gives students free meals when they arrive with
a faculty member in tow. Better still, “We do not have graduate students or TAs
teaching class,” says a senior.
Educational enrichment opportunities abound at Pomona. Students can spend
a semester at Colby or Swarthmore, pursue a 3– 2 engineering plan with the California
Institute of Technology or Dartmouth College, or spend a semester in Washington,
D.C., working for a congressperson. Half of the students take advantage of 60 study
abroad programs offered in 35 countries. Fifty- three percent conduct research men-
tored by a faculty member, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Program pro-
vides funding to more than 200 students to pursue such opportunities each summer.
Pomona students “tend to be high- achieving, confident, verbal students with a
fairly liberal political ideology,” says a senior. “Students are laid- back in a very
Southern California kind of way,” adds another. Twenty- seven percent are
Californians, and a growing number venture
from the East Coast; 12 percent come from
abroad. Ten percent are Black, 16 percent are
Hispanic/Latino, 18 percent are Asian American,
and 8 percent are multiracial. There is a healthy mix of liberals and conservatives on
campus, though the leftists, especially the feminist wing, are much more vocal. The
student government is active, and the administration is credited with respecting
students’ opinions. One interesting way students voice their concerns is by painting
the Walker Wall. Anyone is allowed to paint any message they want on the wall, and
the school will even provide groups with the paint. Pomona is need- blind in admis-
sions and meets the full demonstrated financial need of all those who attend. There
are a few merit scholarships averaging $15,100 but no athletic awards, and the col-
lege has replaced loans with grants in an effort to reduce the debt burden for fami-
lies. The college also participates in the QuestBridge and Posse programs.
Virtually all Pomona students live on campus all four years. The dorms are
co- ed, student- governed, and divided into two distinct groups. Those on South
campus are family- like and fairly quiet, offer spacious rooms, and house freshmen
(continued)
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (909) 621- 8134
Email Address: admissions @
pomona .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Mathematics
Computer Science
Neuroscience
Public Policy Analysis
International Relations
By virtue of its
location and beauty,
Pomona’s campus
has served as the
quintessential
collegiate milieu in
various Hollywood
movies.
“Although classes can be
difficult, students help each
other out.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and sophomores, while those on the North end have smaller rooms with a live-
lier social scene and house juniors and seniors. “Pomona’s dorms are like palaces,”
says a student. The two newest residence halls, Dialynas and Sontag, are LEED
Platinum– certified and feature suite- style apartments for upperclassmen. Oldenborg
Center is a language dorm with wings for speakers of Mandarin Chinese, French,
German, Japanese, Spanish, and Russian, and Pomona also has established language
tables at lunch. Boarders must buy at least partial meal plans. The food is good,
with seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, humanely raised beef and
cage- free eggs, and ice cream for dessert every day. Students generally feel safe on
campus. “The worst that usually happens are bike thefts,” says a junior.
Social life begins in the dorms, where study breaks, barbecues, and parties are
organized. There are movies several nights a week, and students also enjoy just tossing
a Frisbee on the lawn. One student wanted to be sure that incoming freshmen and
transfers knew of the Coop’s (student union) “best milkshakes west of the Mississippi,”
pool tables, and large- screen TV and gaming system. Students often spend Friday
afternoons relaxing with friends over a brew at the Greek Theater. Pomona is unique
among the Claremont Colleges in that it has three nonnational fraternities (two co-
ed; there are no sororities). As for booze, “I haven’t noticed any pressure to drink
here,” reports one student, but “alcohol is definitely present in the social scene.”
“I appreciate the diversity and depth that the five- college community brings to
the social life,” says a student. “You are guaranteed to meet new and interesting
people whenever you step off campus.” Five-
college parties happen nearly every weekend.
During midterms and finals, however, the campus
is a “social ghost town.” Harwood dorm throws
the five- college costume party every Halloween. Freshman orientation gets interest-
ing too. “First- years have to run through the gates of Pomona with blue and white
carnations while upperclassmen throw water balloons and shoot water at them,” says
a student. It helps to have a set of wheels here, although Zipcar and rideshare services
are readily available. Every February or March, hundreds of students spend the morn-
ing at a nearby ski resort, then head to a local beach to swim, and end the day with
an oceanside cookout.
There once was a time when the Pomona Sagehens were an athletic power-
house; the football team even knocked off mighty USC on Thanksgiving Day back
in 1899. In the last few years, the men’s and women’s water polo and men’s cross-
country teams have brought home national titles. Intense rivalry exists between
the Claremont Colleges; basketball games between Pomona– Pitzer and CMS
(Claremont– Mudd– Scripps) are “particularly heated.” Pomona– Pitzer enjoys a
lively rivalry with Occidental College as well. Intramurals, including hotly con-
tested inner- tube water polo matches, attract many participants, and the Outdoor
Education Center facilitates numerous outdoor adventures.
“Pomona offers a unique and desirable juxtaposition of rigorous academics
and a comfortable social atmosphere,” says a student. The strongest link in an
extremely attractive chain, Pomona continues to symbolize the rising status of the
Claremont Colleges in the world of higher education. There are few regrets about
coming to Pomona. Says a senior, “We’re in California. The sun is always shining.
What’s the problem?”
The two newest
residence halls,
Dialynas and
Sontag, are LEED
Platinum– certified
and feature suite-
style apartments for
upperclassmen.
“We’re in California. The sun
is always shining. What’s
the problem?”
The required Critical
Inquiry seminar
emphasizes thoughtful
reading, logical
reasoning, and
graceful writing.
Overlaps
Brown, Stanford,
UC Berkeley,
Williams, Yale,
Pitzer, Harvard,
Dartmouth
If You Apply To ›
Pomona: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Pomona’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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156 SCRIPPS COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Scripps is easily the premier women’s college on the West Coast, offering a
commitment to women’s education while interacting with co- ed institutions that are
literally next door. Boasts strengths in social sciences, biological sciences, and the
arts. Innovative Core Curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Scripps College offers the best of both worlds— a close- knit women’s college, where tra-
ditions include weekly tea and fresh- baked cookies, and the diversity of a major research
institution, thanks to its membership in the Claremont Colleges. Founded in 1926 by
newspaper publisher Ellen Browning Scripps, the college continues to pursue her vision
through its mission: “To educate women by developing their intellects and talents
through active participation in a community of scholars.” Students tend to be outgo-
ing, articulate, and serious about their studies, though they still know how to have fun.
Scripps’s scenic 32- acre campus, listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, offers a tranquil, safe, and comfortable environment. The architecture is
Spanish and Mediterranean, with tiled roofs and
elegant landscaping. A performing arts center pro-
vides permanent space for the Claremont Concert
Orchestra and Concert Choir. In addition to a 700-
seat theater, the center offers a music library,
recital hall, practice rooms, faculty offices, and
classrooms. The Lincoln Ceramic Art Building offers more than 5,000 square feet of
work area and kiln yards.
The required Core Curriculum in Interdisciplinary Humanities is a sequence of three
courses focusing on ideas about the world and the methods used to generate them. In
addition to Core, everyone takes courses in fine arts, letters, natural sciences, and social
sciences— one of these classes must focus on gender and women’s studies and one must
cover race and ethnic studies. All students also complete a senior thesis or project.
Popular and well- regarded majors at Scripps include biology/life sciences, social
sciences, psychology, environmental analysis, media studies, English, and visual
and performing arts, especially studio art and music. The Williamson Gallery offers a
state- of- the- art studio and freestanding museum- quality gallery for aspiring painters
and sculptors. Premeds benefit from the Keck Science Department, a joint program
for students at Scripps, Claremont McKenna, and Pitzer. Programs in area and ethnic
studies, such as Middle East and North Africa studies and Chicanx/Latinx studies, are
strong, and the feminist, gender, and sexuality studies department is also popular.
The Scripps Humanities Institute offers seminars and lectures open to the general
public, along with fellowships for juniors; recently, the institute explored immigra-
tion policy and nationalism in the U.S. and abroad. The Scripps Presents event series
also brings prominent writers, performers, visual artists, and activists to campus for
public lectures as well as student- only discussions and workshops.
The academic experience at Scripps emphasizes cooperation. “Scripps is a very
supportive community,” a junior says. “It is a place where professors encourage you
to work in groups because more brains [are] always better.” Seventy- six percent of
classes have fewer than 20 students. “My professors are always up for a discussion,
always willing to answer questions (even difficult ones), and always up to chat about
how their day is going,” says one student. When they’re ready to branch out, typ-
ically in the junior year, more than 60 percent of Scripps students study abroad,
choosing from more than 115 program options in 47 countries.
Website: www .scrippscollege
.edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,071
Undergraduates: 1,071
Male/Female: 0/100
Financial Aid: 72%
Pell Grant: 9%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 28%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 3,099
Accepted: 28%
Enrolled: 30%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (909) 621- 8149
Email Address: admission @
scrippscollege .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology/Life Sciences
Social Sciences
Psychology
Environmental Analysis
Media Studies
English
Visual and Performing Arts
Area and Ethnic Studies
“[Scripps] is a place where
professors encourage
you to work in groups
because more brains
[are] always better.”
Scripps College
1030 Columbia Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
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SCRIPPS COLLEGE 157
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Forty- three percent of Scripps undergraduates are from California, and 4 per-
cent come from other countries. Black students account for 4 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinas 13 percent, Asian Americans 13 percent, and multiracial
students 11 percent. “The students here are diligent, thoughtful, and really down- to-
earth,” observes one politics major. “They are usually privileged and have had the
opportunity to have really impressive experiences.” Just 9 percent of incoming
first- year students are Pell- eligible. Student organizations supporting Jewish, Asian
American, Black, Latina, international, and LGBTQ students are available. Scripps
Communities of Resources and Empowerment provides support and funding to stu-
dent organizations that promote inclusion and social justice. Scripps meets 100 per-
cent of admitted students’ demonstrated financial need and has made more grant
money available for students with the most need. The college also awards merit
scholarships averaging $17,200 to top achievers but no athletic scholarships.
Virtually all of Scripps students live in one of the 14 “spectacular” residence halls,
where options include singles, suites, and apartment- style living arrangements. A
student says, “The dorms are gorgeous. They are
well maintained and have lots of charm with
French doors, balconies, or the occasional fire-
place.” First- years live in the same halls as sopho-
mores, juniors, and seniors. The dining hall
garners rave reviews as well: “The salad bar is
gourmet, the bread comes from a local bakery, and the pizza is made in a wood- fired
brick oven,” cheers a bioethics major. “Don’t get me started about the hot cookies!”
Social life at Scripps centers on the residence halls, which take turns throw-
ing parties. “Our social life is very much based on campus,” explains a chemistry
major. “With five undergraduate colleges literally across the street from each other,
it is challenging not to have something to do— from movie screenings, art exhibits,
concerts, special events like a carnival or the International Festival, and parties.”
Alcohol doesn’t play a major role in Scripps social life, but the school does have a
medical amnesty policy for underage students in need of emergency medical assis-
tance. Traditions are important here, including the Matriculation Ceremony at the
start of each year and the signing of Graffiti Wall by each class before graduation. For
students with cars, popular road trips include Pasadena, Mount Baldy, San Diego,
and even Las Vegas and Mexico; students without wheels can hop on the Metrolink
commuter train to downtown Los Angeles.
Athletic rivalries aren’t the focus here, but Scripps does field joint teams with
Claremont McKenna and Harvey Mudd, and when those teams face off against
Pomona and Pitzer, students pay attention. All of the Stag (men’s) and Athena
(women’s) teams compete in Division III, and the women’s volleyball, tennis (2022
and 2023 Division III champs), and cross- country teams are especially strong.
Intramural and club sports are also played jointly, and popular options include
inner- tube water polo, soccer, flag football, and volleyball.
With a winning combination of outstanding academics and personal attention,
not to mention a cooperative, noncompetitive feel, Scripps offers the best of both
worlds. Scripps students want to achieve great things, but not if that requires step-
ping on their classmates’ toes. And just beyond campus, the other Claremont
Colleges beckon, with parties, student clubs, intramural sports, and cross- registration
privileges for a comprehensive college experience.
“It is challenging not to
have something to do—
from movie screenings,
art exhibits, concerts,
and parties.”
One core class must
focus on gender and
women’s studies and
one must cover race
and ethnic studies.
Scripps fields joint
athletic teams with
Claremont McKenna
and Harvey Mudd.
Overlaps
Pomona, UC
Berkeley, UCLA,
University of
Southern California,
Wellesley
If You Apply To ›
Scripps: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
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158 CLARK UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Clark has a distinguished history that dates to the late 19th century, and had it been
established an hour to the east, it probably would have become a household name.
Worcester is no Boston, but Clarkies bring a sense of mission and partnership to their
relationship with this historic industrial town. Clark is liberal, tolerant, and world-
renowned in psychology, geography, and game design. Students pride themselves
on being unique independent thinkers.
Founded in 1887 as an all- graduate school on a German model, excelling in the
social sciences, Clark University today welcomes undergraduates of all backgrounds
and interests with small classes and no shortage of faculty attention. Students’ four
years at Clark are designed to prepare them for success after college by combining a
liberal arts curriculum with “intensive world, workplace, and personal experiences.”
As a junior explains, Clark’s experiential learning approach “serves to push students
to bring their college education into the real world.”
Clark’s compact, 50- acre campus has “enough ivy, tall maples, and collegiate
brick buildings to make a traditionalist happy,” even though it’s located in the rather
gritty Main South section of Worcester. Buildings range from remodeled Victorian-
era residences— former homes of prosperous merchants— to the award- winning
Robert Hutchings Goddard Library. Careful restoration has brought a renewed sense
of history to the area. Clark is the only American university where pioneering psy-
choanalyst Sigmund Freud lectured, and his statue adorns the center of campus.
The new 70,000- square- foot Center for Media Arts, Computing, and Design hosts
classrooms, a multimedia gallery, virtual reality and robotics labs, a data science lab,
and a video game library.
While Clark now serves primarily undergraduates, its history of graduate educa-
tion is evident in its classrooms. Most courses are seminars and 60 percent have
fewer than 20 students. First- Year Intensives, required of all students, are limited to
a small number of students (usually no more than
16) to help introduce them to the intellectual, social,
and emotional growth they will experience in col-
lege. In most cases, the faculty member teaching the
course acts as an academic advisor until students
declare a major. “The faculty are dynamic, often
younger and earlier in their careers; many come from the professional world in addi-
tion to pure academia,” shares a geography major.
Clark’s Program of Liberal Studies promotes the habits, skills, and perspectives
essential to lifelong learning. In addition to fulfilling requirements for their major,
each student must complete eight courses: one in verbal expression, one in formal
analysis, and six in perspectives— aesthetic, global comparative, historical, language,
scientific, and values. One class must also satisfy a diversity and inclusion require-
ment. Many of Clark’s course offerings, such as Problems of Practice courses, are
practice- based, incorporating hands- on experiences outside the classroom. Before
graduating, all students must complete a culminating capstone demonstrating
the knowledge and capabilities they have honed during their four years.
Clark’s historically strong psychology and geography departments continue
to burnish their national reputations. Clark is the birthplace of the American
Psychological Association and the concept of adolescence as being distinct from
childhood. International development and social change is another traditional
Website: www .clarku .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,528
Undergraduates: 2,350
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 95%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 66%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 8,787
Accepted: 50%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 76%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (508) 793- 7431
Email Address: admissions @
clarku .edu
Strong Programs:
Psychology
Geography
Interactive Media/Game
Design
International Development and
Social Change
Political Science
Management
“[Clark’s campus has]
enough ivy, tall maples,
and collegiate brick
buildings to make a
traditionalist happy.”
Clark University
950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610- 1477
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CLARK UNIVERSITY 159
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
strength, as is environmental science and the school is exploring new models for
interdisciplinary research and practice surrounding climate change. The most pop-
ular majors include psychology, political science, interactive media, and manage-
ment. Established in 2021 in the wake of the closure of nearby Becker College,
Clark’s Becker School of Design & Technology offers majors in interactive media
design (with several concentrations in game development), integrated graphic
design, and eSports management. About 30 percent of graduating seniors take
advantage of an accelerated B.A./M.A. program that allows them to take a fifth
year of courses, with the help of a full- or partial- tuition scholarship, to obtain a
master’s degree.
While courses at Clark are challenging and professors expect regular partici-
pation, students say the small class sizes mean that collaboration and support are
the norm. “It’s not hard to find study- buddies- turned- friends in your classes,”
says a senior. Thirty percent of Clark students
spend at least one semester studying abroad,
usually during their junior year, at one of more
than 50 available programs in more than 20
countries. Sixty- four percent of students participate in undergraduate research,
often assisting faculty with projects or pursuing their own as an independent
study. “Clark’s identity is this perfect blend of two worlds,” says a senior, “research
allows us to dive deep into our passions while liberal arts prevents us from becom-
ing one- sided thinkers.”
“Clarkies are all a little bit weird, really like what they study, and are more gra-
nola,” says a senior. Thirty- eight percent of Clarkies hail from Massachusetts, and
international students make up another 7 percent. Black students account for 5 per-
cent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent, Asian Americans 7 percent,
and multiracial students 4 percent. The political climate on campus is “intensely
left- leaning,” says a senior. Merit- based scholarships are offered, but athletic schol-
arships are not available. The Presidential Scholarship, awarded to highly motivated
students with exceptional academic records, includes full tuition, room, and board
for four years. Clark commits to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of
students admitted through early decision plans.
First- year students and sophomores at Clark are required to live in the residence
halls. In all, 63 percent of undergrads live on campus in accommodations that are
described as clean, comfortable, and “surprisingly big.” Some upperclassmen look-
ing to save money find apartments and group houses nearby. Campus dining gets
average reviews for quality and diversity; “The secret is to use the spice and sauce
rack as much as possible,” confides an economics major. Students agree that the
campus feels safe.
Clark has no Greek life, but “sports teams kind of fill that partying gap,” explains
a senior. More than 130 student- run organizations offer endless concerts, improv
and theater shows, game nights, and other programs. First- year dorms are dry,
but alcohol may be consumed in other dorms by
those who are of age, and students say that alco-
hol policies emphasize safety over punishment.
“Most parties happen in the off- campus apart-
ments near Clark and never get too rowdy or
crazy,” notes a senior. Coping with the frigid New England winters includes quaff-
ing cups of hot chocolate and dreaming about Spree Day in April, when classes are
canceled and students enjoy live music, food trucks, face- painting, rock- climbing
walls, mechanical bulls, and other festivities. Students also look forward to the
annual International Gala, where students choreograph and perform dances repre-
senting 20 to 30 different countries.
Classes are canceled
for Spree Day in
April, when students
enjoy live music,
food trucks, face-
painting, and more.
“The faculty are dynamic,
often younger and earlier in
their careers.”
Clark is the only
American university
where pioneering
psychoanalyst Sigmund
Freud lectured.
“Most parties happen in
the off- campus apartments
near Clark and never get
too rowdy or crazy.”
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160 CLARKSON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Worcester hosts eight colleges, and Worcester itself is described as “a city of
hidden gems,” according to one student, offering restaurants with every conceivable
type of cuisine, small clubs with live music, and the DCU Center, a 13,000- seat
arena. “Main South Worcester is not the prettiest, quietest locale for a college, but
it’s got flavor and spice, and you’ll either love it or hate it,” a biology major says.
Students mix with neighborhood residents through extensive volunteer programs
coordinated by the Office of Community Engagement and Volunteering (CEV). “At
most colleges, you would expect this to look more like ‘volun- tourism’ as opposed
to addressing the needs of the community, but Clark’s CEV office is headed by
people who know the issues from a resident’s perspective,” says a senior. To get
away, Clarkies head to Boston and Providence (both about an hour away), New York
(three hours), or the rural wilds of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The Clark Cougars compete in the Division III New England Women’s and Men’s
Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), and the university fields 17 intercollegiate teams.
Men’s and women’s soccer, women’s rowing and volleyball, and men’s lacrosse
are among the most competitive teams. About half of the students participate in
intramural and club sports; ultimate Frisbee, ice hockey, and basketball are popular
options. In addition, Wellness Ambassadors, part of a skilled peer group, help stu-
dents practice healthy habits.
Like Johns Hopkins and the Catholic University of America, Clark started out
serving only graduate students but now offers a dynamic, undergraduate- focused
educational environment. Clark continues to challenge convention, pioneering
new teaching methods, pursuing new fields of knowledge, and finding new ways to
connect thinking and doing. Through all this, a sense of community has remained
a constant. Says a junior, “Clark is a warm and accepting place with students who
hold the door open for others for just a little too long.”
Most courses are
seminars and
60 percent have fewer
than 20 students.
Overlaps
Brandeis,
Northeastern,
Skidmore,
American
University, Tufts,
Union, University of
Vermont
If You Apply To ›
Clark: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Application includes optional field for gender identity.
Clarkson University
Holcroft House, Box 5605, Potsdam, NY 13699
You know you’re in the North Country when the nearest major city is Ottawa.
Clarkson lies over the river and through the woods. With an informal and close- knit
atmosphere, Clarkson is one of the few small, undergraduate- oriented technological
universities in the nation. Compare to Lehigh, Bucknell, and Union. Out- of- the- way
location makes Clarkson easier to get into, but doing well is another matter.
At Clarkson University, engineering and ice hockey reign supreme. About half of
the student body is enrolled in the engineering program, and the hockey teams
are perennial contenders for top honors. Students here get a quality technical edu-
cation with an emphasis on teamwork and real- world professional preparation. At
Clarkson, says a junior, “We value academic integrity and success, but we also value
failure, because it is in failure that we learn to grow.” The small- town environment
offers plenty to do, especially during the sled- dog days of winter.
The village of Potsdam, New York, is cloistered away between the Adirondacks
Website: www .clarkson .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,403
Undergraduates: 2,778
Male/Female: 69/31
Financial Aid: 99%
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CLARKSON UNIVERSITY 161
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and the St. Lawrence River. The campus relies mainly on modern architecture and
lots of woods and wildlife. Academic buildings are connected by covered walk-
ways that help take the sting out of getting around campus in the cold, snowy
winters. Renovations across campus are ongoing, including the Schuler Educational
Resources Center’s Innovation Hub, which features labs, makerspaces, and group
meeting rooms.
The university’s general education program (Clarkson Common Experience)
emphasizes four components: learning to communicate effectively; developing an
appreciation for diversity; recognizing the impor-
tance of personal, societal, and professional
ethics; and understanding how technology can
be used to serve humanity. Freshmen (except
those in the honors program) take a first- year
seminar that helps develop critical- thinking, reading, and writing skills. All students
are required to complete a capstone professional experience, like a co- op, internship,
research project, or thesis.
Engineering isn’t the only academic offering at Clarkson, but it certainly gets
top billing, and it represents the three most popular majors: mechanical engi-
neering, engineering and management, and civil engineering. In the natural sci-
ences, biology and biomolecular science are among the strongest offerings, along
with environmental science and policy and environmental health science, which
are bolstered by the extensive research and outreach activities of the Institute for
a Sustainable Environment. The Reh School of Business is highly praised, too, and
offers several majors, including distinctive programs in global supply chain man-
agement and innovation and entrepreneurship. All business students must have
an international study experience and an internship in order to graduate, and first-
year students actually start and run a business. Clarkson does offer a few liberal arts
majors, like history, literature, and political science, but even these programs incor-
porate a focus on technology.
Clarkson, which was founded in 1896 to honor a local entrepreneur, prides itself
on intimacy and personalized instruction; 58 percent of classes have fewer than 20
students, and 27 percent of students conduct research with a faculty mentor. “I
would give the professors top marks for their lectures as well as other aspects such
as labs, office hours, and approachability,” says a mechanical engineering major.
Some students say Clarkson isn’t the academic pressure cooker that many technical
institutes can be. “The heavy and sometimes daunting workload is counteracted
by the supportive nature of the students and faculty,” says an environmental engi-
neering major. “We are encouraged to work together to solve problems.” Students
recommend taking advantage of the private, small- group, and drop- in tutoring ser-
vices offered by the Student Success Center, and they uniformly praise the school’s
career services for contributing to the university’s high job- placement rate. “The
Career Center is there to help you from day one and will provide assistance on any-
thing related to preparing you for your career,” enthuses a senior.
Study abroad opportunities are available in nearly 30 countries, although just
8 percent of students participate. The honors program accepts about 50 first- year
students, who undertake an intensive four- year curriculum. Several hundred stu-
dents from all majors join teams in Clarkson’s
Student Projects for Engineering Experience and
Design program, such as Formula SAE, concrete
canoe, and robotics competition teams. For women interested in STEM fields on this
male- dominated campus, the Women in Science and Engineering program enrolls
about 25 first- year students into a residential living/learning program.
“Most students here like to have fun on the weekends and grind during the
(continued)
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 78%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 7,011
Accepted: 75%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
Returning Freshmen: 84%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (315) 268- 6480
Email Address: admissions @
clarkson .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Biology
Biomolecular Science
Environmental Science and
Policy
Environmental Health Science
Business
Global Supply Chain
Management
Innovation and
Entrepreneurship
“I would give the professors
top marks for their lectures
as well as . . . labs, office
hours, and approachability.”
“The Career Center is there
to help you from day one.”
All business students
must have an
international study
experience and an
internship in order
to graduate, and
first- year students
actually start and
run a business.
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162 CLARKSON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
week,” says an engineering and management major. Sixty- five percent of the stu-
dent body is native to New York. Clarkson has trouble luring minorities to its remote
locale, although efforts to change that are underway; Black students currently make
up 3 percent of the undergraduate population, Hispanics/Latinos 6 percent, Asian
Americans 4 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. International students
add another 3 percent. Students agree that the campus doesn’t usually get too
vocal about national political issues. Clarkson awards merit scholarships each year
averaging $32,200. Forty- one athletic scholarships are offered, but only men’s and
women’s ice hockey players need apply (it’s Clarkson’s only Division I sport).
Eighty- four percent of students live in campus housing. Students are required to
reside on campus all four years, unless exempted to live in an off- campus Greek
house. All freshmen are housed in living/learning communities with students in
their major or department, giving them the chance to study and learn together.
Students say the quality of the dorms varies considerably, but the on- campus apart-
ments offer more gracious living. The dining facilities generally get average marks.
“The food is very edible,” says a student. “Even professors eat it.”
In keeping with Clarkson’s “come- as- you- are” atmosphere, the social scene is low-
key. Residence halls and student clubs organize plentiful on- campus entertainment,
and 14 percent of the men and 9 percent of the women join the Greek system. Drinking
is permitted on campus for those of age, who also
head to the handful of bars in downtown Potsdam,
which one student describes as having “small-
town charm with an Adirondack twist.” With
three other colleges nearby, the town caters to students. The extended snowy winters
are great for snowboarders and ice climbers, and many students join the popular
Outing Club to enjoy such outdoor adventures year- round. “In the fall and spring stu-
dents can be found working toward their ‘46,’ or summiting all 46 high peaks in the
Adirondack State Park,” according to a senior. For those who crave the bustle of city
nightlife, Ottawa and Montreal are each about an hour and a half away by car.
When it comes to sports, Golden Knights ice hockey is first and foremost in the
hearts of Clarkson students. The men’s and women’s teams are perennially compet-
itive in the Eastern College Athletic Conference and nationally, contending for the
Division I championship with other blue- chip teams like St. Lawrence and Cornell.
The annual game against archrival St. Lawrence has evolved into a popular two- day
festival called Cold Out Gold Out, featuring live music, ice skating, horse- drawn car-
riage rides, and an alumni hockey match preceding the big game. Clarkson also offers
18 Division III sports. Women’s volleyball has won nine of the last 10 Liberty League
championships, and the men’s Alpine and women’s Nordic ski teams have brought
home recent USCSA national titles. Most students take advantage of club sports and
intramurals, with soccer, broomball, crew, and volleyball proving to be favorites.
“At Clarkson, we pride ourselves on being hardworking, innovative, creative,
and very ambitious,” comments a biology major. “We even hold friendly competi-
tions each year to showcase and reward student innovation.” Clarkson’s bread and
butter is its technological programs— particularly its slew of engineering majors— in
which students gain ample exposure to the ever- growing variety of specialties. They
also remember to have some fun along the way.
A popular two- day
festival called Cold
Out Gold Out features
live music, ice skating,
horse- drawn carriage
rides, and an alumni
hockey match.
“Most students here like to
have fun on the weekends
and grind during the week.”
Overlaps
Rochester Institute
of Technology,
Rensselaer,
Worcester
Polytechnic,
Wentworth
Institute of
Technology,
Stevens Institute of
Technology, Lehigh,
Bucknell, Union
If You Apply To ›
Clarkson: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Application includes optional
field for gender identity. Please consult Clarkson’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test
requirements.
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CLEMSON UNIVERSITY 163
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634
Clemson is a technically oriented public university in the mold of Georgia Tech, North
Carolina State, and Virginia Tech. Smaller than the latter two and more focused on
undergraduates than Georgia Tech, Clemson serves up its education with ample
helpings of school spirit and orange paint. Small- town location makes for a tight-
knit campus, though also something of a hayseed image next to more sophisticated
Carolina locales such as Columbia and Chapel Hill. Big on undergraduate research.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson University is a place
where traditional Southern spirit continues to flourish alongside modern academ-
ics, big- time athletics, and state- of- the- art facilities. This public university, founded
in 1889 as an agricultural college, has the ring of a private institution and features
quality academics in technical and scientific areas such as engineering and biology.
Tiger spirit is as strong as ever, as evidenced by the ubiquitous orange tiger paws
that decorate the campus, and students here are happy to make tracks of their own.
CU’s 1,400- acre campus is situated on what was once Fort Hill Plantation, the
homestead of Thomas Green Clemson. The campus is surrounded by 17,000 acres
of university farms and woodlands and offers a spectacular view of the nearby lake
and mountains. Architectural styles are an eclectic mix of modern and 19th- century
collegiate. Clemson Bottoms, half a mile down the road from the 80,000- seat foot-
ball stadium, is home to the Calhoun Field Laboratory, a pastoral site dedicated to
agricultural research that features a large, student- run organic garden. A fantastic
resource for science enthusiasts and history buffs is the library’s collection of first
editions of the scientific works of Galileo and Newton. Douthit Hills is a $212 mil-
lion residential village complete with dining and fitness facilities.
General education requirements include courses in advanced writing; oral com-
munications; mathematical, scientific, and technological literacy; social sciences;
arts and humanities; cross- cultural awareness; and science and technology in soci-
ety. Biological sciences is Clemson’s largest
department, and computer engineering is among
the nation’s best in research on large- scale inte-
grated computer circuitry and robotics. The
School of Architecture offers intensive semesters at the Overseas Center for Building
Research and Urban Study in Genoa, Italy. The accounting, animal and veterinary
sciences, and agriculture programs are also well regarded. Management, biological
sciences, psychology, marketing, and mechanical engineering are the most popular
majors. Undergraduate teaching has always been one of Clemson’s strong points,
and for students interested in pursuing a liberal arts curriculum, the school has
degrees in fine arts, philosophy, and languages and enjoys a strong regional reputa-
tion for its history program. Because of its prevailing technical emphasis, however,
most students interested in the liberal arts head “down country” to the University of
South Carolina.
Academically, the level of difficulty varies. “Classes are very competitive,” says
one junior. “While challenging at times, the coursework is stimulating and applica-
ble.” Professors run the gamut, but most receive high marks from students. “Professors
not only teach the classes but also make themselves available for tons of extra hours
outside of the classroom,” says a psychology major. Thirty- seven percent of the
classes have fewer than 20 students. Fifty- four percent of undergrads take advantage
of research opportunities during their time at Clemson. Ambitious students should
Website: www .clemson .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 25,000
Undergraduates: 21,714
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 87%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 46%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 52,819
Accepted: 43%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (864) 656- 2287
Email Address: admissions @
clemson .edu
Strong Programs:
Biological Sciences
Engineering
Architecture
Accounting
Animal and Veterinary
Sciences
Agriculture
Management
Psychology
“While challenging at
times, the coursework is
stimulating and applicable.”
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164 CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
consider applying to the Calhoun Honors College— the oldest honors program in
South Carolina. Clemson also offers exchange programs in venues from Mexico to
Australia, and 29 percent of students study abroad.
Clemson’s student body has a decidedly Southern air, as 60 percent of under-
grads hail from South Carolina, with most of the rest from neighboring states; less
than 1 percent come from foreign countries. The university has accepted large num-
bers of community college graduates in recent years. “Students are approachable
and willing to help on any given day,” says a marketing major. Black students make
up only 5 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans
3 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. The average Clemson student is
friendly and conservative, and though, as a public institution, the school isn’t affil-
iated with any church, there is a strong Southern Baptist presence on campus. The
university offers thousands of merit scholarships averaging $4,700 and more than
350 athletic scholarships.
Housing gets positive reviews, with several new residence halls opening in the
last few years, and 41 percent of the students live in campus housing, usually during
their first two years. Options include single- sex, co- ed, traditional, and apartment-
style housing. Meals in Clemson’s three main
dining halls are satisfactory, according to stu-
dents. “They have specials and even ask students
to contribute recipes,” explains one student.
Students say they feel safe on campus, thanks to diligent security officers. To address
the issue of sexual assault, a senior reports, Clemson has implemented “awareness
initiatives, events, and instructions on how to take action.”
“At Clemson, the fun is mostly right outside our windows,” says one student.
“Whether it’s a football game, a pep rally, a Residence Hall Association program, or
one of our U-Nites Friday night activities, students always find something to do.”
Fraternities and sororities provide much of the social life, with 9 percent of Clemson
men and 19 percent of women going Greek. The administration has introduced
measures such as limiting fraternity members to bringing just one six- pack of beer
to events, in an effort to curb hazing, alcohol abuse, and other problems related to
the Greek scene. The town of Clemson is small, with a handful of restaurants, bars,
and shops, but many students love it. After class, many students hop on their bikes
and head to nearby Lake Hartwell. The beautiful Blue Ridge mountain range is also
close by for hiking and camping, and beaches and ski slopes are both within driving
distance. Atlanta and Charlotte are only two hours away by car, and Charleston is
four hours away on the coast.
Clemson has a high- powered sports scene and fields a number of competitive
teams in the Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. The football team has won two
national championships since 2016, and in 2023 the men’s soccer team won its
fourth national championship in recent years. Football fever starts with the annual
First Friday Parade, held before the first home game, and on game days the campus
dissolves into a sea of Tiger orange, with pep rallies, cookouts, dances, and parties for
the mobs of excited fans. The roads leading to campus are painted with large orange
pawprints. So, too, are half the fans, making the stands in “Death Valley” look like
an orange grove. Tiger fans are especially rowdy when the reviled University of
South Carolina Gamecocks are in town; witness the traditional pregame pep rally
known as Cocky’s Funeral, during which “a giant cardboard ‘chicken’ is burned
to the ground and free chicken sandwiches are given out to students,” explains a
senior. Known as the Palmetto Bowl, the annual South Carolina game has been
played for more than a century. Baseball, men’s and women’s golf, and women’s
soccer are also very competitive. A plethora of intramural and club sports are avail-
able too.
On game days the
campus dissolves into
a sea of Tiger orange,
with pep rallies,
cookouts, dances,
and parties for the
mobs of excited fans.
“At Clemson, the fun is
mostly right outside our
windows.”
Computer engineering
is among the nation’s
best in research on
large- scale integrated
computer circuitry
and robotics.
Overlaps
Georgia Tech,
North Carolina
State, UNC at
Chapel Hill,
University of
Georgia, University
of South Carolina,
Virginia Tech,
Auburn, Coastal
Carolina
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COLBY COLLEGE 165
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Clemson is best at serving those whose interests lie in technical fields. School
spirit is contagious, fueled by a love of big- time college sports, and becomes lifelong
for many Clemson students. Everyone can become part of the Clemson family, from
Southern belle to Northern Yankee, as long as they’re friendly, easygoing, and
enthusiastic about life in general and the Tigers in particular.
If You Apply To ›
Clemson: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Music and theater applicants must audition.
Please consult Clemson’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Colby College
Waterville, ME 04901
The northernmost venue for high- quality, private higher education in New England.
Colby’s picturesque setting is a short hop from the eastern seacoast or Maine’s
western lakes and mountains. No Greek life since the college abolished it nearly
40 years ago. An active, outdoorsy, community- minded student body in the mold of
Middlebury and Dartmouth, and more buttoned- up than Bates or Bowdoin. Invented
the month- long January term.
Colby College draws students who like to push themselves, whether in the class-
room, in creative pursuits, in volunteer work, or on skis. The city of Waterville,
Maine (population 16,000), is a vibrant place to study; close friendships with peers
and professors help ward off the long winter chill. Colby’s top- notch study abroad
program offers students an opportunity to explore the world, and even those who
don’t spend a semester or year away can get a taste during the month of January,
when Jan Plan trips send Colby students far beyond the grip of Maine winters.
Colby sits high atop Mayflower Hill, with beautiful views of the surrounding
city and countryside. Its 714 acres include a wildlife management area, miles of
cross- country trails, and a pond used in winter as an ice- skating rink. Georgian
architecture predominates, and the oldest build-
ings are redbrick with white trim and brass name-
plates above their green doors. The more
contemporary buildings lend a touch of moder-
nity, and the Colby Museum of Art is renowned.
The iconic Colby library tower is topped with a blue light proudly showing off the
primary school color. The Paul J. Schupf Art Center, an $18 million community arts
center in downtown Waterville opened in 2022, and the $85 million Gordon Center
for Creative and Performing Arts was completed in 2023. Colby also recently estab-
lished centers for teaching, research, and artistic inspiration related to biodiversity
and other current issues on two islands in the Gulf of Maine, previously owned by
the painter Andrew Wyeth and his wife Betsy.
As a small college with a history of innovation and educational excellence dating
to 1813, Colby encourages students to learn for learning’s sake. Students must com-
plete distribution requirements in English composition, foreign language, “areas”
(courses in arts, historical studies, literature, quantitative reasoning, social sciences,
and natural sciences), diversity, and wellness (five supper seminars over the first two
semesters). Colby was the first men’s college in New England to admit women and
Website: www .colby .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,299
Undergraduates: 2,299
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 46%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 40%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 16,890
Accepted: 8%
Enrolled: 52%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 723- 3032
Email Address: admissions @
colby .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Economics
Environmental Studies
“There are spaces for
students who come
from more marginalized
backgrounds.”
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166 COLBY COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the first college anywhere to establish a 4– 1– 4 academic calendar with a four- week
January term— known on campus as Jan Plan— between semesters. Students usually
take three Jan Plan terms for credit to graduate, but many take four, using the month
to pursue one intensive academic or career experience, such as a research project,
internship, or study abroad. The COOT program (Colby Outdoor Orientation Trips),
required of all first- years, involves three- day excursions by bicycle, canoe, or foot
that introduce newcomers to the beauty of the Maine wilderness or to service or
theater experiences.
Colby students choose from 58 majors. Popular and well- regarded programs
include biology, economics, environmental studies, government, and psychology.
Colby offers cross- disciplinary study at Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the
first such institute at a liberal arts college, with
significant opportunities for faculty and student
research. Students study oceanography through
Colby’s partnership with the Bigelow Laboratory
for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine. For would- be engineers, there is a joint
3– 2 program with Dartmouth and 3– 2 and 4– 2 programs with Columbia; others
may opt for exchange programs with the Claremont Colleges and Howard. Classes
are small and academics are demanding, but it helps that Colby’s faculty is unusu-
ally devoted to undergraduate teaching and easily accessible. “Professors are chal-
lenging and provoke students to think critically, but not at the expense of helping
you find your passions,” muses an education and French major.
Study abroad is a serious emphasis at Colby, and the opportunities to do so
begin early. First- year students can apply to the Global Entry Semester program,
whisking off to France or Spain with 20 or so classmates for the fall semester. Half of
the school’s majors have an international component, and nearly 70 percent of
Colby students spend some time abroad, including Colby- sponsored Jan Plan trips.
About 40 percent of students conduct undergraduate research, and those who stay
on campus during the summer as research assistants for faculty are rewarded with a
two- day Summer Research Retreat in The Forks, Maine, dedicated to short talks,
presentations, and white- water rafting or hiking adventures. DavisConnects pro-
vides career advising and guarantees every student access to at least one internship,
research, and global experience, regardless of their ability to pay.
Colby’s student body, in the words of a junior, has a “preppy crunchy” vibe.
“Lots of Colby students are outdoorsy,” says a student. Although the proportion of
Pell- eligible students has been rising in recent years, “there are spaces for students
who come from more marginalized backgrounds
to gather and find community, and that’s some-
thing Colby has definitely been working to
improve,” says a senior global studies major.
Still, Colby is predominantly a white institution. Black students account for 5 per-
cent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans 10 percent,
and multiracial students 7 percent. Just 6 percent of Colby students are Mainers, and
10 percent are international. Politically, “Mayflower Hill is a very liberal space,” says
a sophomore; environmental issues are of top concern. All financial aid at Colby is
need- based, the college meets 100 percent of students’ demonstrated need, and it
has replaced student loans with grants in all its financial aid packages.
Students are required to live in college housing for all four years, but one senior
describes the nicer accommodations as “hard to get.” On- campus residence halls,
which students say are “very average,” have live- in faculty members. A residential
complex in downtown Waterville offers a living/learning community focused on
civic engagement for 200 juniors and seniors. “Colby has three good dining halls,
each with their own flair, and makes an effort to source locally and sustainably,”
(continued)
Government
Global Studies
Psychology
Computer Science
Computational Biology
“Colby has three good
dining halls, each with their
own flair.”
Study abroad is a
serious emphasis
at Colby, and the
opportunities to do so
begin in the first year.
“You can find people
who are up for anything,
including a quiet night in.”
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COLGATE UNIVERSITY 167
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
says a senior; a grab- and- go spot in the student union and a student- run coffee shop
offer more options. First- years and sophomores take training workshops on sexual
violence prevention, and one student remarks, “Colby makes its standards very clear
to students.”
Colby may eschew fraternities and sororities, but parties in the senior apart-
ments are a weekend staple and tend to be driven by sports teams. “Campus policies
around alcohol are about creating a healthy drinking culture,” says a junior, and a
sophomore adds, “The party atmosphere is fairly diverse and you can find people
who are up for anything, including a quiet night in.” Fall Concert and Spring Concert
bring well- known musical acts to campus once per semester. Another favorite— but
not school- sanctioned— tradition is Doghead, “where students party and stay up the
whole night on St. Patrick’s Day weekend and watch the sunrise from the library
steps together,” explains a senior. Downtown Waterville offers some good restau-
rants and bars, but otherwise it’s “not the most active town for young people,” says
a computer science major. Popular Maine road trips include Portland, Freeport
(home to the L.L. Bean factory and store), Mount Desert Island, and Sugarloaf
Mountain (for skiing). Also easy to reach are the bright lights of Boston and Montreal.
The Colby Mules have come a long way since the first intercollegiate croquet
game, played at Colby in 1860. Sports are Division III, except for squash and skiing,
which are Division I, and solid programs include women’s ice hockey, lacrosse, and
Nordic skiing, and men’s ice hockey, cross- country, and track and field. Games
against Bates and Bowdoin draw crowds, especially the annual Bowdoin hockey
match. A majority of the students participate in club and intramural sports; rugby,
ultimate Frisbee, basketball, and badminton are some of the most popular.
Colby’s traditional New England liberal arts college feel and increasingly global
focus extend far beyond its small- city setting and historic buildings. They permeate
the air, punctuated by the long- standing traditions, abundant school spirit, and
caring faculty members who focus on developing their students’ minds.
Colby was the first
men’s college in
New England to
admit women.
Overlaps
Bowdoin,
Amherst, Williams,
Middlebury,
Hamilton,
Dartmouth, Bates,
Carleton
If You Apply To ›
Colby: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Colgate University
13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346
With just over 3,200 students, Colgate is smaller than Bucknell and Dartmouth but
bigger than Hamilton and Williams. Like the other four, it offers small- town living
and close interaction between students and faculty and offers many study abroad
opportunities. Greek organizations and jocks are still well entrenched despite
perennial administrative efforts to neutralize their influence.
While you may see the same Canada Goose jackets coming and going (and coming
and going) as you stroll across Colgate University’s campus, the students in them
aren’t all spun from the same cloth. “Most students at Colgate are freethinkers and
open to new ideas,” says a sophomore. From the herbarium to the Devonian fossils
to the abundance of interdisciplinary courses, it’s clear that Colgate has more to
offer than just its picture- postcard setting. “Colgate draws students who want a high
level of academic rigor and a top- tier liberal arts education,” says one student. Adds
Website: www .colgate .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,120
Undergraduates: 3,112
Male/Female: 44/56
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168 COLGATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
another of the supportive environment among students and faculty, “You can take
risks and be creative in your approach to academics without fear [of failure].”
Colgate’s 13 founders started the school in 1817 with 13 prayers and 13 dol-
lars. Their prayers were answered by soapmaking mogul William Colgate and his
sons (think: toothpaste), whose decades of philanthropic gift- giving to the fledgling
university were enough to get the name changed in 1890 from Madison to Colgate.
Today, the 575- acre campus sits on a hillside in rural New York, overlooking the
village of Hamilton. Stately bluestone buildings peek out from tree- lined drives; lush
green spaces are perfect for rugby, Frisbee, or other outdoor diversions, at least in
the warmer months. Rolling hills and farmland surround the campus, making for
stunning vistas all year long.
Aside from blazing a trail to rural New York, Colgate has led its peers in empha-
sizing interdisciplinary study. The faculty first established an interdisciplinary core
program in 1928, and it’s been a foundation of the curriculum ever since. Even now,
all first- years take a seminar, capped at 18 stu-
dents each, that introduces liberal arts topics,
skills, resources, and ways of learning. Students
choose from more than 40 topics, and seminar
instructors double as academic advisors until stu-
dents declare majors their sophomore year. Everyone completes four liberal arts core
courses— Core Communities, Core Conversations, and Core Sciences— as well as
courses emphasizing five liberal arts practices. Students also take classes in a range of
disciplines that cover three broad areas: Human Thought and Expression; Social
Relations, Institutions, and Agents; and Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
The academic climate “is rigorous but empowering,” enthuses a freshman.
Students give high marks to Colgate’s natural and social sciences programs, and
economics, political science, international relations, psychology, and computer
science are the most popular majors. Befitting Colgate’s rugged location, there are
five interdisciplinary environmental majors: environmental studies, environmen-
tal biology, environmental geography, environmental geology, and environmen-
tal economics. Seventy- two percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and
an English major says, “Colgate professors do an excellent job of breaking down
the professor/student hierarchy that can sometimes make students— especially
underclassmen— nervous.”
Classrooms and labs devoted to foreign language study help students gain com-
fort with another tongue— a good thing, since 63 percent of students study abroad.
In addition to about 20 semester- long, faculty- led off- campus study programs
(called “study groups”), Colgate offers five to eight “extended- study” travel pro-
grams that serve as two- or three- week extensions of regular on- campus courses.
More than 100 other preapproved study abroad programs offer additional options.
The Sophomore Residential Seminars program enables selected students to live
together in the same residence hall and take a semester- long course that is capped
off with a weeklong trip; recent participants have traveled to the U.S.– Mexico
border to study the economics of immigration and to Colombia for a course on the
geography of global beverages. Over 80 percent of students get involved with
undergraduate research, and the school designates over $1 million each year for
students pursuing summer research, as well as
for unpaid or underpaid summer opportunities.
Students rave about Colgate’s Career Services
office, which offers 215 formal recruiting part-
ners. “Career Services brings employers and alumni to campus on a weekly basis to
meet and network with students,” explains a junior, adding it’s “certainly one of
Colgate’s most distinct perks.”
(continued)
Financial Aid: 51%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 26%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 21,109
Accepted: 12%
Enrolled: 31%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (315) 228- 7401
Email Address: admission @
colgate .edu
Strong Programs:
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Environmental Studies
Economics
Political Science
English
Psychology
Computer Science
“[Colgate students] can
take risks and be creative
in your approach to
academics.”
All first- years take
a seminar that
introduces liberal
arts topics, skills,
resources, and
ways of learning.
“Career Services brings
employers and alumni to
campus on a weekly basis.”
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COLGATE UNIVERSITY 169
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
A senior says, “Students at Colgate are ambitious, driven, and intellectually curi-
ous,” and according to a sophomore, they can be “wealthy and preppy” but the
campus is “gradually getting more diverse.” Twenty- two percent of students are New
Yorkers, while 9 percent are international. Black students account for 5 percent of
the population, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans 6 percent, and mul-
tiracial students 5 percent. Students credit the ALANA Cultural Center with “foster-
ing a comfortable and friendly environment” and describe a left- leaning political
climate. Colgate does not award merit scholarships, but about 200 athletic schol-
arships are available in 13 sports. The university meets 100 percent of enrolled stu-
dents’ demonstrated financial need. Additionally, Colgate removed loans from aid
packages for students whose annual family income is less than $175,000, and stu-
dents whose annual family income is less than $80,000 attend tuition- free. Colgate
has adjusted tuition costs to a percentage of annual income for students from fami-
lies with annual income between $80,000 and $175,000.
Ninety- five percent of Colgate students live in the residence halls, which range
from traditional buildings with fireplaces to newer facilities that seem more like
hotels. Students are housed in residential communities called Commons for their
first two years and remain affiliated with their Commons throughout their four
years. About 250 upperclassmen are allowed to live off campus each year. The main
dining hall, Frank, serves up plenty of all- you- can- eat options that students mostly
praise. A freshman reports “Colgate has implemented sexual assault workshops and
lectures for first- year students,” and blue light call- buttons around campus add to a
general feeling of safety. A psychology major adds, “There is a large focus on mental
health within the Colgate community, creating an open and encouraging space for
students to discuss it honestly.”
Twenty- six percent of students join fraternities and sororities. “Greek organiza-
tions set the tone for social life,” says a physics major. The university owns and
manages all Greek housing, and recruitment is delayed until sophomore year. While
the Greek system may dominate the party scene,
most students agree that there is little pressure to
participate, and with more than 200 campus
clubs and organizations, there are plenty of alternatives. “Colgate is a place where
people want to be doing something social even in the dead of winter,” says an eco-
nomics major. Students enjoy free “Take Two” movies on Friday and Saturday nights
and open- mic nights at the campus pub, Donovan’s. Everyone looks forward to
ALANApalooza, Dancefest, and Springfest, a last blast before finals that celebrates
the thaw with a big concert, barbecues, and fireworks. Given the significance of the
number 13 to the school’s founding, every Friday the 13th is dubbed Colgate Day, a
time to show off school spirit and pride. On the eve of graduation, seniors don their
graduation robes for the Torchlight Ceremony, during which the graduating stu-
dents process down the hill they walked up together during orientation.
In addition to a required four- day orientation, first- year students may partici-
pate in one of several preorientation programs, such as Wilderness Adventure, where
groups of 8 to 12 canoe and hike in the Adirondacks. Hamilton is within walking
distance of campus, but there’s also a free bus that cycles through every half hour,
especially nice in the depths of winter. The Old Stone Jug is a favorite hangout, and
the Palace Theater draws crowds with music, dancing, and a bar. There are also sev-
eral alumni- owned shops and restaurants in the quiet town. For those with wheels,
skiing is 45 minutes away, and the malls and city lights of Syracuse and Utica are
roughly the same distance.
About a third of Colgate students enjoy facing off in 12 intramural competi-
tions and 40 club sports, but students’ most fervent cheers are reserved for Division
I men’s ice hockey against Cornell. “When Cornell comes to our rink, we throw Big
The local Palace
Theater draws
crowds with music,
dancing, and a bar.
“Colgate is a hidden gem in
the Chenango Valley.”
Over 80 percent of
students get involved
with undergraduate
research.
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170 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER
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Red gum on the ice, and they throw Colgate toothpaste on the ice [for matches at
Cornell],” explains a junior. Women’s ice hockey is a powerhouse, and the Raiders
men’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams are recent Patriot League conference
champions. Even weekend warriors may take advantage of facilities like the Sanford
Field House, the Lineberry natatorium, and the Seven Oaks golf course.
Colgate led the way in interdisciplinary work and continues to do so now. What
else has remained constant? A senior offers this assessment: “I think Colgate has
embraced its identity as different from other liberal arts colleges in that we are not a
crunchy granola hippie school, and we are not a socially progressive bastion of for-
ward thinking. Colgate is what it is: a hidden gem in the Chenango Valley.”
Overlaps
Middlebury,
Cornell, UVA,
Bowdoin, Colby,
Bucknell, Hamilton,
Williams
If You Apply To ›
Colgate: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Colgate’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Colorado Boulder
Regent Administrative Center 125, 552 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309
Boulder is a legendary place that draws everyone from East Coast ski bums to
California transplants. The scenery is breathtaking and the science programs are
first- rate. The University of Arizona is the only public university of similar stature in
the Mountain West. Check out the residential academic programs.
Wild buffalo may be all but extinct on America’s Great Plains, but they’re in bois-
terous residence, proudly wearing gold and black, at the University of Colorado
Boulder. A bevy of scholars’ programs and residential academic programs give the
campus a community feel, and students choose from a solid menu of academic
offerings, including research experience, study abroad, and service learning. “There
are so many ways to be active and engaged in your learning at Boulder,” cheers a
sophomore. And with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s no surprise that
CU Boulder Buffaloes are a happy herd.
Tree- shaded walkways, winding bike paths, open spaces, and an incredible view
of the dramatic Flatirons rock formation make CU’s 600- acre Boulder campus a haven
for students from both coasts and for Colorado residents eager to pursue knowledge
in a snowy paradise. The university was founded
in 1876 as Colorado was becoming a state, and
the campus includes about 200 classic rural
Italian- style buildings and complexes built of
Colorado sandstone with red tile roofs. City bus
passes are included in the cost of tuition and fees, the campus Environmental Center
facilitates sustainable culture and practices, and ongoing renovations and construc-
tion projects embody the university’s commitment to sustainability and energy effi-
ciency. Campus projects in the past few years include an addition that physically
connects the main engineering and business buildings and features an innovation
and entrepreneurship hub as well as a 200- seat auditorium.
Entering freshmen and transfer students at CU Boulder choose from the
following colleges, schools, and programs: the College of Arts and Sciences
(which enrolls 70 percent of the students); the College of Music; the College of
Website: www .colorado .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 31,534
Undergraduates: 28,686
Male/Female: 53/47
Financial Aid: 60%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 36%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 54,861
Accepted: 79%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 75%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (303) 492- 6301
Email Address: admissions @
colorado .edu
Strong Programs:
Aerospace Engineering
Sciences
“Professors and graduate
student instructors alike
have taken a keen interest
in students’ progress.”
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UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER 171
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Engineering and Applied Science (the hardest to enter, students say); the College
of Media, Communication, and Information; the Program in Environmental
Design; the Leeds School of Business; the School of Education; and the Program
in Exploratory Studies (which allows students to explore options before select-
ing a major). General education requirements cover three skills acquisition
areas— written communication, quantitative reasoning and math, and foreign
language— and three distribution categories: arts and humanities, natural sci-
ences, and social sciences.
“Unlike other highly competitive universities, there is a high level of collabora-
tion,” says an applied mathematics major. “Your classmates won’t refuse to work
with you, and you are always comfortable asking questions and asking for help.” CU
Boulder offers more than 4,500 courses each year
in approximately 160 areas of study; psychology,
finance, strategic communication, and integra-
tive physiology are among the most popular
majors. Outstanding programs include aerospace
engineering sciences, physics, astronomy, chemical and biological engineering,
computer science, music, business administration, and environmental studies. CU
Boulder consistently ranks among the top universities in the country to receive
NASA funding, leading to lots of opportunities for the design, construction, and
flight of model spacecraft— and to 18 CU Boulder alumni having worked as astro-
nauts. A space minor is open to qualified students in any major. Established in 2021,
the Center for African and African American Studies supports teaching and research
focused on the history and culture of people of African descent. The university also
offers 45 bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degree programs, which allow students to
earn two degrees in a shorter period of time. Forty- one percent of all undergraduate
classes enroll fewer than 20 students, and a freshman says, “In my experience, pro-
fessors and graduate student instructors alike have taken a keen interest in students’
progress, success, and learning.”
CU Boulder has tried to make its large campus seem smaller through its 11 spe-
cialized living/learning residential academic programs focusing on topics such as
global studies, natural sciences and the environment, the arts, and engineering,
which one senior says is “for freshmen essential for gaining a well- rounded experi-
ence at CU.” The Presidents Leadership Class is a four- year scholarship program
that provides promising students with leadership training, internships, volunteer
opportunities, and visits with influential leaders. The Honors Program invites the
top 10 percent of each incoming class in the College of Arts and Sciences to join.
Multiple programs at CU Boulder support undergraduate research and community
service opportunities, and the university sponsors 350 study abroad programs
around the world.
“Students are relaxed and explorative, curious and inquisitive, fun- loving and
good- natured, focused and committed,” says one Buffalo. Fifty- six percent of CU
Boulder’s undergraduates come from Colorado, and 3 percent come from abroad.
Hispanics/Latinos account for 13 percent of the
undergraduate population, Asian Americans
6 percent, Black students 2 percent, and multira-
cial students 7 percent. Social and political issues
on campus include “wealth, liberalism, and inequality,” according to one student.
Qualified undergrads receive merit scholarships worth an average of $9,220, and
about 318 athletes receive scholarships as well. Additional programs provide debt-
free financial incentives for qualified in- state students whose family income is at or
below the federal poverty line. The university also guarantees incoming freshmen
that tuition and fees will not increase over their four years.
(continued)
Physics
Astronomy
Chemical and Biological
Engineering
Computer Science
Music
Business Administration
Environmental Studies
“Students are relaxed and
explorative, curious and
inquisitive, fun- loving and
good- natured.”
CU Boulder
consistently ranks
among the top
universities in the
country to receive
NASA funding.
“The party scene is fairly
large and has a lot going
on most weekends.”
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172 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
First- year students are required to live on campus, and 27 percent of all under-
grads stay in university housing. “The older dorms are still in pretty good shape
but aren’t as nice as the newer dorms,” a sophomore reports. Most sophomores,
juniors, and seniors find off- campus digs in Boulder. An alternative to the main
Center for Community dining center and 16 smaller dining locations is the Alferd
Packer Restaurant & Grill, which takes its name from a controversial 19th- century
folk figure known as the “Colorado Cannibal.” Bon appétit. Generally, students say
the campus is safe. CU Boulder offers nighttime transportation via a service called
CU NightRide.
For the culturally minded, the university and the city of Boulder offer films and
plays, the renowned Colorado Shakespeare Festival, art galleries and museums,
and concerts by top bands. Denver is only 30 miles southeast, reachable by a free
bus service. Most students get involved in community service, and the CU Engage
center coordinates service- learning courses and community- based research oppor-
tunities. Fewer than one- quarter of students go Greek, and fraternity and sorority
parties have changed dramatically since CU Boulder’s sorority chapters became the
first in the nation to voluntarily make their houses dry. On campus, the ban on
alcohol is taken seriously, and dorms are officially substance- free. Still, “The party
scene is fairly large and has a lot going on most weekends,” says a political science
major. Day trips to ski resorts like Breckenridge and Vail largely replace weekend
getaways here, but for those who’ve got to get out of the cold, Las Vegas isn’t so far,
says one student.
Physical exercise is a popular extracurricular activity at CU Boulder, especially
the sort that involves sliding down snow- covered mountains. The massive Student
Recreation Center features indoor and outdoor pools, a multipurpose turf gym, an
ice rink, a climbing gym, and several multipurpose courts, among other facilities.
Varsity teams compete in the Division I Big 12 Conference as of 2024, and the
Buffaloes men’s and women’s basketball, cross- country, and skiing teams are some of
the strongest, along with women’s soccer and lacrosse. Ralphie, the live buffalo who
acts as CU Boulder’s mascot, doesn’t miss a game— and neither do many students.
Each year, football fans flock to Denver to watch the Rocky Mountain Showdown
game against Colorado State. The club sports program, which boasts 31 options, is
highly competitive, regularly bringing home national titles in sports ranging from
ice hockey and snowboarding to cycling and triathlon. Intramurals sign up about a
third of the students each year.
If you want to flex your muscles as well as your mind, look beyond the ivy-
covered bricks and gray city skies endemic to so many Eastern institutions, and
consider all the West has to offer instead. “The amount of resources students can
utilize to further their education or gain experience in their field at CU and in the
city of Boulder is immense and overwhelming,” says one student.
The university also
guarantees incoming
freshmen that
tuition and fees will
not increase over
their four years.
Overlaps
University
of Arizona,
Colorado State,
UW– Madison,
Cal Poly– San
Luis Obispo,
University of
Oregon, University
of Washington,
Indiana University,
Arizona State
If You Apply To ›
CU Boulder: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application. Music applicants
must audition.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Colorado College
14 East Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
The Block Plan, a one- course- at- a- time academic schedule, is CC’s claim to fame. It
is great for in- depth study and short- term study abroad but less suited to academic
projects that take an extended period of time. Colorado Springs is an ideal location
at the base of the Rockies, which draw outdoor enthusiasts and East Coasters who
want to ski. CC is the only top liberal arts college between Iowa and the Pacific.
Colorado College is one of the few U.S. schools offering one- course- at- a- time block
scheduling. For more than a century, CC’s focus on creative approaches to academ-
ics and its breathtaking location at the edge of the Rocky Mountains have drawn
bright, independent liberal arts enthusiasts who also like to go out and play. “People
don’t come to CC because they want to make a ton of money or maintain the status
quo,” asserts a senior. “They come because they want to change the world, help
others, and have a little fun.”
Colorado’s campus lies at the foot of Pike’s Peak, in the town of Colorado
Springs. Many homes in the surrounding neighborhood are on the National Register
of Historic Places, as are many CC buildings, including its first, Cutler Hall, and
Palmer Hall, named after town founder William J. Palmer, a major force behind
the establishment of the college in 1874. The prevailing architectural styles are
Romanesque and English Gothic, with some more modern structures thrown in.
The $52 million, 3,400- seat Robson Arena, hosting CC’s Division I men’s ice hockey
team, opened in 2021.
CC requires students to take courses focused on global cultures, issues of inequal-
ity (with respect to nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, class, and/or sexuality), natu-
ral sciences, and quantitative reasoning. Foreign language proficiency is also required.
What really defines the academic climate, though, is the
Block Plan (see also Cornell College in Iowa). Students
take eight courses between early September and mid-
May but focus on each one, in turn, for three and a half
weeks. Some courses, such as those involving longer-
term projects, are two blocks long. Four- and- a- half- day
breaks separate the blocks. The plan helps students stay focused, eliminating the
temptation to let one course slide so that they can catch up in another. But there are
trade- offs. Students say it can be hard to integrate material from courses taken one at
a time. There’s also the danger of burnout, because so much material on a single sub-
ject is crammed into such a short span. An optional “half block” in January gives
students a chance to explore niche academic interests or learn professional skills to
become more competitive in the job market. In addition, an optional summer ses-
sion offers three blocks.
The First- Year Program, consisting of a two- block sequence of courses with a
student mentor and two advisors, helps students adjust to college- level academics,
research, and the fast pace of the Block Plan. “CC is extremely collaborative,” notes
an environmental policy major. “However, it’s extremely intense.” Two- thirds of
the classes have fewer than 20 students, and required courses aren’t hard to get into,
since spots are secured with an auction system. At the beginning of each year, stu-
dents get 80 points to “bid” on the classes they want. Those who bid the most for
a particular class get a seat. If you’re going to take only one class at a time, it helps
to like the teacher, and students say that’s usually no problem here. “The professors
Website: www
.coloradocollege .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,147
Undergraduates: 2,139
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 59%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 30%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 7,846
Accepted: 16%
Enrolled: 42%
Grad in 6 Years: 86%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 542- 7214
Email Address: admission @
coloradocollege .edu
Strong Programs:
Geology
Environmental Science
Southwest Studies
Economics
Political Science
Organismal Biology and
Ecology
Computer Science
Molecular Biology
“People come to CC
because they want
to change the world,
help others, and have
a little fun.”
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174 COLORADO COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
are very accessible, and it is easy to have a good working relationship,” says a history
and political science major.
The most popular majors at Colorado include economics, political science,
organismal biology and ecology, computer science, and molecular biology.
Students say that the sciences in general, and particularly geology and environ-
mental science, are strengths. The block schedule permits some classes at unique
times and in unique places— for instance, astronomy at midnight, or coral biology
work in the Caribbean. The college’s popular major in Southwest studies includes
time at its Baca campus, 175 miles away in the historic San Luis Valley. Other
interesting interdisciplinary programs include race, ethnicity, and migration stud-
ies and a new major in business, economics, and society. In addition to giving
students the option to pick semester- and yearlong abroad programs in more than
60 countries, Colorado College faculty also teach about 25 off- campus blocks, both
domestically and internationally, throughout the school year and summer session.
Roughly half of the students study off campus at least once during their time at
Colorado.
Just 21 percent of Colorado College students are in- staters, 7 percent are interna-
tional, and the rest are from all over the United States. “The students are laid- back,
nature- loving hippies,” says a student. CC is more selective but less socioeconomically
diverse than its closest peer, Cornell College— just
15 percent of Colorado freshmen qualify for Pell
Grants. Three percent of undergrads are Black,
11 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 5 percent are
Asian American, and 7 percent are multiracial— and the school is trying to attract
more diversity. Groups like the Queer Straight Alliance, the Feminist Collective, the
Jewish Chaverim, and the Black Student Union provide support to students of varied
backgrounds and viewpoints. “The general political orientation is extremely liberal,”
says a senior. The college meets 100 percent of admitted students’ demonstrated
financial need, and a limited number of merit scholarships, averaging $11,800, and
athletic scholarships are available.
Seventy- nine percent of students call campus housing home, and only seniors are
permitted to live off campus. “The underclassmen dorms range from brand- new,
almost luxury suites, to pretty old but full of character,” says a senior. The “excep-
tional” dining facilities include a traditional, all- you- can- eat dining hall; a grill with
American, Mexican, and sushi options; and an all- natural café and convenience store.
The Student Organization for Sexual Safety raises awareness and addresses campus
culture around issues like consent and sexual assault.
When the weekend comes, students unwind at parties in friends’ rooms or
seniors’ off- campus houses. “There is a very large drug and alcohol presence on
campus,” reports a senior, “though it absolutely is not mandatory,” socially speak-
ing. The “low- key” Greek system attracts a small portion of students. Favorite tradi-
tions include the annual Llamapalooza and Blues & Shoes (bluegrass and horseshoes)
music festivals, and the monthly Full Moon
Cruisers, where “students gather at 10 p.m.
decked out in crazy outfits to ride their bikes
downtown and party under the full moon,”
explains a student. For those seeking a bit of
urban culture, Denver and Boulder are a short drive away. Most CC students love
heading off campus to ski or hike, either at nearby resorts or in Utah, New Mexico,
or the Grand Canyon. Freshman outdoor orientation trips help newcomers sort out
the options, from backpacking and hiking to rafting, bicycling, and windsurfing.
Students can even reserve a college- owned mountainside cabin. Service trips are
sponsored during block breaks, and the majority of students do some type of
“The general political
orientation is extremely
liberal.”
Students take eight
courses between early
September and mid-
May but focus on each
one, in turn, for three
and a half weeks.
Most CC students love
heading off campus
to ski or hike, either
at nearby resorts or
in Utah, New Mexico,
or the Grand Canyon.
“The underclassmen dorms
range from brand- new
to pretty old but full of
character.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
community service during their time at CC, often through community- based learn-
ing courses.
The Colorado College Tigers compete in two Division I sports— men’s ice hockey
and women’s soccer— as well as 15 Division III sports. Men’s and women’s soccer,
lacrosse, swimming, and cross- country and women’s volleyball have made national
tournament appearances in recent years. The hockey rivalry with the University of
Denver is huge. Students are also active in a dozen intramurals and 17 club sports.
The Block Plan made Colorado College what it is today, and the school contin-
ues to build on this reputation. As one senior underscores, “The intensive and
demanding nature of the Block Plan calls for deep but quick thinkers [and] hard but
patient workers.” For those who are up to the challenge, CC offers a supportive envi-
ronment, with a healthy dose of fun, where they can thrive.
Overlaps
Cornell College,
University
of Denver,
Middlebury,
Colby, Whitman,
Carleton, Wesleyan,
University of
Colorado Boulder
If You Apply To ›
Colorado College: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common
Application with supplement.
Colorado School of Mines
1812 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401
Mines is the preeminent technical institute in the Mountain West. Getting in is not
all that hard; getting through is another story. One- sixth the size of Texas Tech
and best known for mining- related fields but strong in many areas of engineering.
Men outnumber women by more than 2 to 1. Golden provides easy access to the
mountains and Denver. Graduates are heavily recruited.
If you’re a bit of a geek whose only dilemma is what type of engineer to become, and
you want to spend your scarce free time hiking, biking, and skiing with friends, then
Colorado School of Mines may be the place for you. This public school’s small size
and rugged location endear it to the students
who shoulder heavy workloads to earn their
degrees. “There are often fun and entertaining
conversations that could only be possible with
the types of students here,” says a mechanical
engineering major. Just down the road from Coors Brewing Co., which taps the
Rockies for its legendary brews, students at Mines learn to tap the same mountains
for coal, oil, and other natural resources.
The school’s 373- acre campus sits in the shadow of the spectacular Rocky
Mountains in tiny Golden (as in gold mining), Colorado. Architectural styles range
from turn- of- the- century gold dome to present- day modern, and native trees and
greenery punctuate lush lawns. The $50 million CoorsTek Center for Applied Science
and Engineering is among the newer additions to campus.
At Mines, the academics are rigorous. Core requirements include coursework
in humanities, social sciences, physical education, and, of course, science and engi-
neering, with extra doses of physics, chemistry, calculus, and differential equations.
In the first year, everyone takes the Freshman Success Seminar, an advising and
mentoring course. The required two- semester EPIC program— the acronym stands
for Engineering Practices Introductory Course— helps develop communication,
Website: www .mines .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 6,687
Undergraduates: 5,416
Male/Female: 68/32
Financial Aid: 77%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 54%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 10,886
Accepted: 58%
Enrolled: 24%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (888) 446- 9489
Email Address: admissions @
mines .edu
“Most of the teachers
have industry experience
and bring that into the
classroom.”
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176 COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
teamwork, and problem- solving skills with weekly presentations and written reports.
Because of Mines’s narrow focus, the undergraduate majors— or “options,” as they’re
called— are quite strong. There’s plenty of variety, as long as you are into engineering;
programs range from geophysical, metallurgical, and petroleum to chemical, electrical,
and mechanical. Computer science, another popular choice, is the school’s fastest-
growing program. Mines offers the only B.S. degree in economics in Colorado and
has been investing more in humanities and social sciences, offering several minors in
these areas. Courses in a student’s option start in the second semester of sophomore
year, and as seniors, all students complete a capstone requirement.
Pass/fail grading is unheard of at Mines, but failing grades are not. “The courses
are hard,” says a junior, “but good time management and friends” help ease the
angst. “We are all working together,” another adds. Professors are qualified and
helpful, and adjunct professors, who work in the fields they teach, draw raves for
their practical knowledge. “Most of the teachers have industry experience and bring
that into the classroom,” a chemistry major says, but only 20 percent of undergrad-
uate classes have fewer than 20 students.
Mines supplements coursework with a required six- week summer field session,
enabling students to gain hands- on experience. About 100 undergraduates partic-
ipate in the McBride Honors Program, which includes seminars and off- campus
activities that encourage them to think differently about the implications of tech-
nology. The WISEM program provides training, mentoring, and other support for
women in science, engineering, and math. Typically only 7 to 10 percent of students
study abroad. Each year, 100 to 120 undergraduates participate in research with fac-
ulty members or on their own.
Established in 1874 to serve the emerging mining industry in the West, Mines is
a state school, making it an especially good deal for homegrown students, who com-
prise 57 percent of the undergraduate student body. Three percent hail from foreign
nations. “Most of the students would be considered nerds or geeks at other schools,”
a civil engineering major explains, “but almost everyone fits in here.” Hispanics/
Latinos represent 12 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 6 percent, Black
students just 1 percent, and multiracial students 6 percent. Students are generally
too wrapped up in academics to pay attention to political issues, according to a
physics major. Merit scholarships averaging $8,200 are available to qualified stu-
dents, and athletes may vie for more than 200 athletic scholarships.
Freshmen are required to live in the residence halls; most students move off
campus after the first year. Most buildings are co- ed, though the preponderance of
men results in a few single- sex dorms. “All the
residence halls have been refurbished and are
looking better than ever,” a sophomore says.
Options for upperclassmen include fraternity or
sorority housing, college- owned apartments, and
off- campus condos and houses. There’s only one
cafeteria, Mines Market, and a junior says, “The vegetarian options are not very good
unless you really like cereal and salad” (presumably at different meals).
There is life outside of the computer labs here. On campus, a junior says, “There
is always a club putting together an event or just students throwing parties.” Mines
has an active Greek system, with fraternities and sororities attracting 6 percent of
the men and 6 percent of the women. Rush is dry, and underage drinking is met
with consequences. CU Boulder offers livelier partying 20 minutes away. The social
scene also includes comedy shows, homecoming, and Engineering Days (E- Days)— a
three- day party with lawn games, a carnival, cardboard boat races, comedians, con-
certs, fireworks, and cheap beers. New student orientation features the traditional
“M Climb,” in which freshmen hike up Mount Zion lugging a 10- pound rock from
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Geophysical Engineering
Metallurgical and Materials
Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Chemical and Biological
Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Mines offers the
only B.S. degree in
economics in Colorado
and has been investing
more in humanities
and social sciences.
“Most of the students would
be considered nerds or
geeks at other schools,
but almost everyone fits
in here.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
their hometown, then “whitewash it, and each other,” says one participant. The
rock is added to an M formation atop the mountain, and at the end of the year,
“seniors return to take down a rock, completing the cycle.”
The school’s location at the base of the Rockies means gorgeous Colorado
weather (make sure to bring sunscreen) and easy access to skiing, hiking, mountain
climbing, and biking. Denver is also nearby, and aside from its museums, concerts,
and sports teams, the city is home to many government agencies and businesses
involved in natural resources, computers, and technology, including the regional
offices of the U.S. Geological Survey and Bureau of Mines. Golden hosts the National
Earthquake Center, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and, of course, the
Coors Brewery. Road trips to Las Vegas or Texas provide occasional respite from the
school’s heavy workload.
Mines’s 18 Division II varsity teams compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic
Conference. The men’s cross- country team is a recent national champion. Other
competitive Oredigger teams include men’s and women’s soccer and basketball,
women’s cross- country, and women’s volleyball. The intramural and club sports
programs have grown dramatically, with the majority of students now participating.
While time spent in the classroom at Mines may be intense, for those who are
focused on engineering, educational options don’t get much better than those
offered here. “Lots of companies recruit our students,” says one senior, thanks to a
stellar reputation in the fields of mining and engineering. A junior adds, “When you
leave here, you’re prepared for anything.” Especially if you are an engineer.
The WISEM program
provides training,
mentoring, and
other support for
women in science,
engineering, and math.
Overlaps
Texas Tech,
Rice, Carnegie
Mellon, Worcester
Polytechnic,
Rensselaer
Polytechnic, MIT, CU
Boulder, Texas A&M
If You Apply To ›
Mines: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Known throughout the region for its prevet program, Colorado State turns out more
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) graduates than any other
Colorado campus. It lacks Boulder’s glitz and glamour, but has a traditional college
feel with a first- rate student center and strong ties to the local community.
Founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, Colorado State University
began with five students, two faculty members, and a mission “to serve society
through teaching, research, and outreach.” Today,
the university boasts approximately 1,900 fac-
ulty across eight colleges, as well as more than
240,000 living alumni, including state governors,
corporate CEOs, Olympic gold medalists, teachers, researchers, and artists. Students
here enjoy ample research opportunities, a slew of solid academic programs, and an
unbeatable location.
Situated at the foot of the spectacular Rocky Mountains, CSU gives students easy
access to abundant natural resources. The open space on the main campus reflects
the university’s heritage as a land- grant institution. The Oval, a wide expanse of
lawn encircled by towering elm trees, anchors the northeast corner of campus.
Architectural styles range from Beaux- Arts to Renaissance Revival, and the campus
Website: www .colostate .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 25,558
Undergraduates: 22,499
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 39%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 48%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 33,122
Accepted: 91%
“The biggest issues on
campus are probably
environmental issues.”
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features a spacious outdoor plaza, 32 acres of recreation fields, and stunning views
of Long’s Peak. The university also boasts a 1,400- acre foothills campus, a 1,600- acre
agricultural campus, and the 1,200- acre mountain campus, which provide opportu-
nities for hands- on learning and research.
All CSU undergrads complete a university- wide core curriculum that includes
coursework in writing, quantitative reasoning, biological/physical sciences, arts/
humanities, social/behavioral sciences, historical perspectives, global awareness,
and three credits of courses that address diversity, equity, and inclusion. CSU offers
more than 75 undergraduate majors, the most popular of which include business
administration (especially the finance concentration), psychology, human develop-
ment and family studies, health and exercise sciences, and communication studies.
Science and engineering are the university’s main strengths, and the prevet program
is distinguished. Computer science, ecosystem science and sustainability, and inter-
national studies are notable. Fort Collins has been a craft brewing hub for decades,
and CSU’s fermentation science and technology is a unique specialty. The perform-
ing arts have received a boost thanks to improved facilities, but the humanities are
not as solid as other departments.
The academic climate can be competitive— especially in the preprofessional
programs. “The courses are hard but manageable,” a junior says. Thirty- four
percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and one student says, “If you
express an interest in their area of study, [pro-
fessors] may invite you to do research in their
lab, write a paper and be published in a major
journal, or help you with graduate school
applications— who knows!” Freshmen may
participate in a midsummer orientation and a variety of first- year seminars
designed to ease the transition from high school to college. A sophomore highly
recommends the Key Communities living/learning program for first- years: “As a
Key student you take three classes with a cluster of 19 people whom you meet
before classes start. This is so nice because you immediately have friends and
people you know who also live in [the same hall] and can help you study.”
Qualified students can opt for the Honors Program to take honors seminars,
receive specialized advising, and complete a senior thesis. Undergraduate research
academies allow students to join a faculty- mentored, interdisciplinary team
investigating a common problem or theme from different disciplinary perspec-
tives. Overall, more than 5,000 undergraduates participate in faculty research
each year. Seven percent of undergrads study abroad in over 80 countries, and
many complete at least one internship.
“The students at CSU are friendly and accepting,” says a junior. Sixty- five per-
cent of CSU students are from Colorado, and 2 percent are international. Black stu-
dents account for only 2 percent of undergrads, Asian Americans 3 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 16 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. CSU is a politically
active campus, with liberal and conservative viewpoints both well represented. “The
biggest issues on campus are probably environmental issues,” explains a student,
“due mainly to our proximity to the Rocky Mountains.” Thousands of merit schol-
arships averaging $5,100 are handed out each year, and athletes vie for nearly 200
scholarships in 14 men’s and women’s sports. The CSU Tuition Assistance Grant
provides financial support for in- state, low- income students.
Twenty- four percent of CSU students live on campus in residence halls and
campus apartments; students may move off campus after their first year. “Residence
halls are in great condition and more like a resort than the dorms we all picture from
movies,” says a student. Campus residents may choose from among six meal plans,
and the residence hall dining center provides an all- you- can- eat option. “The food is
(continued)
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 69%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (970) 491- 6909
Email Address: admissions @
colostate .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Computer Science
Ecosystem Science and
Sustainability
International Studies
Fermentation Science and
Technology
Business Administration
Psychology
Human Development and
Family Studies
“We have a huge
homecoming with a bonfire,
lighting of the ‘A,’ parade,
and football game.”
Fort Collins has been
a craft brewing hub
for decades, and CSU’s
fermentation science
and technology is a
unique specialty.
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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 179
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awesome,” a student says. “I think it is as good as any restaurant in town.” Students
also report feeling safe on campus; security measures include a “safe walk” escort
program and an active security staff.
The Greek scene attracts just 4 percent of the men and 5 percent of the women,
so it’s not a major force in campus social life. “Campus activities, such as free movies
or concerts, draw a large crowd,” says one student, “while parties and other gath-
erings off campus do the same.” The Lory Student Center hosts events on a regular
basis, and more than 470 active student clubs serve as a social outlet too. The CSU
campus is dry and “there is no tolerance for alcohol in the residence halls,” a bio-
chemistry major notes. “The policies are enforced.”
Fort Collins (population 170,000) is “a fun city that revolves around the
school,” says one junior. “There is a definite sense of community and support
for CSU in the town,” a senior adds. Students not only frequent the downtown
bars, shops, and eateries but also can be found performing volunteer work or
community service alongside the locals. Popular road trips include quick get-
aways to nearby ski resorts and hiking trails, and longer treks to Utah and
Nevada. Back on campus, students enjoy a number of traditions: “We have a
huge homecoming,” says one student, “with a bonfire, lighting of the ‘A,’
parade, and football game.”
The CSU Rams compete in Division I as members of the Mountain West
Conference, and the most competitive teams include men’s and women’s basket-
ball, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s track and field. The University
of Colorado is the hated rival— especially in football— and “the Rocky Mountain
Showdown is probably the biggest event of the year,” says a family and consumer
sciences major. Intramurals and club sports attract 17 percent of the student body;
baseball, ice hockey, ultimate Frisbee, and eSports garner the most interest. The
Student Recreation Center features an indoor track, a climbing wall, basketball and
volleyball courts, cardio machines and free weights, and a host of other facilities for
students who want to stay in shape.
Despite ubiquitous complaints about limited parking, rising tuition, and the
need for more bike racks, students at Colorado State are quick to say why they appre-
ciate their alma mater: “Because CSU rocks! It is an awesome school to go to and has
lots to offer students of all ages and backgrounds,” cheers a student. What’s more,
it’s a “fun and beautiful place to be,” says a junior, “and you know that your degree
will mean something.”
Overall, more than
5,000 undergraduates
participate in faculty
research each year.
Overlaps
Iowa State, Kansas
State, Michigan
State, Oregon
State, Washington
State, CU Boulder,
Arizona State,
University of
Arizona
If You Apply To ›
CSU: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Columbia University
212 Hamilton Hall, New York, NY 10027
Once a high- powered Ivy League afterthought, Columbia now rivals the Ivy League’s
big three in selectivity. Applications have nearly doubled in the past 10 years for
one simple reason: Manhattan trumps New Haven, Providence, Ithaca, and every
other Ivy League city, with the possible exception of Boston. The often overlooked
engineering program is among the best in the nation for undergraduates. The heart
of Columbia is still its Core Curriculum.
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180 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
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Students entering Columbia will, of course, expect the rigorous academic program
they’ll encounter at this Ivy League school, but they must also be streetwise, urbane,
and together enough to handle one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
Columbia lets its students experience life in the Big Apple but serves as a refuge
when it becomes necessary to escape from New York, allowing students to immerse
themselves in the best academia has to offer, starting with the Core Curriculum.
“Students here want a classical liberal arts education but do not want to live in a col-
lege bubble,” says a freshman. Famous alums can be found in the highest echelons
of their chosen professions, whether it be politics, literature, sports, or entertain-
ment. Think Barack Obama.
The fifth- oldest university in the country, Columbia was founded under
Anglican auspices in 1754 as King’s College and renamed in 1784, after the American
Revolution. With a total university- wide enrollment of more than 26,000 full- time
students, says one of them, “It’s easy to feel lost.” Columbia’s 6,700 traditional
undergraduates are split into two divisions: the flagship Columbia College and The
Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. (The School of General
Studies offers undergraduate education to part- time and nontraditional students.
Sister school Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia University but governed by
its own board of trustees, has an additional 3,000 students.) Columbia’s campus has
a large central quadrangle in front of Butler Library and at the foot of the steps lead-
ing past the statue of Alma Mater to Low Library, which is now the administration
building. The redbrick, copper- roofed neoclassical buildings are “stunning,” and the
layout, says an undergrad, “is well thought out and manages to provide a beautiful
setting with an economy of space.”
The undergraduate experience at Columbia centers on its renowned Core
Curriculum. While these courses occupy up to a third of the first two years and can
become laborious, students generally praise them as worthwhile and enriching. “The
Core truly unifies the school in a way that tran-
scends most social limitations,” says a freshman.
As it has since World War I, the college remains
committed to the Core while at the same time
expanding the diversity of the canon and requir-
ing Core classes on non- Western cultures. According to a junior, some students find
that the Core can “spark some interest in a subject they had never thought of before.”
Two of the most demanding introductory courses in the Ivy League— Contempo-
rary Civilization (CC) and Literature Humanities (LitHum)— form the basis of the
Core. Both are yearlong and taught in small sections, generally by full professors. CC
examines political and moral philosophy from Plato to Camus, though professors have
some leeway in choosing 20th- century selections. LitHum, which is not part of the
engineering requirements, covers about 26 masterpieces of literature from Homer to
Dostoyevsky, usually with some Sappho, Jane Austen, and Toni Morrison thrown in
for alternative perspectives. One semester each of art and music history is required
and, while they are not given the same reverence as their literary counterparts, they are
eye- opening all the same. Foreign language proficiency is required, as are two semes-
ters of science, two semesters of “global Core” classes dealing in cultures not covered
in the other Core requirements, two semesters of phys ed (all students are required to
pass a swim test before graduating!), and University Writing. Students at the School of
Engineering and Applied Science complete approximately half of the Core Curriculum.
Columbia is an intellectual school, not a preprofessional one, and even though
a large percentage of students aspire to law or medical school, “we are mostly con-
tent to be liberal artists for as long as possible,” says an English major. Even students
in the School of Engineering and Applied Science pursue “technical education” with
a liberal arts base. Almost all departments that offer undergraduate majors are strong,
Website: www .columbia .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 26,771
Undergraduates: 6,651
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 53%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 15%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 60,374
Accepted: 4%
Enrolled: 65%
Grad in 6 Years: 95%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (212) 854- 2522
Email Address: ugrad -ask @
columbia .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
English
History
Political Science
Economics
Neuroscience
Computer Science
Chemistry
“The Core truly unifies
the school in a way that
transcends most social
limitations.”
Students entering
Columbia must be
streetwise, urbane,
and together enough
to handle one of the
most cosmopolitan
cities in the world.
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notably English, history, political science, economics, neuroscience, and computer
science. Chemistry and biology are among the best of Columbia’s high- quality sci-
ence offerings. The earth and environmental science department owns 200 acres in
Rockland County, home to many rocks and much seismographic equipment. The
fine arts are improving, thanks to newer facilities and joint programs with schools
such as the Juilliard School of Music. Many challenging combined majors are avail-
able, such as philosophy/economics and biology/
psychology. There are 50 offerings in foreign
languages, ranging from Czech to Persian to
Urdu, and the East Asian languages and cultures
department is one of the best anywhere. There is
also an African American and African diaspora studies major and a women’s and
gender studies major taught in cooperation with Barnard. Students can take classes
in any department at Barnard and graduate- level courses in several Columbia depart-
ments. A notable five- year bachelor’s/master’s program gives students access to the
resources of the highly regarded School of International and Public Affairs and its
multitude of regional institutes.
Columbia is tough; the workload is often stressful, and since most students are
used to being top achievers, classmates can be intimidating to the faint of heart. A
financial economics major offers this advice: “Prepare to be average and to be happy
that you are an average student at Columbia.” Student/faculty interaction is sup-
ported by one of the smallest student- to- faculty ratios in the country, and 58 per-
cent of classes have fewer than 20 students. “Some of the professors are real leaders
in their fields,” says a philosophy major, who also cautions, “Many Core classes are
taught by grad students, which has led to some less-than-ideal experiences for me.”
Additional interaction stems from professorial involvement in campus politics and
forums and from the faculty- in- residence program, which houses professors and
their families in spruced- up apartments in several of the residence halls. First- year
students are assigned an academic advisor with whom they work for all four years,
and they receive a departmental faculty advisor
when they declare a major at the end of sopho-
more year. For students wishing to spend time
away from New York, Columbia offers credit
through more than 150 programs in upwards of
100 cities around the world; about a third of stu-
dents go abroad. Research is big here, too, and
the university conducts nearly $1 billion of research annually in the sciences,
humanities, and social sciences; hundreds of undergraduates participate.
“In general, Columbia students are eager to learn, engaged with the world
around them, and happy to explore New York City,” says a sociology major. Twenty-
one percent of undergraduates come from New York, and 27 percent come from
abroad. Students of color make up more than half of the undergraduate population:
8 percent are Black, 17 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 21 percent are Asian American,
and 7 percent are multiracial. Columbia remains one of the nation’s most liberal
campuses, and an economics major notes, “Students take an active approach to
solving the problems that face marginalized groups.” The university awards finan-
cial aid based on need, meeting the full demonstrated need of all students, domestic
and international, with grants instead of loans. Students coming from families with
annual incomes below $150,000 and typical assets attend Columbia tuition- free.
Given the exorbitant nature of the New York housing market, 88 percent of
Columbia students live in university housing, which is guaranteed for four years.
Many rooms are singles, and it is possible to go all four years without a roommate.
Carman Hall, one of three exclusively first- year dorms, is a popular choice for its
“Prepare to be average
and to be happy that you
are an average student at
Columbia.”
“Columbia students can
be a part of the vibrant
on- campus community
but also take part in
New York’s eclectic
environment!”
Rarely are there big
all- inclusive bashes,
the exceptions being
the Tree Lighting
celebration in
December and spring’s
Bacchanal concert.
The earth and
environmental
science department
owns 200 acres in
Rockland County.
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182 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
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private bathrooms. “Going into sophomore year, my roommate and I had a very bad
lottery number,” recalls one student, “but we were still able to get a room in an air-
conditioned building with a view of the Empire State Building.” First- year students
are automatically placed on a 19- meal- a- week plan and take most of those meals at
John Jay. Dining options receive positive reviews, but for students who prefer to do
their own cooking, several dorms have kitchens for those who cook. The university
has introduced a number of Title IX initiatives, including a comprehensive gender-
based misconduct policy and the addition of a second sexual violence support center
on campus. “Columbia has a robust Title IX investigation team,” reports a senior.
“I’ve never felt unsafe as a young woman walking around campus at night. We have
guards in every dorm, a blue- light system, and campus patrols.”
The social scene starts on the Columbia campus and spills over into the bustling
streets of New York City. “We have the best of both worlds, because Columbia stu-
dents can be a part of the vibrant on- campus community but also take part in New
York’s eclectic environment!” cheers one stu-
dent. The challenge, others say, is finding time
to relax and enjoy all the city has to offer. Rarely
are there big all- inclusive bashes, the exceptions being the Tree Lighting celebration
in December and spring’s Bacchanal concert. “My favorite tradition is the Varsity
Show, a more than 125- year- old tradition of a student- written musical that satirizes
Columbia, the Ivy League, and current campus and world events,” says a sopho-
more. Ten percent of the men and 11 percent of the women go Greek; the advent of
co- ed houses has raised interest in Greek life, as has the arrival of sororities open to
both Columbia and Barnard women. But Columbia is hardly a Hellenocentric
campus. “I love that no one activity dominates the social scene,” says a freshman.
The Community Impact organization coordinates 27 local community service pro-
grams, in which nearly 1,000 students participate.
Columbia athletics don’t inspire rabid loyalty. “Columbia students are individ-
ualists,” according to one sophomore. “This is not a school that rallies together
at football games.” Still, the Lions field 31 Division I teams. Men’s and women’s
fencing have been national champions, while baseball, men’s squash, and wom-
en’s cross- country have claimed Ivy League conference titles. As an urban school,
Columbia lacks team field facilities on campus; however, 100 blocks to the north is
the modern Baker Field, home of the football stadium, the soccer fields, an Olympic
track, and the crew boathouse. On campus, the Dodge Gymnasium, an under-
ground facility, houses four levels of basketball courts, swimming pools, weight
rooms, and exercise equipment. Dozens of intramural and club sports are available;
men’s and women’s ultimate Frisbee are both nationally competitive.
“Columbia is definitely not a stress- free, friendly community, but it has its own
charm,” explains a senior. “The university is quintessentially New York: as a student,
there are so many experiences to be had, but you really have to engage in the com-
munity and seek them out.” Columbians are proud to attend college in New York
City, and most would have it no other way.
“Columbia students are
individualists.”
All students are
required to pass a
swim test before
graduating!
Overlaps
Harvard, Yale,
Stanford, MIT,
Princeton,
University of
Pennsylvania,
Brown, UC
Berkeley
If You Apply To ›
Columbia: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Columbia’s
website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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University of Connecticut
2131 Hillside Road, Unit 3088, Storrs, CT 06269
Squeezed in among the likes of Brown, UMass, Trinity, Wesleyan, and Yale— all
within a two- hour drive— UConn could be forgiven for having an identity problem.
But applications have been soaring, with championship basketball teams helping to
ignite Husky pride and boost selectivity. One of the highest retention and graduation
rates among public universities. Storrs is nobody’s idea of an exciting destination,
but it does offer easy access to beautiful countryside.
The top public university in New England and highly regarded nationally, the
University of Connecticut has recently seen billions of dollars poured into new
facilities and into expanding educational opportunities and research in STEM disci-
plines. UConn is the only public university in New England with its own law school,
medical school, dental school, and school of social work— and undergraduates ben-
efit indirectly from these resources. What’s more, it’s one of the few major public
universities that continues to significantly expand its faculty ranks, adding nearly
300 tenure- track positions in recent years. Couple these initiatives with the glow of
two nationally competitive basketball teams, a wealth of research opportunities, and
more than 600 clubs and organizations, and it’s clear why UConn has moved well
beyond its erstwhile “cow college” image.
UConn’s 4,000- acre campus is about 23 miles northeast of Hartford. Building
styles range from collegiate Gothic and neoclassical to half- century- old red brick.
Dense woods surround the campus, which also boasts two lakes, Swan and Mirror.
Ongoing renovations are the norm, sparking jokes
about the “University of Construction,” but the
results are impressive. The 212,000- square- foot
NextGen residence hall houses more than 700
students in several living/learning communities
and features an innovative makerspace. The five- story, $95 million Engineering and
Science Building and the $75 million Student Recreation Center are among the recent
additions to campus.
Students say UConn’s strongest offerings are preprofessional— business, engi-
neering, education, pharmacy, and allied health, including nursing and physical
therapy. The school’s historic focus on agriculture is giving way to an emphasis
on environment and ecology, including a strong program in coastal studies. Also
notable are neuroscience, linguistics, history, human rights, and, of course, agri-
culture. (UConn was founded more than 140 years ago as a farm school; it’s where
America learned to get more eggs per chicken by leaving the lights on in the coops.)
Engineering is demanding, and, as at many schools, it has a relatively high attrition
rate, with many students switching to the less rigorous major in management infor-
mation systems. A special program in medicine and dentistry allows students to earn
bachelor’s degrees in any of UConn’s more than 100 disciplines, and guarantees
admission to the School of Medicine or Dental Medicine if they meet all criteria.
UConn’s academic atmosphere is described as moderately competitive and chal-
lenging, depending on a student’s course of study. Core requirements include courses
in four basic areas: arts and humanities, social sciences, diversity/multiculturalism,
and science and technology. Students must also achieve competency in writing,
quantitative skills, information literacy, a second language, and environmental lit-
eracy. Seminar- style writing classes are available to all freshmen, and three- quarters
also take at least one First- Year Experience course that guides them through the
Website: www .uconn .edu
Location: Rural
Public
Total Enrollment: 23,775
Undergraduates: 18,319
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 80%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 52%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 40,894
Accepted: 55%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (860) 486- 3137
Email Address: beahusky @
uconn .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Engineering
Education
Pharmacy
Nursing
Physical Therapy
Agriculture
Coastal Studies
“Students are very much
concerned with what is
going on today in our
world.”
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184 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
transition to college. The Academic Center for Exploratory Students helps freshmen
and sophomores who still need to decide on a major. Students generally applaud the
enthusiasm of their professors— and the graduate teaching assistants who admin-
ister tests, collect assignments, and run labs and discussion groups— but a senior
grumbles, “Some lack the ability to connect with students and the skills to teach
students effectively.”
UConn’s engineering, business, pharmacy, and honors students are required to
undertake research projects, and each year two teams of finance majors run their
own $1 million portfolios for the student- managed investment fund. Students who
aspire to graduate school in academic fields,
rather than professional certification, may win
grants to work independently under faculty
members through the undergraduate summer
research program. The 8 percent of students who qualify for the honors program
gain access to special floors and dorms; several programs for disadvantaged students
are also available. In addition, 15 percent of students participate in the study abroad
program, which offers 275 options in more than 60 countries.
UConn students are “hardworking, responsible, intelligent, passionate, and
inspirational,” according to one psychology major. Seventy- six percent of UConn
undergraduates are from Connecticut, and 8 percent are international. Many stu-
dents choose to transfer to the Storrs campus after beginning coursework in their
chosen major and earning 54 credits at one of UConn’s four regional campuses.
Seven percent of undergrads are Black, 15 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 13 percent
are Asian American, and 4 percent are multiracial. There are cultural centers for
Black, Asian American, Latin American, and Puerto Rican students, as well as the
Rainbow Center, a resource for LGBTQ students. “Students are very much concerned
with what is going on today in our world,” a student says. Eligible UConn students
receive merit scholarships averaging $11,200 and hundreds of athletic scholarships
are available in 18 sports. Persistence rates are notably high for a public flagship
university, with 91 percent of freshmen returning for their sophomore year and a
six- year graduation rate of 83 percent.
Sixty- four percent of the students live in university housing, which is available
to all undergraduates. “All the dorms are very well maintained,” says a senior. Dorms
are all co- ed, and the entire campus, including outdoor areas, is equipped with Wi-
Fi. Eight dining halls offer plenty of choices,
including for vegetarians and vegans, though
many students would just as soon visit the snack
bar for some ice cream, freshly made with help
from the cows grazing nearby. “The food at UConn each night is diverse, and a stu-
dent can always find something he or she wants,” one student says. A group of stu-
dents are selected to live on a sustainable farm just off campus where they raise
foods that are served in the dining halls. Students report feeling safe on campus.
“Crime is so low we think it doesn’t exist, the police don’t bother anyone unless
they have to, and we have a great system of security alerts,” says a junior.
“Social life is the best part of college life and includes clubs, frats, sports, and so
much more,” says one student. “As you get involved, you will be wicked busy!”
Students 21 and over are allowed to possess no more than a six- pack of beer, one
bottle of wine, or a small bottle of liquor. Underage students caught with booze may
be evicted from campus housing. Late- night activities at the student union and
other campus events provide a lot of alternatives to alcohol use. Fraternities attract
10 percent of the men, and sororities claim 11 percent of the women; members can
live in chapter housing at the Husky Village. On weekends, there are buses to
Hartford (only 30 minutes away), Boston, New Haven, New York, and Providence.
“We are a well- rounded
campus with students from
every background.”
The Academic Center
for Exploratory
Students helps
freshmen and
sophomores who
still need to decide
on a major.
“As you get involved [in
campus life], you will be
wicked busy!”
The school’s
historic focus on
agriculture is giving
way to an emphasis
on environment
and ecology.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Cape Cod and the Vermont ski slopes are within weekend driving distance. Favorite
annual campus events include the mud volleyball tournament, carnival- style UConn
Late Nights, midnight breakfasts during finals, homecoming, Winter Weekend, and
Midnight Madness— the first official day of basketball practice. In addition to cheer-
ing for the Huskies, “it is good luck to rub the nose of the bronze statue of our
mascot, Jonathan,” says a sophomore.
The town of Storrs “is basically UConn,” says one student. A recent downtown
Storrs initiative offers shops, restaurants, and a town green, as well as additional
living options available to students. The university provides transportation for stu-
dents who volunteer in area schools and hospitals. Legend holds that UConn also
offers one diversion most other colleges can’t: cow tipping— that is, sneaking up on
unsuspecting cows, which sleep standing up, and tipping them over. The adminis-
tration contends that this is a myth, though students always claim to “know some-
one who did it.”
UConn’s teams are known as the Huskies (UConn. Yukon. Get it?), and in a
state without any major league professional sports teams, UConn basketball rou-
tinely sells out the XL Center. The men’s team won back-to-back national champi-
onships in 2023 and 2024, and the women were runners- up in 2022. (It’s headline
news when the women’s team loses!) Women’s field hockey and men’s soccer are
also strong. Intramurals are offered at three levels, from recreational to competitive.
Popular options range from underwater hockey and inner- tube water polo to basket-
ball, volleyball, and flag football.
UConn continues to build on its agricultural roots and adapt them to the 21st
century. Those seeking greener pastures will be hard- pressed to find a more dynamic
public institution. “We are a well- rounded campus with students from every back-
ground,” a junior pharmacy student says. And with the campus undergoing a com-
plete face- lift, it’s a good time to be at UConn.
Legend holds that
UConn also offers
one diversion most
other colleges can’t:
cow tipping.
Overlaps
UMass Amherst,
Boston University,
Northeastern,
University
of Delaware,
Quinnipiac,
Syracuse,
University of Rhode
Island, Penn State
If You Apply To ›
UConn: Regular decision. Please consult UConn’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test
requirements. Accepts the Common Application. Most fine arts programs require a portfolio, audition, or interview.
Connecticut College
270 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320
Like Skidmore and Vassar, Connecticut College long ago made a successful transition
from women’s college to co- ed. That means a slightly more progressive campus
tenor than at, say, Hamilton or Trinity. The college is strong in the humanities, dance,
and drama, and notable for its study abroad programs and funded internships. New
London does not offer much, but at least it is on the water.
Students at Connecticut College follow the example of their mascot, the
camel— they take pride in drinking up and storing knowledge. The student- run
honor code means finals are not proctored; they’re even self- scheduled, whenever
students prefer, during a five- day window. “The honor code gives the freedom for
the student to be responsible for their actions academically and socially,” says an
economics major. “It creates a respectful and trustful relationship between profes-
sors and students.”
Website: www .conncoll .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,915
Undergraduates: 1,915
Male/Female: 38/62
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186 CONNECTICUT COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Placed majestically atop a hill, the Conn College campus sits within a 750-
acre arboretum with a pond, wetlands, wooded areas, and hiking trails. It offers
beautiful views of the Thames River (pronounced the way it looks, not like the
“Temz” that Wordsworth so dearly loved) on one side and Long Island Sound on
the other. The granite campus buildings are a mixture of modern and collegiate
Gothic in style, with some neo- Gothic and neoclassical architecture thrown in
for good measure.
Conn was founded in 1911 as a women’s college and went co- ed in 1969. The
general education program, cleverly called Connections (get it?), spans all four years
of a student’s undergraduate experience. Coursework includes two semesters of
foundational courses, including a first- year semi-
nar, an interdisciplinary ConnCourse, and two
Social Difference and Power courses, followed by
a series of thematically linked classes called an
“Integrative Pathway.” The senior year culmi-
nates with an integrative project that is presented at an All- College Symposium.
Academics are definitely the focus here. “I’d consider the academic climate at Conn
to be rigorous and intense, but supportive all the same,” says a film studies major.
Much of that support comes from and professors are lauded for their accessibility
and thoughtfulness.
Conn’s dance and drama departments are superb, and it’s not uncommon for
dancers to take time off to study with professional companies. Aspiring actors, direc-
tors, and stagehands may work on numerous on- campus productions and with the
Eugene O’Neill Theater Institute, named for New London’s best- known literary son.
Chemistry majors may use high- tech gas chromatograms and mass spectrometers
from their very first day. Conn also offers strong programs in biology, environmen-
tal studies, and international relations. Five interdisciplinary centers offer courses,
certificates, and special programming in international studies, arts and technology,
public policy and community action, the environment, and the study of race and
ethnicity. The most popular majors are economics, psychology, government, biol-
ogy, and sociology. New minors have been added in applied statistics, geosciences,
linguistics, and Jewish studies.
To escape Conn’s small size and occasionally claustrophobic feel, the Study
Away/Teach Away (SATA) initiative allows groups of about a dozen Conn students
and a faculty member to spend a semester living and working together at an overseas
university, in locations as far- flung as Italy, South Africa, Peru, and Vietnam. In fact,
about half of Connecticut College students study abroad through SATA and other
college- approved programs offered in 40 countries. All students who participate in a
set of career workshops are guaranteed an internship opportunity and may receive
up to $3,000 in flexible funds to help cover housing or other costs. Opportunities for
funded summer research with professors are also available.
“Connecticut College has a reputation for being a ‘preppy’ school; many of the
students are very well- off,” says a computer science major. Only 14 percent of stu-
dents come from Connecticut, and 8 percent come from abroad. Black students
make up 4 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans account for 3 percent, Hispanic/
Latino students add 12 percent, and multiracial
students represent 3 percent. Freshmen must
attend a session on issues of race, class, and gender, run by a panel of diverse peers.
Students say there is a growing interest in activism on campus, and the political
atmosphere is largely liberal. There are no athletic scholarships, but merit scholar-
ships average $24,200 annually, and the college meets all admitted students’
(continued)
Financial Aid: 95%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 8,744
Accepted: 40%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (860) 439- 2200
Email Address: admission @
conncoll .edu
Strong Programs:
Dance
Drama
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Studies
International Relations
Economics
Psychology
“The academic climate at
Conn [is] rigorous and
intense, but supportive all
the same.”
Aspiring actors,
directors, and
stagehands may work
on numerous on-
campus productions
and with the
Eugene O’Neill
Theater Institute.
“The a cappella groups are
the closest thing Conn has
to Greek life.”
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CONNECTICUT COLLEGE 187
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
full demonstrated financial need. Loan reduction is available for students of high-
est need.
Ninety- seven percent of students live on campus. Options include first- year-
only and mixed- class housing, and dorms are run by seniors who apply to be
“house fellows.” Several specialty houses are dedicated to interests such as envi-
ronmental awareness, substance- free living, quiet lifestyles, and international
languages. “There is a great sense of house pride on campus,” says one student.
The campus boasts two dining halls that receive generally good reviews. “Students
can make requests to dining staff by writing their thoughts on a ‘napkin note’
and pinning it to a provided bulletin board,” reports a senior. A junior says that
life on campus feels safe: “Campus safety officers patrol campus constantly.”
Another adds, “Conn has a local Green Dot program, which is really successful in
educating the community about consent and destigmatizing discussions about
sexual assault.”
Students keep busy with parties, movie nights, comedy shows, student produc-
tions, and dances— sometimes with out- of- town bands and DJs. “The a cappella
groups are the closest thing Conn has to Greek life, the only major difference being
their preference for practicing complex vocal arrangements over playing mindless
drinking games,” quips a sophomore. Students say the absence of Greek groups cre-
ates a more inclusive community. The alcohol policy falls under the honor code,
and students take prohibitions seriously. Students anticipate the annual Floralia fes-
tival in the spring, when “students camp out in tents, eat lots of free food, and dance
to music,” says a junior.
Many students volunteer at the local schools, aquarium, youth community
center, and women’s center; a college van makes it easy to get to and from work
sites. When students get the urge to roam, the beaches of New London and other
shore towns are 20 minutes from campus. Trains go to Providence (Rhode Island),
New York City, or Boston, while Vermont and upstate New York offer camping,
hiking, and skiing.
The Conn Camels compete in 28 Division III sports, and men’s ice hockey games
against NESCAC rival Wesleyan draw crowds. Men’s soccer won its first national
championship in 2021; women’s soccer and men’s swimming are also among the
stronger teams. Intramural and club sports range from floor hockey and squash to
ultimate Frisbee and skiing. Between classes or at the end of the day, all students
may use the natatorium’s pool and fitness center and the rowing tanks and climbing
walls at the field house.
On its friendly campus, Conn College encourages strong student/faculty bonds
and takes pride in its ability to challenge— and trust— students, both in and out of
the classroom. “Connecticut College promotes a sense of self- awareness and being
able to be yourself in an environment that fosters creativity, acceptance, and com-
munity,” reasons one junior. A classmate asks, “Who else has a dromedary camel as
the mascot?!”
Specialty houses are
dedicated to interests
such as environmental
awareness, substance-
free living, quiet
lifestyles, and
international
languages.
Overlaps
Skidmore, Bates,
Trinity College
(CT), Northeastern,
Hamilton, Union,
Colby, Boston
College
If You Apply To ›
Conn College: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
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188 THE COOPER UNION
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The Cooper Union
30 Cooper Square, New York, NY 10003
BEST
BUY
As college costs skyrocket, so does the popularity of The Cooper Union’s low- cost
education in art, architecture, and engineering. Expect competition approaching Ivy
level for a place in the class here. Instead of a conventional campus, The Cooper
Union has the cool and funky East Village. But be prepared to spend your nights
hitting the books rather than the cafés.
Tuition is no longer free at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science
and Art, but if you manage to get accepted into this technical institute, you get a
half- tuition scholarship (with additional aid to those who demonstrate need) and
some of the nation’s finest academic offerings in architecture, engineering, and
art. With the always vibrant East Village in the background and rigorous studying
in the forefront, college life at The Cooper Union may seem to be faster than a
New York minute. Whatever the pace, though, no one can deny that a CU edu-
cation is one of the best bargains around— arguably the best anywhere. The only
complication is that the number of applicants is booming, and the competition
is stiff.
The school was founded in 1859 by entrepreneur Peter Cooper, who believed
that education should be “as free as water and air.” With hefty contributions from
Andrew Carnegie, J. P. Morgan, and various other fellow robber barons, the school
was able to maintain its tuition- free policy and stay afloat in order to recruit poor
students of “strong moral character.” Trustees ended the famous policy in 2013,
citing dire financial straits— although the school has announced aspirations to rein-
state full- tuition scholarships for all undergraduates by 2029.
In place of a traditional collegiate campus, Cooper offers two academic build-
ings and one dorm wedged between two busy avenues in the East Village, one of
New York’s most eclectic and exciting neighborhoods. The stately brick Foundation
Building, home to architecture and art programs,
is a beautiful historic landmark. The building’s
Great Hall was the site of Lincoln’s “Right Makes
Might” speech that turned him into a national
political figure and the birthplace of the NAACP,
the American Red Cross, and the national women’s suffrage movement. The school
also boasts the first academic building in New York City to achieve LEED Platinum
status, the highest and most rigorous level of certification; known as 41 Cooper
Square, the modern, nine- story building houses the engineering program and some
art facilities. Built of brick and topped by a classic water tower, Cooper’s dorm blends
right in with the neighborhood. The high- tech IDC Foundation Art, Architecture,
Construction, and Engineering Lab offers students access to advanced digital tools
and fabrication equipment.
CU’s curriculum is highly structured, and all students must take a sequence of
required courses in their programs of study as well as in the humanities and social
sciences. The first year is devoted to language and literature and the second to the
making of the modern world; students can then choose from a range of electives
after that. The nationally renowned engineering school offers both bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in chemical, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering and a
bachelor of science in general engineering studies, as well as minors in computer
science, math, and bioengineering. The architecture school is “phenomenal— even
unparalleled,” in the words of one happy camper. The art school, rather than
Website: www .cooper .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 898
Undergraduates: 869
Male/Female: 53/47
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 25%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 28%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 2,675
Accepted: 15%
Enrolled: 53%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
%
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (212) 353- 4120
Email Address: admissions @
cooper .edu
Strong Programs:
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Architecture
Fine Arts
“You are expected to
produce great work, and
you are in an environment
that is conducive to that.”
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THE COOPER UNION 189
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
offering individual majors, awards a bachelor of fine arts degree that encompasses a
broad- based generalist curriculum in graphic design, drawing, painting, sculpture,
photography, printmaking, film, and video. Students in any school can choose to
pursue one of the few minors offered in the humanities and social sciences. All
students must fulfill a capstone requirement: engineers complete a senior design
project and presentation, architects a yearlong senior thesis and presentation, and
artists a senior exhibition.
The academic climate is intense and the workload heavy across all programs, but
collaborative group projects and study groups are common. “Cooper Union has a
performance- oriented culture. You are expected to produce great work, and you are
in an environment that is conducive to that,” explains a senior. Academic advising
and counseling is available— as are peer mentors— but the school’s rigorously struc-
tured academic programs largely determine the core set of courses that students
take, eliminating a lot of confusion or decision- making. Classes are small— 61 per-
cent enroll fewer than 20 students— and, with a little persistence, not too difficult to
get into. “The full- time faculty at Cooper is known to be really great, but the adjunct
professors can be hit or miss,” reports a freshman. Even so, students say it’s usually
easy to build personal relationships with professors.
Students interested in long- term, interdisciplinary research can join a Vertically
Integrated Project team, earning academic credit over multiple semesters while par-
ticipating in faculty- led research on topics as diverse as smart cities, motorsports,
and drones. Engineers can participate in the pop-
ular Invention Factory summer program to build
their own use- inspired inventions; prizes are
awarded to the top projects, and all participants
file provisional applications for U.S. patents.
Roughly 10 percent of students find time to take their education global through a
variety of study abroad programs.
Strong moral character is no longer a prerequisite for admission, but an out-
standing high school academic record most certainly is. CU students “range from
being complete geeks who love math, science, and gaming to artsy and out- of- this-
world,” one student says, and another adds that “most students stick to their own
school.” Fifty- one percent of undergraduates are from New York State, and most of
them grew up in the city; 14 percent are international. Asian Americans account
for 28 percent of the student population, Black students 5 percent, Hispanics/
Latinos 11 percent, and multiracial students 3 percent. Many are the first in their
family to attend college. The political climate depends on whom you ask; most
students are liberal, but you’ll probably find more activism in the art school than
elsewhere on campus.
Students love the dorm, a 15- story residence hall that saves its occupants from
commuting into the Village or cramming themselves into expensive apartments.
The downside is that housing here is not guaranteed, and only 20 percent of the
student body (mostly freshmen) reside on campus. The facility is composed of fur-
nished apartments with kitchens and bathrooms and is “in great condition and well
maintained,” says one resident, even if space can be tight. For those seeking off-
campus housing, a freshman assures, “Few students have trouble finding an apart-
ment, as leases are passed down from Cooper
student to Cooper student.” With no meal plan
available, students cook for themselves, eat at
the unexciting but affordable school cafeteria, or
head for one of the myriad nearby delis and coffee shops. Students are mindful of
potential safety concerns, given the urban campus, and Cooper has expanded its
education and training programs aimed at preventing sexual assault.
Students have their
choice of more than
75 clubs for everything
from table tennis
and jazz band to
religion and drama.
“[CU students] range from
being complete geeks
to artsy and out- of- this-
world.”
“The Cooper Union is
absolutely not a party
school.”
The heart of
Greenwich Village,
with its abundance of
theaters, art galleries,
and cafés, is just a few
blocks to the west.
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190 CORNELL COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Many students belong to professional societies, such as the American Society of
Civil Engineers, and cultural groups are active on campus. Students have their choice
of more than 75 clubs for everything from table tennis and jazz band to religion and
drama. Drinking on campus is allowed during some school- sponsored events for
students 21 and over— otherwise, no alcohol on campus. “The Cooper Union is
absolutely not a party school,” states an architecture major; the few parties that do
occur are typically small, inclusive affairs at off- campus apartments. Annual events
include the Fall Festival at the beginning of the year and the Culture Show, featuring
multicultural music and dance. Nightlife and other social options are not far:
McSorley’s bar is right around the corner, and nearby Chinatown and Little Italy are
also popular destinations. The heart of Greenwich Village, with its abundance of
theaters, art galleries, and cafés, is just a few blocks to the west. The Bowery and
SoHo’s galleries and restaurants are due south; all of midtown Manhattan spreads to
the northern horizon.
Cooper Union has no varsity sports, but it does sponsor a co- ed soccer team,
which plays on nearby Randall’s Island, as well as co- ed basketball and men’s and
women’s volleyball teams that compete against other area schools. Students stay fit
and participate in recreational activities in several different facilities in the city.
The Cooper Union offers an environment for survivors. Getting in is tough, and
once admitted, students find that dealing with the onslaught of city and school is
plenty tough as well. “Your first year at Cooper is sink or swim,” cautions a civil
engineering major. “You either develop a work ethic (whatever you had before isn’t
enough) or you drop/transfer out.” But most students like the challenge and the
rewards of Cooper’s academic rigors. Thriving here requires talent, self- sufficiency,
and a clear sense of one’s career objectives.
The school boasts
the first academic
building in New York
City to achieve LEED
Platinum status.
Overlaps
Carnegie Mellon,
Cornell University,
RISD, Olin College
of Engineering,
Harvey Mudd, NYU,
Pratt Institute,
Georgia Tech
If You Apply To ›
The Cooper Union: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular
program. Art applicants must complete take- home test, architecture applicants must complete studio test, and engineering
applicants must complete writing supplement. Please consult Cooper’s website for the most up- to- date information regard-
ing standardized test requirements.
Cornell College
600 First Street Southwest, Mount Vernon, IA 52314- 1098
The One Course At A Time model is Cornell’s calling card. The main challenge: trying
to lure top students to rural Iowa. Encourages students to do off- campus study in
distant corners of the world. More accessible than Colorado College, which follows
a similar academic model. Though primarily a liberal arts institution, Cornell has
programs in business, engineering, and education.
Cornell College attracts the type of student who seeks an intense yet flexible, self-
designed program and a liberal, progressive atmosphere. It suits those who aren’t
satisfied with easy answers and thrive on loads of personal attention while focusing
on one class and exercising disciplined study habits. “If you want a normal college
experience, don’t pick Cornell,” warns one student, but “if you want to pour your-
self into a class for three and a half straight weeks and feel exhausted but accom-
plished,” Cornell may be just the right fit.
Website: www .cornellcollege
.edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,062
Undergraduates: 1,057
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CORNELL COLLEGE 191
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Aside from its distinctive schedule (shared only by Colorado College among
major colleges), Cornell has one of only two U.S. college or university campuses
listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places. Cornell was founded
in 1853, 12 years before the better known, simi-
larly named Ivy League university. A pedestrian
mall runs through campus, and the majestic
clock tower of King Chapel has ticked continu-
ously since 1882. The school’s Cole Library is also the town of Mount Vernon’s
public library, one of few such libraries in the country. Cornell’s student center,
Thomas Commons, features an indoor- outdoor fireplace, classrooms and meeting
spaces, and a glass- enclosed dining room with panoramic views of campus. Recent
projects include an expansion and renovation of the Small Sport Center.
Cornell’s core curriculum, called Ingenuity, combines distribution requirements
in several liberal arts areas with opportunities for learning outside the classroom. In
their first two years, all students take three discussion- oriented Foundations semi-
nars, one of which is writing- intensive. The Ingenuity in Action component requires
students to participate in at least two out- of- class experiences, such as internships,
research or service projects, or study abroad— with funding provided by the college
as needed. Students track and reflect on their progress over four years in an elec-
tronic portfolio, and most complete a capstone experience in their major.
A sophomore explains block scheduling this way: “At Cornell, a semester’s
worth of work is completed in a month. This makes for a fast- paced class that is
normally composed of a couple of papers, maybe some annotations, a midterm, a
final, and a final project.” A biology and Spanish double major adds, “Each class is
pretty intense.” If that sounds intimidating, it can be. But administrators say it also
improves the quality of Cornell’s liberal arts education by helping students accli-
mate to the business world, where “what needs to be done needs to be done quickly
and done well.” The One Course method also helps in academic advising— with
grades every four weeks, signs of trouble are quickly apparent.
Cornell awards degrees in more than 50 academic majors, as well as an exten-
sive group of preprofessional programs. The bachelor of special studies, pursued
by 2 percent of students, allows students to broaden or deepen their studies by
combining courses in an individualized fashion. Among the most popular majors
are kinesiology/exercise science, biochemistry and molecular biology, computer
science, and psychology; other strong options include education, creative writing,
business, theater, and geology. The college also offers preprofessional centers for
health sciences, law and society, and literary arts. Classes are taught by full pro-
fessors and are intimate, with 67 percent enrolling fewer than 20 students. Says a
sophomore, “Professors spend all of their time teaching and improving their courses
to provide the best education possible.”
Roughly half of Cornell students study abroad during their four years. Cornell
faculty teach 15 to 20 courses off campus each year; recent international courses have
included Holocaust and Human Rights in Europe, Gender and Development in India,
and Macroeconomics in Shanghai. Programs are
also available in nearly 40 countries through part-
ner providers. During the short breaks between
courses, students can take advantage of symposia
and athletic events. The Cornell Summer Research Institute offers an eight- week sti-
pend for faculty- directed summer research projects. Career coaches at the Berry Career
Institute help each student identify an individual path for their professional
development.
“‘Cornell weird’ is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot, and it’s accurate,”
says one student. “There is no singular way to describe a Cornellian other than
“At Cornell, a semester’s
worth of work is completed
in a month.”
(continued)
Male/Female: 52/45
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 30%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 64%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 3,057
Accepted: 79%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 64%
Returning Freshmen: 80%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 747- 1112
Email Address: admission @
cornellcollege .edu
Strong Programs:
Education
Creative Writing
Business
Theater
Geology
Kinesiology/Exercise Science
Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology
Computer Science
“‘Cornell weird’ is a phrase
that gets thrown around a
lot, and it’s accurate.”
In their first two
years, all students
take three discussion-
oriented Foundations
seminars, one of which
is writing- intensive.
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192 CORNELL COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
unique.” Thirty- one percent of students are homegrown Iowans, and 3 percent hail
from other nations. Black students represent 7 percent of the student population,
Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans 4 percent, and multiracial students
1 percent. “Cornell starts with one huge disadvantage in terms of diversity: it’s
in the middle of a relatively small town in Iowa,” admits one student. Politically,
Cornell leans liberal. Merit scholarships averaging $31,900 are offered to qualified
students, although there are no athletic awards.
Ninety- three percent of students live on campus. First- years enjoy completely
renovated residence halls, while upperclassmen prefer the suite- style halls.
Everyone eats together in Thomas Commons, where the food is “usually good,” a
junior says. Vegetarian options are always available. Student safety is taken seri-
ously, students say, and, “Campus Security is very accessible, with an officer on
call and on campus 24/7.”
“Most of the social life happens on campus,” says a psychology major. “Because
everyone lives on campus, there is a lot of effort to make sure that there is always a
lot to do and nobody has time to be bored.” Local fraternities and sororities draw
8 percent of the men and 18 percent of the
women; membership in a couple of fraternities is
open to all genders, and in most sororities, any
female- identifying student can join. “Some are
completely dry or emphasize their commitment
to service,” reports one student, “while others are notorious for parties and jungle
juice (never, ever drink jungle juice).” The Performing Arts and Activities Council is
in charge of bringing entertainment to campus, which includes comedians, speak-
ers, musicians, and hypnotists. Mount Vernon (population 4,500) is “small, but very
welcoming,” says a student. Students either love the town’s idyllic pace— a few local
bars; an acclaimed restaurant; some funky shops; and a lot of peace, quiet, and
safety— or long for more excitement. The latter is available in Cedar Rapids (home
of archrival Coe College) or Iowa City (home to the University of Iowa), each less
than half an hour away. Chicago is about four hours away.
On the field or on the court, Cornell’s competition with Coe is always heated,
especially when it comes to Rams football and basketball. “‘Beat Coe’ and ‘Coe
Sucks’ have been emblazoned on Cornell fanwear since the 1920s,” says one stu-
dent of institutional history. “We have the archival records to back that up.” Men’s
and women’s track and field, men’s basketball, lacrosse, and tennis are competitive
in the Division III Midwest Conference, and women’s volleyball has won several
conference titles in recent years. Twenty- three percent of students participate in
intramural sports.
Cornell offers a top- notch education, plenty of opportunities, and a supportive
community. Flexibility and a sense of adventure are key to thriving in Cornell’s One
Course At A Time system. “Students must be able to adapt to a new environment
very quickly— every block they have to remap their schedules to succeed in an
entirely new course,” explains a psychology major. “The block plan is not easy.
Students who succeed on this plan are not afraid of the failures that are nearly inev-
itable, and they’re excited for the opportunity to grow as a learner.”
The Cornell Summer
Research Institute
offers an eight- week
stipend for faculty-
directed summer
research projects.
“‘Beat Coe’ and ‘Coe Sucks’
have been emblazoned on
Cornell fanwear since the
1920s.”
Overlaps
Coe, Augustana (IL),
Luther, St. Olaf,
Knox, Lawrence,
Loras, Colorado
College
If You Apply To ›
Cornell College: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional (test- optional applicants must respond to two
short- answer questions and may submit an optional personal portfolio). Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14850
Cornell University’s reputation as a pressure cooker comes from its preprofessional
attitude and a “we try harder” mentality. Spans seven undergraduate colleges— four
private and three public— and tuition varies accordingly. Strong in engineering,
architecture, and sustainability, world famous in hotel administration. Least difficult
Ivy to get into, and also the farthest from an urban center. Once you’re there, Ithaca
is a great college town.
Cornell University has a long tradition of being the lone wolf among the Ivy League
universities— not least for its stated ambition to become the finest research univer-
sity for undergraduate education in the nation. The mixture within one institution
of private and state- funded colleges and schools, preprofessional programs, and lib-
eral arts results in, as one student says, “a diversity of opportunities in and outside
of the classroom.”
Perched atop a hill that commands a view of both the city of Ithaca and Cayuga
Lake, Cornell is breathtakingly scenic, with ravines, waterfalls, and parks bordering all
sides of the campus. (As the saying goes, “Ithaca is gorges.”) The Cornell Botanic
Gardens, more than 3,500 acres of woodlands, nat-
ural trails, streams, and gorges, provide space for
walking, picnicking, or contemplation. Cornell’s
superb library system consists of 20 libraries,
including the beautiful underground Carl A. Kroch
Library, featuring sky- lit atriums and renowned collections of Icelandic and Southeast
Asian materials. The Johnson Museum of Art, designed by I. M. Pei, is one of the best
university museums in the nation. The state- of- the- art Bill and Melinda Gates Hall
houses high- tech research and teaching labs for computer and information sciences,
while the LEED Platinum– certified Klarman Hall is dedicated to teaching, research, and
education in the humanities.
Cornell was founded in 1865 and named for cofounder and telegraph mogul
Ezra Cornell. At the undergraduate level, the university has four privately endowed
colleges: architecture, art, and planning; arts and sciences; business; and engineer-
ing. Cornell is also New York State’s land grant
university, and as such operates three other col-
leges under contract with the state: agriculture
and life sciences, human ecology, and the school
of industrial and labor relations. New York resi-
dents at these “contract colleges” pick up their Ivy League degrees at an almost-
public price (as in- state tuition at these schools is slightly steeper than SUNY rates).
The Cornell College of Business houses two undergraduate schools (the privately
endowed School of Hotel Administration and the Dyson School of Applied
Economics, which it shares with the agriculture college) and one graduate school.
Prospective students apply to one of the seven colleges or schools through the cen-
tral admissions office, and admissions standards vary by school. Each college sets its
own general education requirements, but all Cornell undergrads take at least one
First- Year Writing Seminar.
Cornell offers over 4,000 courses in more than 100 fields of study. The most
popular majors lie in the areas of engineering, business, biological sciences, and agri-
culture. The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning’s offerings in architecture and
fine arts are standouts. The College of Arts and Sciences boasts considerable strength
Website: www .cornell .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 24,714
Undergraduates: 15,385
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 57%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 37%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 71,164
Accepted: 7%
Enrolled: 68%
Grad in 6 Years: 95%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (607) 255- 5241
Email Address: admissions @
cornell .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Architecture
Hotel Administration
Fine Arts
History
Government
Environment and Sustainability
Industrial and Labor Relations
“There is a competitive
atmosphere . . . however,
this is a positive and
motivating force.”
“Social life at Cornell is
really built around Greek
life, especially for those
under 21.”
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194 CORNELL UNIVERSITY
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in history, government, environment and sustainability, and just about all the natu-
ral and physical sciences. The English program has turned out a gaggle of celebrated
writers, including the late Toni Morrison, Thomas Pynchon, and Kurt Vonnegut.
Foreign languages, required for all arts and sciences students, are strong (try taking
Tamil, Zulu, or Nepali), and the performing arts, mathematics, and social science
departments are considered good. Cornell was early among universities to add wom-
en’s studies to the curriculum and continues to be an innovator, with programs like
China and Asia- Pacific studies, which requires a semester in China and another in
Washington, D.C. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is highly ranked and
a good bet for anyone hoping to make it into veterinary school (Cornell’s graduate
College of Veterinary Medicine is among the best), while the School of Industrial and
Labor Relations is the preeminent school of its kind. The College of Business offers
more than a dozen noteworthy concentrations, including agribusiness management;
finance, accounting, and real estate; and business analytics.
“The quality of teaching is top- notch,” says one student, who also cautions,
“Some of the educators struggle to communicate their knowledge.” First- year courses
in the sciences and social sciences are generally large lectures, but overall, 55 percent
of classes have fewer than 20 students. “There are many office hours held by teach-
ing assistants, and professors make additional help extremely accessible,” reports a
computer science major.
Cornell academics are demanding and foster an intensity found on few cam-
puses. “There is a competitive atmosphere, as students who attend Cornell are ambi-
tious and passionate. However, this is a positive and motivating force,” says one
sophomore. Those who were the class genius in high school should be prepared for
a struggle to rise to the top. To cope with the anxieties that the high- powered atmo-
sphere can create, the university has one of the best psychological counseling net-
works in the nation, including an alcohol- awareness program, peer sex counselors,
personal- growth workshops, and EARS (Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Service).
A co- op program is available to engineering students, and Cornell- in- Washington
is popular among students from all seven undergraduate colleges. Students looking
to study abroad can choose from hundreds of programs in 80 countries, including
Indonesia, Belgium, Ireland, and Nepal; 31 per-
cent of students participate. “The number of
quality study abroad programs seems inexhaust-
ible,” says a sophomore. Roughly half of all
undergraduates participate in a faculty- guided research experience during their four
years. The Presidential Research Scholars program, open to undergraduates in all
disciplines, provides as many as 200 selected students with up to $8,000 in funding
to carry out individually designed research programs with the support of faculty
mentors. Seventy- eight percent of students engage in community service opportuni-
ties coordinated by the Public Service Center and the Office of Engagement
Initiatives.
What do Cornell students have in common? “We are cooler than the nerdy kids,
and nerdier than the cool kids,” quips one senior. “We don’t quite fit in anywhere
else. We by and large didn’t get into other Ivies, so compared to those students
we feel a need to validate and distinguish ourselves through hard work and a more
robust social life.” Thirty- seven percent of Cornell’s undergraduates hail from New
York; another 10 percent are international. Black students constitute 7 percent of
the student body, Hispanics/Latinos account for 15 percent, Asian Americans com-
prise 23 percent, and multiracial students add 5 percent. All freshmen participate in
discussion- based diversity workshops aimed at increasing dialogue and engagement.
Upon graduation, nearly one- third of Cornell students attend graduate and profes-
sional schools.
Roughly half of all
undergraduates
participate in a
faculty- guided
research experience
during their
four years.
“The number of quality
study abroad programs
seems inexhaustible.”
Upperclassmen
live in five living/
learning “houses”
with professors in
residence, house
chefs, and creative
programming.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Cornell is need- blind in admissions and meets the demonstrated need of all
accepted applicants, but the proportion of outright grants varies based on income.
Cornell caps need- based student loans at varying amounts based on family incomes
above $60,000. The Cornell Installment Plan allows for payment of a year’s or semes-
ter’s tuition in monthly interest- free installments. The university does not award
merit or athletic scholarships.
Fifty- two percent of Cornell’s undergrads live in university housing; others try
their luck off campus in Collegetown, a neighborhood abutting the southwest end of
campus that is packed with student- oriented apartment buildings, restaurants, bars,
and shops. Demand has kept the housing market tight and rents high, although
options are increasing. “Housing was one of the main reasons I chose Cornell,” says
one junior. “I was able to essentially guarantee myself a single room even freshman
year. My room was huge, and my dorm was quiet.” North Campus residence halls,
including four newer halls, are the home of all first- years and sophomores.
Upperclassmen live in the West Campus house system, in five living/learning “houses”
with professors in residence, house chefs, and creative programming. Students on both
campuses can opt to take one- credit Learning Where You Live courses taught in the
residential communities. There are dorms devoted to everything from ecology to
music, and cultural houses include the International Living Center, Latino Living
Center, Ujamaa Residential College, and Akwe:kon, a program house focusing on
American Indian culture (the only facility of its kind in the U.S.). Cornell’s food service
is reputedly among the best in the nation, with eight residential dining halls that func-
tion independently; one student enthuses, “The food is very diverse and super tasty!”
Despite the intense academic atmosphere— or maybe because of it— Cornell social
life beats most of the other Ivies hands down. Once the weekend arrives, local parties,
state parks, and ski slopes fill with Cornell students seeking to redress the balance
between study and play. With 19 percent of men
and 16 percent of women pledging fraternities and
sororities, these groups play a significant role in
the social scene. “Social life at Cornell is really
built around Greek life, especially for those under 21. Students who go Greek tend to
have busy social schedules, and those who don’t really need to find an organization
they are passionate about,” advises one student. Alcohol is part of the social scene, but
one student says the university is “cracking down” on underage and high- risk drink-
ing. Freshmen are not allowed to attend fraternity parties during the fall semester, and
alcohol is banned from recruitment and new- member events in the spring. Students
have their pick of roughly 1,000 student organizations— including clubs for Japanese
drumming and Bhangra dancing— and there are innumerable concerts and sporting
events throughout the year. Big events include Dragon Day (architecture students
build a dragon and parade it through campus) and Springfest (a gathering on Ho Plaza).
Students celebrate the last day of classes— Slope Day— with a concert on Libe Slope.
Cornell athletes have won their share of Ivy League team titles over the last
decade and make regular Division I national championship appearances. Men’s ice
hockey is unquestionably the dominant sport on campus (its chief raison d’être
being to defeat Harvard), and camping out for season tickets is an annual ritual.
Women’s ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, wrestling, and women’s sailing are nationally
competitive, and women’s lightweight rowing has brought home a number of
Intercollegiate Rowing Association titles. Cornell boasts the largest intramural pro-
gram in the Ivy League, with more than a dozen sports, including nearly 100 basket-
ball teams. The “four seasons of Ithaca” (rain, snow, slush, and drizzle) can make
walking to class across the vast and hilly campus challenging, but with the first
snow of the winter, “traying” down Libe Slope becomes the sport of choice for
hordes of fun- loving Cornellians. Students head to Greek Peak Mountain for skiing,
Upon graduation,
nearly one- third
of Cornell students
attend graduate and
professional schools.
“We are cooler than the
nerdy kids, and nerdier
than the cool kids.”
On Dragon Day,
architecture students
build a dragon
and parade it
through campus.
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196 UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Cayuga Lake for boating and swimming, and countless places for hiking and watch-
ing the clouds roll by.
Like most other Ivy League universities, Cornell is a premier research institution
with a distinguished faculty and outstanding academics. What sets it apart is its
focus on preprofessional preparation for undergraduates and a student body that
strives to combine high academic achievement with a vigorous social life. One
junior sums up the Cornell experience like this: “The people are passionate, the aca-
demics are rigorous, and the extracurricular activities are empowering.”
Overlaps
Harvard, University
of Pennsylvania,
Princeton, Stanford,
Yale, Dartmouth
If You Apply To ›
Cornell University: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to individual
programs or schools. Architecture applicants must interview. Applicants to design programs must submit portfolio. Please
consult Cornell’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Dallas
Irving, TX 75062
Bulwark of academic traditionalism in the Big D, with a Core Curriculum focused
exclusively on Western civilization. The only outpost of Roman Catholic education
between Loyola of New Orleans and University of San Diego. Generally shared
religious and social values make for a strong sense of community. A compelling
drawing card is the university’s program in Rome, embraced by most sophomores.
While many universities around the nation have reexamined their Eurocentric core
curriculums, the University of Dallas— the best Roman Catholic university south
of Washington, D.C.— remains proudly dedicated to a classic liberal arts education
that fosters the study of “the great deeds and words of Western civilization.” The
campus tenor is conservative, but students say there are plenty of lively happenings
to be found. Whether it’s discussing Dante on the campus mall or cutting loose for
the school’s quirkiest event, a massive Groundhog Day party, one student says, “We
are a seriously academic school, but the students still know how to have fun.”
UD’s 744- acre campus occupies a pastoral home in a Dallas suburb on top of
what one student calls “the closest thing this region has to a hill.” A major portion
of the campus is situated around the Braniff Mall, a landscaped and lighted gather-
ing place near the Braniff Memorial Tower, the
school’s landmark. Many campus buildings,
including the tower, were designed by the mid-
century modern architect O’Neil Ford. The pri-
mary tone of the buildings, like the surrounding
North Texas landscape, brown, and the domi-
nant style, as described by one student, is “post-
1950s, done in brick, typical Catholic— institutional.” Even so, the campus boasts a
beautiful chapel and a state- of- the- art science building.
Appropriately for a Catholic school, most eyes at UD look to Rome, where about
80 percent of undergraduates trek for the semester- long Rome Program, usually
during sophomore year. The program “provides students with the unique oppor-
tunity to study at our very own Due Santi Campus, an idyllic countryside para-
dise a mere half hour south of Rome,” enthuses a politics major. “We even have
Website: www .udallas .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,707
Undergraduates: 1,427
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 60%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 4,307
Accepted: 59%
Enrolled: 9%
Grad in 6 Years: 72%
Returning Freshmen: 77%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 628- 6999
Email Address: crusader @
udallas .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
“A typical student at
University of Dallas is
a good student who is
Catholic, conservative, and
enjoys Irish music and
beer.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a working vineyard!” The program involves intense coursework, as well as trips to
northern Italy and Greece. It is part of UD’s four- semester Western civilization Core
Curriculum, which includes philosophy, English, math, fine arts, science, American
civilization, Western civilization, politics, economics, a serious foreign language
requirement, and two theology courses (Understanding the Bible and The Western
Theological Tradition). “The rigorous Core Curriculum provides a unifying basis for
our strong community,” says an English major. All students also complete a senior
thesis or project, a comprehensive exam, and/or a senior seminar.
Students at UD, which was established in 1956 under the sponsorship of the
Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas, choose from more than 27 majors and 35 concen-
trations. Business, biology, English, politics, and psychology are some of the stron-
gest and most popular majors. The business program draws on abundant internship
opportunities in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The politics major offers a con-
centration in political philosophy. Classics is, no surprise, a traditional strength, and
a concentration in human and social sciences tackles 21st- century issues through
theory and practical research in areas like anthropology, sociology, and social psy-
chology. Premed students are well served by the biology and chemistry programs, as
UD’s medical school acceptance rate is over 80 percent. Other students take advan-
tage of 3– 2 dual- degree programs in nursing and electrical engineering, as well
as 4 + 1 bachelor’s/master’s programs in several fields. The O’Hara Chemical Science
Institute offers a hands- on, eight- week summer program to prepare new students
for independent research.
“The University of Dallas is very much like a coffeehouse,” muses one junior. “It
is laid- back, but intellectual, it is fun, and all your friends are there with you.” The
university uses no teaching assistants. “The professors are here to teach,” says a pol-
itics and Italian major, “not to do research or write their own thing, but to be with
students.” Sixty- three percent of classes enroll fewer than 20 students.
“A typical student at University of Dallas is a good student who is Catholic,
conservative, and enjoys Irish music and beer,” says a junior. Seventy- six percent of
UD students are Catholic, and many of them choose this school because of its reli-
gious affiliation. Fifty- one percent of undergrad-
uates are Texan, and 2 percent are international.
Twenty- six percent are Hispanic/Latino, 7 per-
cent are Asian American, 3 percent are Black, and
2 percent are multiracial. Most students are con-
servative and “think similarly about social issues such as gender and abortion,” says
one student, and there is not much political activism on campus. Twenty- six per-
cent of freshmen are Pell- eligible. UD offers various merit scholarships averaging
$22,700 but no athletic awards, as it is a Division III school.
Sixty- one percent of students live on campus, where tradition and religious
principle govern conduct. Students under 21 who don’t reside at home with their
parents must live on campus in single- sex dorms with strict visitation regulations.
“The freshman dorms are a little old, but there is a great feeling of community
there,” says a junior. The sole dining hall is spacious and boasts a wonderful view of
north Dallas. Still, the fast food and snacks at the Rathskeller are said to be better.
Students say the campus is “extremely safe.”
With no fraternities or sororities at UD, the Campus Activities Board sponsors
most on- campus entertainment. Free movies, dances, and visiting speakers are usu-
ally on the agenda. Church- related and religious activities provide fulfilling social
outlets for many students. During Charity Week in the fall, the junior class orga-
nizes a variety of fund- raising events. The biggest event of the year is Groundhog, a
week of events celebrating Groundhog Day and culminating in a huge party at
Groundhog Park, featuring “live bands, free food, beer for students over 21, and
(continued)
Biology
English
Politics
Psychology
Classics
Human and Social Sciences
Chemistry
UD was established
in 1956 under the
sponsorship of the
Roman Catholic
Diocese of Dallas.
“The rigorous Core
Curriculum provides a
unifying basis for our
strong community.”
The sole dining hall is
spacious and boasts
a wonderful view
of north Dallas.
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198 DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
sports games throughout the day,” explains an English major. Smaller off- campus
parties happen frequently; on campus, a student warns, “The Office of Student Life
runs a tight ship regarding alcohol.” Students describe Irving (population 255,000)
as “a suburb just like any other,” but Dallas offers almost unlimited possibilities,
including a full agenda for barhopping on Lower Greenville Avenue and food, craft
breweries, and culture in the Bishop Arts District, both about 15 minutes away. The
West End and Deep Ellum offer a taste of shopping and Dallas’s alternative music
scene. And for the more adventurous, Austin and San Antonio aren’t too far away.
The University of Dallas is unusual for a Texas school in that its population
does not salivate over football. But the Crusaders women’s soccer and men’s and
women’s basketball and golf teams are competitive in the Division III Southern
Collegiate Athletic Conference. Club and intramural sports are well organized and
sign up about a quarter of the students. The club rugby team (known as the Hoggies,
after the school’s favorite Groundhog tradition) is particularly popular.
Although some students complain that UD’s focus on Western liberal arts and
its Catholic emphasis can feel academically limiting, most say they appreciate the
sense of shared experience and strong tradition that defines their school. In the
words of one senior, “Come here to have fun, build sincere friendships, work hard,
and graduate with a deep sense of your place in the Western cultural tradition.”
Overlaps
Hillsdale College,
Texas A&M,
Franciscan
University,
Rhodes, Baylor,
Austin College,
Catholic University
of America,
Benedictine
University
If You Apply To ›
Dallas: Early action I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Dallas’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Dartmouth College
6016 McNutt Hall, Hanover, NH 03755
The smallest Ivy and the one with the strongest emphasis on undergraduates.
Traditionally the most conservative member of the Ivy League, it has steered toward
more student diversity and more serious scholars, and made inroads reining in a long-
standing party culture. As of summer 2023, it welcomed its first woman president— a
leading cognitive scientist who emphasizes student health and wellness. Ivy ties
notwithstanding, Dartmouth has much of the feel of places like Colgate, Middlebury,
and Williams. Great for those who like the outdoors.
Unlike the other seven members of the Ivy League, which trace their roots to Puritan
New Englanders or progressive Quaker colonists, Dartmouth College was founded in
1769 to educate Native Americans. The student body has always been the smallest
in the Ancient Eight, and the school’s focus on undergraduate education differenti-
ates Dartmouth from its peers, though it does offer graduate programs in a range of
academic subjects and professional areas. The college attracts plenty of hiking and
skiing enthusiasts, and the Dartmouth Outing Club, the oldest in the country, is the
most popular extracurricular organization. In recent years, Dartmouth has increas-
ingly emphasized the importance of developing a global presence in its traditionally
warm and inclusive community. According to one freshman, “We strongly value
traditions, we like to have fun in our woodsy New Hampshire home, and at the same
time, everyone is incredibly academically involved.”
Dartmouth’s picturesque campus is the most rural of the Ivies, and its winters
Website: www .dartmouth .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 6,602
Undergraduates: 4,411
Male/Female: 51/48
Financial Aid: 51%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 33%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 28,336
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
may be the coldest (with the possible exception of those at Cornell). Set in the
small town of Hanover, New Hampshire, which is bisected by the Appalachian
Trail, the campus is arranged around a traditional New England green, bounded
by the impressive library at one end and by the college- owned Hanover Inn at the
other. Architectural styles range from Romanesque to postmodern, but the dom-
inant theme is copper- topped colonial frame. The nearest big city, Boston, is two
hours away, but major artists like Yo- Yo Ma routinely visit Dartmouth’s Hopkins
Center for the Arts, adding to the growing arts culture on campus. The $200 million
Engineering and Computer Science Center opened in 2022.
Dartmouth’s status as a member of the Ivy League means academic excellence is
a given. First- years must take a writing- intensive seminar that involves both inde-
pendent research and small- group discussion; about 75 are offered each year across
different departments. Students must also dem-
onstrate proficiency in at least one foreign lan-
guage and take three world culture courses (one
non- Western, one Western, and one Culture and
Identity), and 10 courses from several distribu-
tion areas spanning the liberal arts and sciences. In addition, Dartmouth has a senior
culminating activity— a thesis, public report, exhibition, seminar, production, or
demonstration— that allows students to pull together work done in their major with
a creative and intellectual twist of their own. Before arriving on campus for their first
year, incoming students can opt to go on five- day preorientation trips with the
Outing Club, getting to know their classmates while exploring the great outdoors.
Though Dartmouth students work hard, a history major remarks, “I think that
students are pleasantly surprised by our noncompetitive academic climate.” Popular
majors include economics, government, biology, computer science, English, and
history. Programs in engineering and the languages are also well regarded. Computer
science offerings are among the best in the nation, thanks in no small part to the
late John Kemeny, the former Dartmouth president who coinvented time- sharing
and the BASIC language. The school offers a range of opportunities around envi-
ronmental sustainability, including the Dartmouth Organic Farm, just three miles
from campus, as well as the Institute of Arctic Studies, which offers courses in polar
science diplomacy, Arctic Indigenous Knowledge systems, and more.
Professors get high marks at Dartmouth, perhaps because of the school’s focus on
undergraduates. The rural location also helps; faculty make a conscious choice to
teach here, leaving behind some of the distractions afflicting their peers at more
urban schools. “If you come to Dartmouth for only one thing, it would be the fac-
ulty,” says an economics major. “The professors are truly the best out there for under-
graduates.” Sixty- one percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students,
and 48 percent of undergrads take advantage of abundant research opportunities.
The Presidential Scholars Program provides one- on- one paid research assistantships
with faculty. The Rockefeller Center’s Policy
Research Shop helps undergraduate public policy
students write policy briefs for state legislators
and government agencies in New Hampshire and
Vermont. Female students interested in STEM fields can participate in the Women in
Science Project, which offers mentors, speakers, and even research positions for
first- years.
The school’s most notable eccentricity is the Dartmouth Plan, or “D-Plan”—
four 10- week terms a year, including one during the summer. Students must be on
campus for three terms during the freshman and senior years, and also during the
summer after the sophomore year, but otherwise, as long as they’re on track to grad-
uate, they can take off whenever they wish. About half of Dartmouth undergrads
(continued)
Accepted: 6%
Enrolled: 62%
Grad in 6 Years: 95%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (603) 646- 2875
Email Address: admissions
.reply @ dartmouth .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Biological Sciences
Environmental Studies
Foreign Languages
Computer Science
Economics
Government
English
“Students are pleasantly
surprised by our
noncompetitive academic
climate.”
First- years must take
a writing- intensive
seminar that involves
both independent
research and small-
group discussion.
“The professors are truly
the best out there for
undergraduates.”
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200 DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
take advantage of their “leave term” to study abroad, usually signing up for one of
the college’s more than 30 faculty- led programs, selecting from options ranging
from theater in London to environmental studies in South Africa to biology in
Costa Rica.
Ninety- seven percent of undergraduates hail from outside of New Hampshire,
including 13 percent from other countries. Dartmouth went co- ed in 1972, and it
subsequently became the first major university to award more bachelor’s degrees
in engineering to women than to men. Black
students represent 6 percent of the student pop-
ulation, Asian Americans 14 percent, Hispanics/
Latinos 10 percent, and multiracial students
7 percent. Consistent with its historical roots, Dartmouth continues to have a strong
interest in recruiting and supporting Native American students, who currently rep-
resent 1 percent of the undergraduate student body. Students here have a “true, true
love for this school and a passion for learning not simply for the grade but for the
experience,” says a senior. Students retain that passion after graduation, as
Dartmouth has the most elaborate network of alumni organizations of any college
in the country. Politically, an economics major says, “Most students are either lib-
eral or quietly conservative.” Admissions are need- blind, even for students admitted
from the waitlist, and the school meets the full demonstrated need of all admits.
Dartmouth has eliminated student loans from all financial aid packages, and the
college covers the cost of tuition for students from families with incomes below
$125,000 a year, the highest of any college in the country. No merit or athletic
scholarships are awarded; the Ivy League prohibits the latter.
Eighty- five percent of Dartmouth students live on campus in one of more
than 30 dorms, which, in an effort to create a greater sense of community among
undergraduates, have been organized into six House Communities, each led by a
House Professor. “From suites to singles to apartment- style housing, it’s easy to
find housing on campus that will suit you,” says an engineering physics major.
Beginning in their freshman year, students can apply to live in one of nine living/
learning communities, from the Sustainable Living Center to Global Village to
various identity- based communities. Housing is guaranteed for freshmen and
sophomores. Because of the D-Plan, people are
always coming and going, so it may be easier to
find a new room or roommate than at schools
on the semester system. Seniors may move off
campus, where there are plenty of readily available options. Dining facilities stay
open until 1:30 a.m. for those needing sustenance during late- night study ses-
sions. Students say their rural campus generally feels safe but report that sexual
assault has been a hot- button issue. The incoming president has put a renewed
emphasis on health and wellness, however, saying, “Dartmouth is a place that
can be a leader in ensuring that our students come out not just with great aca-
demic training, but with the tools to be well and take care of their own wellbeing
in the many years to come.”
“Social life primarily occurs on campus,” says a senior. “There is college pro-
gramming every Friday and Saturday night, including everything from roller-
skating to pottery nights and comedy shows.” Dartmouth’s Greek system attracts
35 percent of the men and 36 percent of the women, who rush during the fall of
their sophomore year. Although still the center of the school’s party scene, frater-
nity parties are inclusive: “What’s really unique about our Greek system is that it’s
open to the entire campus— if you have a Dartmouth ID card, you cannot be denied
entry,” explains a student. Dartmouth was one of the first schools to develop a
counseling and educational program to combat alcohol abuse. More recently, the
“Most students are
either liberal or quietly
conservative.”
“I was sold on Dartmouth
because it is steeped in
tradition.”
Winter Carnival
involves ski racing at
the college’s skiway
located 20 minutes
away, as well as snow-
sculpture contests.
About half of
Dartmouth undergrads
take advantage of
their “leave term”
to study abroad.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Moving Dartmouth Forward plan has focused on bolstering behavioral standards
and offering more options for social life. As part of its continuing efforts to reduce
binge drinking and other alcohol- soaked misbehavior, the college has banned hard
liquor on campus. “While it can be annoying at times, I really do think the ban has
been effective,” reasons a senior. Parties and kegs must be registered, and the houses
where they’re being held are subject to walk- throughs by college safety and security
personnel. Good road trips, although relatively infrequent, include Montreal or
Boston, for a dose of bright lights and the big city, or the White Mountains for
camping. Dartmouth has a 27,000- acre land grant in the northeast corner of New
Hampshire where cabins may be rented for five dollars a night.
“I was sold on Dartmouth because it is steeped in tradition,” says one senior.
Major traditions include homecoming, which boasts a 75- foot- tall bonfire, and
Winter Carnival, which involves ski racing at the college’s skiway located 20 min-
utes away, as well as snow- sculpture contests, a polar plunge, and partiers from all
over the Eastern seaboard. Spring brings Green Key weekend, an annual event fea-
turing live music and parties. Community service is popular, and the Center for
Social Impact sponsors immersion trips to places like New Orleans, Puerto Rico, and
the Dominican Republic.
Dartmouth offers 35 Division I varsity sports. Big Green football and women’s
basketball teams have each won the most championships in Ivy League history. The
women’s rugby team has captured three national titles in recent years. The school
also offers 33 club sports, including nationally competitive teams in sailing, skiing,
figure skating, and ultimate Frisbee, and intramural sports. Dartmouth no longer
has a physical education requirement for graduation and has replaced it with a well-
ness education requirement offering students flexibility in learning to support their
physical and emotional health.
Dartmouth attracts outdoorsy, inquisitive, down- to- earth students who develop
extremely strong ties to the school— and each other— during four years together in
this quintessential rural New England setting. Many return to Hanover when they
retire, further cementing their bonds with the college and driving local real estate
prices beyond the reach of most faculty members. You’ll have to be made of hardy
stock to survive the harsh New Hampshire winters. But once you defrost, you’ll be
rewarded with lifelong friends and a solid grounding in the liberal arts, sciences, and
technology.
Dartmouth College
was founded in
1769 to educate
Native Americans.
Overlaps
Colgate,
Middlebury,
Williams, Harvard,
Princeton, Yale,
Brown, University
of Pennsylvania
If You Apply To ›
Dartmouth: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Submission of a peer
recommendation is strongly recommended. Application includes an optional question on gender identity. Please consult
Dartmouth’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Davidson College
P.O. Box 7156, Davidson, NC 28035
Traditionally styled as the “Dartmouth of the South.” Goes head- to- head with
Washington and Lee (VA) as the top liberal arts college below the Mason– Dixon
Line, and Division I sports are an advantage. An early leader in the trend to replace
loans with grants, it boasts a strong honor system that sets the campus tone. Small-
town location is close to Charlotte and prime vacation spots.
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202 DAVIDSON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Davidson College combines the Southern tradition and gentility of neighbors like
Rhodes and Sewanee with the academic prowess more common to Northern liberal
arts powerhouses such as Dartmouth and Williams. It turns out more than its share
of the region’s political, education, legal, and
other leaders. Often overlooked because of its
small size and Carolina location, Davidson offers
students strong interdisciplinary, international,
and preprofessional programs, as well as a thriving social scene. As a senior econom-
ics major boasts, “Davidson is the liberal arts school of the South.”
Located in a beautiful stretch of the North Carolina Piedmont, Davidson’s
wooded campus features Georgian and Greek Revival architecture. The central
campus is designated as a national arboretum, and college staff lovingly maintain a
collection of the woody plants that thrive in the area. Davidson retains its original
quadrangle, which dates from its founding in 1837, plus literary society halls built
in the 1850s.
In addition to classes in a range of liberal arts areas, core requirements at Davidson
include coursework in a foreign language; cultural diversity; justice, equality, and
community; first- year writing; and physical education. The most popular majors are
economics, political science, biology, psychology, and English. Those whose aca-
demic interests lie outside the mainstream can work closely with select faculty mem-
bers to pursue one of several majors established by the Center for Interdisciplinary
Studies, such as Arab studies, bioinformatics, or global literary theory, or to design a
major of their own. The interdisciplinary health and human values minor explores
the role ethical values play in defining problems as “medical” and worthy of scien-
tific study. A 3– 2 engineering program is available with Columbia University and
Washington University in St. Louis.
Davidson’s academic climate is “challenging and rigorous, but you’re surrounded
by a community of support,” says a political science major. Sixty- two percent of
classes have fewer than 20 students. Davidson’s Honor Code allows students to take
exams independently and to feel comfortable leaving doors unlocked. “The Honor
Code is a cornerstone not just for academics, but for all aspects of life at Davidson,”
says a student. Every entering freshman agrees to abide by the code, and all work
submitted to professors is signed with the word “pledged.” Professors are highly
lauded for being friendly and accessible, and with no graduate students around,
opportunities to work with faculty members on research projects are plentiful.
The Sustainability Scholars Summer Program provides students with real- world
projects that emphasize sustainability issues; students can be found in locations
ranging from skyscrapers to community gardens. Students looking to sharpen their
business or technical skills may take advantage of hands- on learning opportuni-
ties provided by the Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Study abroad
programs, including 8 faculty- led and more than 125 partner programs, are avail-
able in countries from France, Germany, and England to Cyprus and Zambia. About
80 percent of students graduate with some international experience, whether it’s
coursework, service learning, research, or an internship.
“Davidson students are people who learn because they love to learn, not to per-
form intellectual ability but because of a genuine interest,” comments an English
major. While the school embraces its Presbyterian heritage, an Africana studies
major says there is “a good amount of religious diversity” on campus. Twenty per-
cent of Davidson students come from North Carolina and 11 percent from abroad.
Black students represent 6 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent,
Asian Americans 5 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. “Politically, there’s a
left lean, but it’s not significant compared to other liberal arts schools,” observes a
senior. The college practices need- blind admissions and, thanks to its highly touted
“Davidson students are
people who learn because
they love to learn.”
Website: www .davidson .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,922
Undergraduates: 1,922
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 56%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 22%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 6,479
Accepted: 17%
Enrolled: 49%
Grad in 6 Years: 92%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 768- 0380
Email Address: admission @
davidson .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Political Science
Biology
Psychology
English
Interdisciplinary Studies
Health and Human Values
Environmental Studies
Davidson’s Honor
Code allows students
to take exams
independently and
to feel comfortable
leaving doors
unlocked.
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DAVIDSON COLLEGE 203
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Davidson Trust, guarantees to meet 100 percent of admitted students’ demonstrated
need through grants and student employment— eliminating loans from all need-
based financial aid packages. Additionally, a limited number of merit scholarships
and 175 athletic scholarships are available.
Ninety- three percent of Davidson’s students live on campus in co- ed or single-
sex dorms. Freshmen are housed together and eat in Vail Commons, where the food
is “average” but “accommodating to any dietary restrictions or needs, including
religious needs,” says a political science major.
Seniors get apartment- style housing with private
bedrooms. Many upperclassmen take meals at
one of the fraternity or eating houses, which
have their own cooks and serve meals family style. A limited number of upperclass-
men receive permission to live off campus. Regarding campus safety and sexual
assault, a senior reports, “I’ve seen more spaces emerge for conversation and support
of sexual assault victims/survivors.”
The Alvarez College Union provides a main gathering place, and students have
around 200 clubs and organizations at their disposal, but Davidson’s eight frater-
nities, three sororities, and four all- female eating houses are the real center of
social life on campus. These nonresidential groups, which are housed in Patterson
Court, charge dues that cover meals, parties, and other campuswide events.
Fraternities claim 28 percent of the men, and sororities attract 50 percent of the
women. The eating houses, each of which supports a different philanthropic cause,
such as cancer and autism research, are not much different from Greek life.
Freshmen women simply sign up for the eating house they want to join on Self-
Selection Night, with no “rushing” allowed. And even if you don’t join up, don’t
despair: “Greek life isn’t elitist or exclusive. You can go to their open events and
you’ll be encouraged to as well,” explains a senior. The party scene is said to be
low- pressure, and one student points out that “[alcohol] policies are tied
into the Honor Code, so they are enforced.” Davidson’s first- year orientation
includes the Cake Race, a tradition since 1930 that provides each runner with a
cake they select based on the order in which they finish a (voluntary) 1.7- mile
race. Another favorite tradition is Spring Frolics, a weekend of games, concerts,
and plenty of free food.
The cozy town of Davidson (population 15,000) and the equally quaint neigh-
boring town of Cornelius are common destinations for a relaxed night out, with
coffee shops, cafés, beer gardens, miniature golf, and movie theaters. “For a college
town, the town of Davidson shuts down pretty
early,” notes a junior. The college’s 110- acre Lake
Norman campus is ideal for sailing, swimming,
and rowing. When those diversions grow old,
North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte, is just 20 miles away, offering nightlife and
other attractions. A car definitely helps here, as beaches and skiing are a few hours
away, in different directions. Public transit is an option, too, as is the college’s shut-
tle service.
Davidson fields 21 varsity teams (the Wildcats), 19 of which compete in the
Division I Atlantic 10 Conference. The nonscholarship football team plays in
the Division I Pioneer Football League, and the wrestling team competes in the
Southern Conference. About a quarter of students are varsity athletes. Basketball
(one of whose alumni is Stephen Curry), football, and men’s golf are the most com-
petitive programs. Intramural and club sports are varied and popular.
Despite its North Carolina location, Davidson has the look and feel of a New
England liberal arts college and continues to attract top students to its charming
neck of the woods. From study abroad and independent research to a reception with
“[Alcohol] policies are tied
into the Honor Code, so
they are enforced.”
Many upperclassmen
take meals at one
of the fraternity
or eating houses,
which have their
own cooks and serve
meals family style.
“For a college town, the
town of Davidson shuts
down pretty early.”
Overlaps
Washington and
Lee, Williams,
Amherst,
Swarthmore,
Bowdoin,
Middlebury,
Rhodes, Duke, UNC
Chapel Hill
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204 UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the college president for graduating seniors, students here combine Southern tradi-
tion with forward thinking to make great memories, friends, and intellectual strides.
If You Apply To ›
Davidson: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH 45469
Part of a cohort of Roman Catholic institutions in the Midwest that includes DePaul,
Duquesne, Loyola of Chicago, Saint Louis University, and Xavier (OH). Drawing
cards include engineering, entrepreneurship, education, and health sciences, as
well as a pioneering program in human rights. Medium- size school with larger feel.
The city of Dayton, home to the Wright Brothers, is enjoying a resurgence. UD’s
appeal is largely regional.
Anyone who thinks today’s college students subscribe to postmodern cynicism
should take a peek at Dayton, where optimism and Roman Catholic charity are thriv-
ing. Although its name suggests that it is a public university, Dayton was founded
in 1850 by the Society of Mary (Marianists) and continues to emphasize that order’s
devotion to service. “If you used one word to describe UD students, it would be
‘friendly,’” explains a senior. “We smile and say hi to people we don’t know and
hold the doors open for each other.” There’s good reason for the cheery disposition:
Dayton continues to innovate new academic programs and has increased student
funding for hands- on experiences like research and study abroad.
Located two miles from downtown Dayton, the 423- acre parklike campus with
a riverfront vista is bordered by a quiet suburban neighborhood. The more historic
buildings make up the central core of the campus and blend architectural charm
with modern technological conveniences. The
historic UD Arena has hosted more Division I
basketball tournament games than any other
venue. The $51 million EPISCenter boasts labs
where UD researchers and students work side by
side with GE Aerospace scientists and engineers to create advanced electrical power
technologies. “New initiatives are being put in place all the time to do our part in
regards to sustainability,” says a junior, including a large food- composting program.
A 95,000- square- foot innovation hub offers learning labs, classrooms, and opportu-
nities for students to interact with local entrepreneurs. Hathcock Hall, home to the
computer science department, has been fully renovated with new classrooms, labo-
ratories, and office spaces.
The undergraduate curriculum, the Common Academic Program, is designed
to equip students with the skills and experience to participate in a complex global
society. The first- year experience course helps incoming students prepare for their
academic careers and explore various majors, and all students complete a cap-
stone experience and public presentation their senior year. UD students take full
advantage of the strong offerings found in engineering (especially mechanical),
entrepreneurship, biology, nursing, and early childhood education; marketing,
Website: www .udayton .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 10,589
Undergraduates: 8,090
Male/Female: 52/48
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 60%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 18,566
Accepted: 74%
Enrolled: 11%
Grad in 6 Years: 80%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (937) 229- 4411
Email Address: admission @
udayton .edu
Strong Programs:
Mechanical Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Biology
Nursing
Human Rights Studies
Marketing
Communication
Finance
“The classes are
challenging but allow me
to be comfortable being
uncomfortable.”
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UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON 205
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
communication, and finance are among the most popular majors. Consistent with
its religious mission, Dayton offers a major in human rights studies, the first of its
kind, and a Human Rights Center. Recently, the school has added a business ana-
lytics major and several new minors in such fields as Latinex and Latin American
studies and robotic systems. The school has also developed the first undergraduate
certificate in Applied Creativity for Transformation, focusing on creative compe-
tencies like complex problem- solving and collaboration with others. The entre-
preneurship program dispenses $5,000 loans to participating sophomores to start
their own businesses, with any profits going to charity; local entrepreneurs act
as mentors. Through the Davis Center for Portfolio Management, finance stu-
dents manage one of the largest student- run investment funds in the country,
worth more than $65 million. Motivated students can earn two degrees at an
accelerated pace through the Bachelor’s Plus Master’s program, choosing from two
dozen available degrees.
A marketing major says, “The classes are challenging but allow me to be com-
fortable being uncomfortable.” Thirty- nine per-
cent of classes have fewer than 20 students.
Students speak highly of professors’ enthusiasm
about their courses and the quality of their teach-
ing. Career services get good ratings for making
sure students are well networked and for continuing to offer assistance to alumni at
any stage of their careers. “The experiential learning opportunities are second to
none at UD,” raves a senior.
Qualified freshmen and transfer students may join the University Honors
Program, which features special activities and opportunities for fellowships and
research. The University of Dayton Research Institute also offers students a chance
to gain hands- on experience. Study abroad options include academic and internship
programs in such locations as Ireland, Spain, Ghana, and Ecuador; 47 percent of stu-
dents study internationally. “Campus ministry provides opportunities for retreats,
service- learning trips, cultural immersion, and outreach,” adds a senior.
Fifty- three percent of Dayton’s undergraduates are from Ohio, while 3 percent
come from abroad. A senior comments, “Our student body may not be the most
diverse, however it has become more and more diverse each year, which is something
to celebrate.” Currently, 5 percent of students are Black, 7 percent are Hispanic/Latino,
2 percent are Asian American, and 3 percent are multiracial. Fifty- two percent of the
students are Catholic. Overt political activism is not common on campus and several
students call the political climate “neutral.” Dayton doles out about 100 athletic
scholarships each year, and merit- based academic awards average $24,800 per year.
High school applicants who visit campus and file the FAFSA are eligible for a textbook
scholarship of up to $4,000 ($500 per semester) if they choose to enroll.
Seventy- three percent of undergraduates live in university housing; those who
live off campus generally live adjacent to it. First- years live in traditional residence
halls, and about 16 percent of them opt to join living/learning communities with
their classmates. Sophomores select suites or
apartments, while upperclassmen take up quar-
ters in the 400 university- owned houses, apart-
ments, and townhouses that comprise the
much- loved student neighborhood. The PATH points system determines the order in
which returning students select housing; students accumulate points by attending
eligible enrichment events like lectures, film screenings, and performances. A sopho-
more warns, “If you don’t have a lot of PATH points, you’re screwed.” Dining facili-
ties offer full- service, casual restaurant- style menu selections that earn high marks,
along with a variety of cafés, delis, and convenience stores spread throughout
“[UD] has become more
and more diverse each
year, which is something to
celebrate.”
The entrepreneurship
program dispenses
$5,000 loans to
participating
sophomores to start
their own businesses.
“Community is said a lot at
UD, and it’s not a clich
é
or
buzzword here.”
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206 DEEP SPRINGS COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the campus. Students report that campus safety is adequate, and the Green Dot
bystander intervention program has improved awareness of the issue of campus
sexual assault. A new well- being platform, YOU@ Dayton, helps students navigate
campus resources for academic, physical, and mental health.
“The UD nightlife is fun between sporting events, activities like bowling and
pool, formals and other events across campus,” says a senior. The student neighbor-
hood serves as a sort of continuous social center. St. Patrick’s Day has traditionally
been a major celebration, although students warn that administrators and police
have been cracking down on parties. Greek organizations draw 12 percent of UD
men and 27 percent of the women, “but it does not set the tone” for the school’s
social life, says an international studies major. More than 30 student groups are
devoted entirely to service, and Christmas on Campus, when UD students host
about 1,000 local elementary students for a night of crafts, games, and a visit with
Santa, is one of the most student- involved activities.
The university is part of Dayton’s bike share program, and a free city bus ser-
vice links the campus with downtown Dayton. Just a short ride away are attrac-
tions like the Dayton Dragons minor- league baseball team, the Dayton Art Institute,
the U.S. Air Force’s museums, and a symphony in the Schuster Performing Arts
Center. Weekend excursions take aim at cities ranging from Louisville to Chicago
to Indianapolis, as well as the restaurants, shops, and sports arenas of Cincinnati.
The Dayton Flyers field 17 Division I men’s and women’s teams, and sports
play a big role in campus life. Football competes in the Pioneer League, women’s
golf plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and all other teams are in the
Atlantic 10 Conference. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have reached
the Elite 8 in recent years, and the Red Scare student cheering section loves to intim-
idate opponents. About half of the students participate in 25 club sports and the
many intramural offerings.
As a midsized university where the undergraduates come first, Dayton has
managed to maintain an exciting balance of personal attention, academic chal-
lenge, and all- American fun. The success of Dayton’s attempts to provide its stu-
dents with a high quality of life and a sense of cohesiveness is reflected in the
strong social scene and family- like atmosphere among both students and faculty.
“Community is said a lot at UD, and it’s not a cliché or buzzword here,” says a
senior. “It is lived out daily.”
More than 30 student
groups are devoted
entirely to service.
Overlaps
Marquette, Ohio
University, Saint
Louis University,
Ohio State, Xavier
(OH), University of
Cincinnati, Miami
(OH), Indiana
University
If You Apply To ›
Dayton: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Deep Springs College
Deep Springs Ranch Road, Highway 168, Big Pine, CA 93513
Picture 27 Ivy League– caliber individuals living and learning on a working ranch
in a remote desert outpost— that’s Deep Springs. DS is the most elite two- year
institution in the nation, and also the most unusual— and not just because of its
free tuition. Occupies a handful of ranch- style buildings set on 50,000 acres on the
arid border of Nevada and California. Students transfer to highly selective colleges
after two years. After a century as an all- male school, Deep Springs has been co-
ed since 2015.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
If the thought of spending countless hours under the fluorescent lights of the
classroom makes you grimace, you may consider getting your hands dirty at Deep
Springs College. This two- year— and now co- ed— institution doubles as a working
ranch. Students enjoy a demanding and individualized education supplemented by
the challenges and lessons of ranch life. Both, it seems, demand the same things:
hard work, commitment, and pride in a job well done. Deep Springs students are
also rewarded for their efforts in other ways: tuition is free, as is room and board.
Most Deep Springers have wide- ranging interests and have shunned acceptance at
Ivy League schools to embrace the rigors of a truly unique approach to learning.
California’s White Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the Deep Springs
campus, set on a barren plain in Deep Springs Valley 5,200 feet above sea level, near
the only water supply for miles around and 28 miles from the nearest town, a thriv-
ing metropolis known as Big Pine, population
1,875. The campus is an oasis- like cluster of trees
and a lawn with eight ranch- style buildings that
were built from scratch by the school’s first class
of students in 1917. The focal point is the Main
Building, a venerable ranch- style structure with
wide eaves that houses classrooms, offices, and the library. Faculty houses and the
dining hall are grouped around the circular lawn a few yards away from the sole
dorm, and the trappings of farm life surround the tiny settlement. The college has
170 acres under cultivation, mostly with alfalfa, and an assortment of barnyard ani-
mals. A solar array produces twice as much energy as the college requires— except
during peak summer times when the alfalfa needs irrigating.
Founded in 1917 by industrialist L. L. Nunn, who made a fortune in the electric-
power industry, Deep Springs today remains true to the three pillars of its char-
ter: practical work, rigorous academics, and genuine self- government. In addition
to coursework, students are required to perform 20 to 25 hours per week of labor,
which can include everything from harvesting alfalfa to branding and herding cattle
to cooking dinner. Applicants must be committed to the ideals of self- government,
reflectiveness, frugality, and community activity. Those who are admitted can truly
boast of being handpicked to attend: of the roughly 200 to 350 applications received
each year, only a handful of students are accepted. The two- round admissions pro-
cess is intense, spanning months and involving several essays, letters of recommen-
dation, and an on- campus admissions interview. Admits typically have near- perfect
academic records. More importantly, administrators say, applicants must be able to
demonstrate a serious interest in “pursuing a life of service to humanity.” Consistent
with its new co- ed status, the college added two private bathrooms in the dorm, as
well as an outhouse in one of the vegetable fields.
Student input carries a lot of weight at Deep Springs. Four student- body com-
mittees are an essential part of the school’s self- governance pillar, and these groups
play a determining role in admissions and curricular decisions, help choose the
college’s faculty, and even elect two of their own to be full- voting members on the
board of trustees. A Spartan community code bans all drugs, including alcohol, and
forbids students from leaving Deep Springs Valley while classes are in session,
except for medical visits and college business. There are no phones and no Internet
in the dorm, although there is limited Wi- Fi in the other buildings on campus.
Significantly, these rules are all decided on and enforced by the student body, not
the administration.
Like almost everything else about it, Deep Springs has an unorthodox academic
schedule: two summer terms of seven weeks each, and a fall and spring semester of
14 weeks each. Between 7 and 10 classes are offered every term. New students arrive
in July to complete an intensive summer seminar that focuses on issues of ethics
Website: www .deepsprings .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 27
Undergraduates: 27
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 225
Accepted: 6%
Enrolled: 86%
Grad in 6 Years: 100%
Returning Freshmen: 100%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
%
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (760) 872- 2000
Email Address: apcom @
deepsprings .edu
Strong Programs:
Humanities
Literature
Philosophy
“Faculty are generally
accessible— as long as
their porch lights are on,
students can stop by to
talk.”
In addition to
coursework, students
are required to
perform 20 to
25 hours per week
of labor, which can
include everything
from harvesting
alfalfa to branding
and herding cattle
to cooking dinner.
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208 DEEP SPRINGS COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and governance and prepares students to read and write effectively for the fall.
Currently, the only required courses are public speaking and composition. The stu-
dents control the academic program and quickly replace courses— and faculty— that
do not work out. The humanities, especially literature and philosophy, tend to set
the academic tone.
The faculty consists of three “permanent” professors— the humanities chair, the
social sciences chair, and the natural sciences chair— who sign on for two years but
can stay for up to six. Other courses are taught by the dean, the president, and visit-
ing professors. With class sizes ranging from two
to 14, there is ample opportunity for close
student/faculty interaction. Close living arrange-
ments have fostered a kind of kinship between
faculty and students. “Faculty are generally
accessible most hours of the day or night— as long as their porch lights are on, stu-
dents can stop by to talk about papers, books they are reading outside of class, or life
advice,” says a student.
“Students at Deep Springs are hardworking, intellectually motivated, and eager
to grow,” says a sophomore. With only 26 to 30 students enrolled at one time,
demographics can vary from year to year. Since everyone’s tuition, room, and board
is covered by a scholarship, students pay only for indirect costs (books, travel, health
insurance, and personal items); the average cost of one year at Deep Springs is about
$3,500. While most students come from upper- middle- class urban families, an
increasing number qualify for additional, need- based financial aid to help cover
these indirect costs. Almost all students transfer to prestigious universities after their
two- year program, and 70 percent eventually earn a Ph.D. or law degree.
Rooms in the dorm are said to be spacious and comfortable, and a student
explains, “The dorm includes a lovely common room with a library and a fireplace
(the ‘rumpus room’), as well as a gym, meditation room, multiple porches, and a
backyard (with a treehouse!).” Room selection
and dorm maintenance is entirely the responsi-
bility of the students, who also pitch in with pre-
paring the meals, from butchering the meat to
milking the cows to washing the dishes. “Vegetarians are usually provided for, but
we are a cattle ranch,” notes one student. A committee of trained students, faculty,
and staff runs workshops to educate the student body on preventing sexual assault
and creating a safe, healthy climate on campus. For those seeking mental health
services, Deep Springs provides access to two off- site counselors who conduct ses-
sions with students remotely. As for security, “Unless a tractor runs over you, you’re
fine,” says a freshman. But a classmate warns, “Sometimes the bulls get loose.”
Social life can be a challenge, and loneliness can be an issue. Still, one student
says, “Movies, board games, dance parties, and hangouts are the regular staples of
student life and are integral in keeping the community close.” Perhaps the most
popular social activity on campus is conversation over a cup of coffee in the Boarding
House (Deep Springs’s dining hall), where the chatter continues until the wee hours
of the morning. Other common activities include pick- up soccer games, hikes in the
nearby mountains, horseback riding, and competitive gopher- trapping in the winter
months. Every Thanksgiving, students host their families and friends for an on-
campus feast and football game. End- of- term dinners, summer garden parties, and
Sludgefest (an annual event involving cleaning out the reservoir) are time- honored
Deep Springs traditions.
Critics of Deep Springs charge that DS cultivates arrogance and social backward-
ness among students who were too intellectual to be in the social mainstream during
high school. While that charge is debatable, even supporters of Deep Springs confess
“Students at Deep
Springs are hardworking,
intellectually motivated,
and eager to grow.”
Common activities
include pick- up soccer
games, hikes in the
nearby mountains,
and competitive
gopher- trapping in
the winter months.
“Vegetarians are usually
provided for, but we are a
cattle ranch.”
Four student- body
committees play a
determining role
in admissions and
curricular decisions.
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UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE 209
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
to a love- hate relationship with the college. Although the interpretations may vary,
one common thread winds through the DS mission from application to graduation:
training for a life of service to humanity.
Perhaps more than any other school in the nation, Deep Springs is a community
where students and faculty interact day- to- day on an intensely personal level and
where the actions of each person affect everyone. Though the financial commit-
ment is small, the personal commitment to this community is serious. “The level of
responsibility and independence that students are required to have, and the owner-
ship that they have over this educational project, is mind- blowing,” remarks a soph-
omore. Urban cowboys and cowgirls who dream of riding into the sunset are in for
a rude awakening. But for a select few, the camaraderie and soul- searching fostered
in this tight- knit community can be life changing.
Overlaps
Columbia, Yale,
St. John’s College,
Cornell University,
Harvard, UC
Berkeley, Reed,
Bard
If You Apply To ›
Deep Springs: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Does not accept the Common Application. Accepts applications
from students of all genders and gender identities.
University of Delaware
116 Hullihen Hall, Newark, DE 19716
Plenty of students dream of someday becoming Nittany Lions or Cavaliers— even
Terrapins— but fewer aspire to be Blue Hens. The challenge for UD is how to win its
share of students without the name recognition that comes from big- time sports.
The state of Delaware is tiny, and only about a third of the students are in- staters. A
manageable- sized public flagship where you won’t be just a number.
The University of Delaware is a public gem that boasts solid academic programs,
from engineering to nursing. Though lacking the national reputation of a big- time
sports program, UD has been gradually attracting more and more out- of- state stu-
dents who are looking for strong academics and hands- on experiences. “UD is a big
school with a small- school feel,” explains a freshman. “There are limitless opportu-
nities here, but it does not feel overwhelming. You see familiar faces everywhere,
and the experience is very personalized.”
Founded in 1743 as a private college that turned out three signers of the
Declaration of Independence, Delaware became a public land grant university in
1869. Its 970- acre Newark campus has an attractive mix of colonial and modern
geometric buildings, set among flowering and
native plantings. The hub of the campus is a
grassy green mall, flanked by classic Georgian
buildings. The Mechanical Hall art gallery is
home to the Paul R. Jones collection of African
American Art. Hotel and restaurant management students benefit from classes in
a fine dining restaurant and a Courtyard by Marriott right on campus, which dou-
bles as a learning and research facility. The renovated Wellbeing Center at Warner
Hall consolidates UD’s counseling, health, and wellness services. Nearby, the
Science, Technology & Advanced Research (STAR) Campus is a center for those
learning about and working in health science, biopharmaceuticals, clean energy,
and more.
Website: www .udel .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 21,090
Undergraduates: 17,462
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 49%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 60%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 35,228
Accepted: 72%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 82%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (302) 831- 8123
Email Address: admissions @
udel .edu
“There are limitless
opportunities here,
but it does not feel
overwhelming.”
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210 UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
As UD has grown in popularity, academic standards have become more rigorous.
To graduate, students must pass freshman English (critical reading and writing) and
earn at least three credits of discovery- based or experiential learning, such as an intern-
ship, research, or study abroad. All incoming freshmen begin with a First- Year Seminar
course, usually limited to 30 students, that emphasizes class discussion, and a capstone
experience is required during the senior year; other requirements vary by college.
Delaware’s academic menu includes more than 150 undergraduate majors, rang-
ing from the liberal arts and sciences to more professional programs like fashion
merchandising and human relations administration. Finance, marketing, psychol-
ogy, nursing, and biological sciences are the most popular majors. Engineering,
especially chemical engineering, is one of UD’s specialties, and the school benefits
from the close proximity of DuPont, the chemical giant that has been a major bene-
factor of the university. Horn Entrepreneurship is open to students in any major,
while the Venture Development Center and the Delaware Innovation Fellows help
students create businesses, nonprofits, and career paths. The music department is
another attraction, with a 300- member marching band and several faculty mem-
bers holding impressive professional performance credits. New offerings include
majors in game studies and eSports, human physiology, and business analytics.
Classes tend to be on the large side, but 36 percent enroll fewer than 20 stu-
dents. A senior calls the academic atmosphere “low pressure” and collaborative.
The quality of teaching varies, but, for the most part, “If you want support here all
you have to do is show up to class and show that you are trying,” says a medical
laboratory science major. Students describe career preparation here as hands- on
and useful. “I love how Career Services really wants us as students to experience
everything that we might encounter in the real world before we get there,” opines
a biochemistry major.
UD created the nation’s first study abroad program in 1923, and today a third of
students take part in programs offered in more than 40 countries, mostly for short-
term, faculty- led courses during the monthlong winter session or summer break.
Each year, more than 500 UD undergrads receive
stipends to do summer research with faculty
members. Those wishing to spend their summers
serving the local community may apply for the
Service Learning Scholars Program, a 10- week immersion program. Overall, 65 per-
cent of students get involved in some form of community service during their time
at UD. About 500 new students enter the Honors College each year, which offers
interdisciplinary colloquia, priority seating in honors sections of regular courses,
personal attention, and extracurricular and residence hall programming.
Only 40 percent of undergraduates at Delaware hail from the First State, but one
junior notes, “Students are all from the Tri- State and we tend to all flock in groups.”
Four percent come from abroad and racial diversity continues to increase; 6 percent
of students are Black, 10 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 6 percent are Asian American,
and 4 percent are multiracial. “UD is a politically apathetic campus that leans lib-
eral,” states a political science major. Merit and athletic scholarships are offered,
with merit awards averaging $9,700. The Commitment to Delawareans initiative is
designed to meet the full demonstrated need of state residents.
Forty percent of students live on campus, including all freshmen not commut-
ing from home. After that, dorm housing is guaranteed and awarded by lottery,
though many juniors and seniors move into off- campus apartments. Honors stu-
dents live together in designated residence halls, and certain academic departments
require first- year students to reside in living/learning communities. Students in tra-
ditional residence halls must buy the meal plan; the food receives average reviews.
“Caesar Rodney has 13 different dining stations and serves food all day,” reports
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Music
Finance
Marketing
Psychology
Nursing
Biological Sciences
The Venture
Development Center
and the Delaware
Innovation Fellows
help students create
businesses, nonprofits,
and career paths.
“Students are all from the
Tri- State and we tend to all
flock in groups.”
A favorite tradition
is the candlelight
ceremony that
welcomes freshmen
to campus each fall.
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DENISON UNIVERSITY 211
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a student. Campus safety is said to be good, and a senior says, “Our kNOw MORE
campaign reaches out to all students on a group and individual level about sexual
assault awareness.”
“No matter the time in the night, there is always something going on,” says a
freshman. Fraternities attract 16 percent of the men and sororities 21 percent of the
women; while the party scene is lively, there is no Greek row and most parties occur
off campus. More than 400 student organiza-
tions coordinate regular on- campus events, and
UD’s two student centers, Perkins and Trabant,
sponsor live entertainment, weekly trivia, and
late- night events on Friday and Saturday nights. A favorite tradition is the candle-
light ceremony that welcomes freshmen to campus each fall, and popular annual
events include homecoming celebrations on the central campus green, the Senior
Fling concert in the spring, and Ag Day, when the agriculture college hosts a large
festival with vendors, music, animals, and hayride farm tours.
Main Street, the heart of downtown Newark (pronounced “New- ark”), is “easy
walking distance,” says a student. “There are tons of coffee shops, pizza places, a movie
theater, bookstores, and shops— anything you could possibly want.” For those seeking
further excitement, New York, the Washington/Baltimore area, and Philadelphia are
all within a two- hour drive. When the weather is warm, the beaches of Rehoboth and
Dewey beckon, and in chilly months, the Pennsylvania ski slopes aren’t too far.
“We are not a very athletics- oriented school, but we have a lot of school spirit,”
says a senior. Delaware’s Division I Blue Hens are becoming more competitive. The
men’s lacrosse, women’s field hockey, and men’s and women’s basketball teams
have brought home recent Colonial Athletic Association conference titles, and the
basketball teams enjoy a lively rivalry with Drexel. UD’s varsity eSports team com-
petes in the Perkins Student Center’s sleek new Esports Arena, which can also be
enjoyed by casual gamers. Recreational sports are popular; students have their pick
of more than 35 club sports and 30 intramural programs.
UD is a public flagship university that is large enough to offer something for
everyone, yet at a more manageable size than many of its closest competitors. With
UD’s traditional emphasis on out- of- classroom experiences, stimulating academic
environment, and up- and- coming athletic teams, Blue Hens need never put all their
eggs in one basket.
“We are not a very athletics-
oriented school, but we
have a lot of school spirit.”
Overlaps
Penn State,
Rutgers,
SUNY– Binghamton,
University
of Maryland,
University of
Pittsburgh, UConn,
Temple, Villanova
If You Apply To ›
Delaware: Regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Delaware’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Denison University
Granville, OH 43023
Denison draws more Easterners than Wooster and Ohio Wesleyan, and it fashions
itself as a sort of Midwestern Haverford. Denison has a middle- of- the- road to liberal
student body, fewer preppies than in years past, and one of the most beautiful
campuses anywhere. Increasing popularity fueled by some distinctive majors and
an innovative summer program that have helped create a more academically serious
student body.
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212 DENISON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Denison University, tucked into the “quaint, small, and beautiful” village of
Granville, draws “curious, down- to- earth” students from diverse backgrounds,
according to one matriculant. Thanks to Denison’s small size, there’s ample oppor-
tunity to interact (and do research) with professors and to form close relationships
with peers, as everyone focuses on the liberal arts. “Denison is a special place because
it helps students figure out how their diverse interests intersect,” says a politics and
public affairs major. “This campus is a place where you are encouraged to keep doing
everything you love.”
Founded in 1831 to bring higher education to what was then the Northwest
Territory, Denison was named after an early benefactor. The campus is set atop roll-
ing hills in central Ohio. Huge maples shade the sloping walkways, which offer a
panoramic view of the surrounding valley. Denison retained park architect Frederick
Law Olmsted (designer of New York City’s Central Park) for its first master plan
back in the early 1900s. The Georgian style of many buildings— redbrick with white
columns— also evokes shades of New England and its private liberal arts colleges.
Recent campus additions include the 108,000- square- foot Michael Eisner Center for
Performing Arts (named for the former Disney CEO and Denison alum) and the
Hoaglin Wellness Center.
Denison’s general education requirements are comprehensive. In addition to a
spate of coursework spanning the liberal arts and sciences, students take two first-
year seminars and complete an “interdivisional requirement” by selecting a course
from one of seven interdisciplinary programs,
such as international studies or queer studies.
The Power and Justice requirement seeks to give
students the ability to question their own place
in the structures of power and privilege that con-
stitute human societies. For help navigating the transition to college, most freshmen
sign up for optional Advising Circles, meeting weekly with a faculty advisor in
groups of around 10 students.
Although biology, psychology, economics, and communication have the high-
est enrollment, students say some of the best majors are distinctive to Denison.
The PPE major is effectively a triple major in philosophy, politics, and economics.
The music department features a concentration in bluegrass designed by a faculty
member who is an accomplished fiddler, while Denison’s 350- acre biological reserve
is a boon for biology and environmental studies majors. The global commerce;
financial economics; computer science; data analytics; health, exercise, and sport
studies; and theater programs are strong as well. Courses are rigorous, but an English
major says, “Classes are organized to be very hands- on, and professors excel at facil-
itating rich discussions.” Sixty- seven percent of classes have fewer than 20 students
and individual attention is the norm. “There’s curiosity embedded in the curriculum
here,” says a junior. “It’s all about trying new things and finding new ways to cross
disciplines.”
Denison’s award- winning undergraduate research program includes the signa-
ture Summer Scholar Program, which provides scholarships for about 120 students
to stay on campus during the summer to complete 10 weeks of full- time research in
collaboration with faculty members. Typically, more than half of the summer schol-
ars are science students. Those with wanderlust can choose from more than 180
programs in 70 countries; overall, 80 percent of students go abroad, about a third of
them in short- term, faculty- led programs. The school has invested $50 million in
the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, which one senior says “has become an
incredible asset for students, helping them easily adapt to the ever- changing career
landscape.” Those considering a run for office may be interested in the Richard
Lugar Program in Politics and Public Service, which includes courses on campus and
Website: www .denison .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,312
Undergraduates: 2,312
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 94%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 44%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 12,220
Accepted: 22%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (740) 587- 6276
Email Address: admission @
denison .edu
Strong Programs:
Philosophy, Politics, and
Economics
Music
Global Commerce
Financial Economics
Computer Science
Data Analytics
Health, Exercise, and Sport
Studies
Biology
“This campus is a place
where you are encouraged
to keep doing everything
you love.”
The Denison
Community
Association sends
students into Granville
to provide tutoring,
mentoring, and other
volunteer services.
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DENISON UNIVERSITY 213
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
culminates in a House or Senate internship in Washington. (The late former senator
happened to be a Denison grad.)
Nineteen percent of Denison’s population is homegrown, and 18 percent come
from abroad. Black students constitute 6 percent of the student body, Hispanics/
Latinos 7 percent, Asian Americans 3 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent.
Denison is left- leaning, but one junior notes, “The students here are willing to have
the difficult discussions about our world and society that many others struggle to
have.” Denison now commits to meeting the full demonstrated need of all incom-
ing freshmen. The average merit- based financial aid award is $20,100, and there are
no athletic scholarships.
Virtually all Denison students live on campus; the only ones allowed to live
elsewhere are those commuting from home. (Another exception is the dozen
Homesteaders, who live in three student- built, solar- paneled cabins on a sustain-
able farm less than a mile away and grow much of their
own food.) Students generally live in dorms for the first
three years and campus apartments their senior year, and
they report that recent renovations have vastly improved
the accommodations. Dining hall meals get good reviews. Educational program-
ming for sexual assault awareness has increased, as has attention to student well-
ness. “From the new Hoaglin Wellness Center to Destress Fests, they’ve done a lot
to make sure students are aware of all the health resources available to them,” lauds
an English major.
Given the residential nature of the campus, social life at Denison tends to
revolve around student housing and clubs more than anything else. Seventeen per-
cent of the men and 43 percent of the women join the Greek system. Greek organi-
zations and other student groups host open parties in the senior apartments (a.k.a.
the Sunnies) and in Moon Hall’s social spaces (a.k.a. the Moonies) every weekend.
Students report that regulations aimed at curtailing excessive drinking have
improved the party scene: parties must be registered, have a sober host trained in
safety, and offer food. School- sponsored events like guest speakers, plays, and con-
certs offer an alternative, and everyone looks forward to three all- campus festivals
each year: D-Day, Gala, and Aestavalia. Naked Week, held during National Eating
Disorders Awareness Week in February, is another notable event. “Each night of the
week, students streak at different areas of campus to promote self- acceptance and
body positivity,” explains a sophomore. “This is a favorite Denison tradition, and
some nights over 70 students will run!”
Granville is a small, quiet town with four churches on the corners of the town’s
main intersection, and town- gown relations are said to be good. Granville has “amaz-
ing restaurants, cute boutiques, cozy coffee shops, and delicious Whit’s custard,”
raves an English literature major. The Denison
Community Association frequently sends stu-
dents into Granville and nearby Newark to pro-
vide tutoring, mentoring, and other volunteer
services. Columbus, the state capital, is only 30
miles away, and the school runs trips to the city’s Easton Town Center, an outdoor
shopping and dining mecca. Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton are also
close by.
Denison students are enthusiastic supporters of the Big Red, especially when
rival Kenyon is in town, and Division III lacrosse games against Ohio Wesleyan
always draw large crowds. The men’s swimming team is a powerhouse, claiming five
national championships in the last 12 years, and the women’s team won the 2023
NCAA championship. Men’s and women’s lacrosse, golf, and tennis are strong, too,
along with baseball and women’s soccer. Intramurals and club sports remain hugely
“There’s curiosity
embedded in the
curriculum here.”
Those with wanderlust
can choose from more
than 180 programs
in 70 countries.
“They’ve done a lot to make
sure students are aware
of all the health resources
available to them.”
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214 UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
popular, with basketball, soccer, flag football, rugby, and ice hockey drawing the
most interest.
Denison University aims to graduate independent thinkers who become active
citizens of a democratic society. The school continues to value tradition— woe to
the students who step on the school seal in front of the chapel, “otherwise you
won’t graduate in four years,” warns a sophomore— while emphasizing the life of
the mind. “Denison has grown more diverse, new programs have been introduced,
and much of campus has been renovated,” says a senior. “I wish I could experience
it all over again!”
Overlaps
Miami (OH), Wake
Forest, Colgate,
Bucknell, Colby,
Haverford, Elon,
Ohio Wesleyan
If You Apply To ›
Denison: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
University of Denver
2199 South University Boulevard, Denver, CO 80208
The only major midsized private university between Tulsa and the West Coast. DU’s
campus in residential Denver is pleasant, and admissions brochures shamelessly
tout Rocky Mountain landscapes and healthy lifestyles. Senior faculty teach all core
courses. A haven for skiing enthusiasts, business majors, and future diplomats, DU
has become much more selective in recent years.
The oldest private university in the Rocky Mountain region, dating to 1864, the
University of Denver is where former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice earned
her B.A. in political science at age 19 and later returned for a Ph.D. in international
studies. Her mentor was Soviet specialist Josef Korbel, father of the late secretary of
state Madeleine Albright. Thus, it’s not surprising that DU boasts strong programs in
political science, international studies, and public affairs. Many students, however,
opt for DU’s business program, and the campus location offers ample opportunities
for networking, skiing, and taking in the beautiful Colorado landscape. A freshman
says, “DU students share a sense of adventure, risk- taking, and spending time doing
what one values.”
DU’s 125- acre main campus is located in a comfortable residential neighbor-
hood only eight miles from downtown Denver and an hour east of major ski areas.
Architectural styles vary and materials include brick, limestone, Colorado sand-
stone, and copper. Nearby Mount Evans (14,265
feet) is home to the world’s loftiest observatory,
a DU facility available to both professors and stu-
dents. Newer campus projects include the 500-
bed, LEED Gold– certified Dimond Family
Residential Village for first- year students, as well
as the $64 million, 132,000- square- foot Community Commons, housing the cam-
pus’s main dining hub, spaces for student organizations and special events, indoor
and rooftop lounges, and academic advising services.
Under the general education requirements, undergraduate students choose from
a series of courses from the Common Curriculum that emphasize writing, quanti-
tative reasoning, experiential learning, and cross- disciplinary inquiry. University
rules stipulate that all core courses must be taught by senior faculty. Core courses
Website: www .du .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 8,630
Undergraduates: 5,660
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 92%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 44%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 19,342
Accepted: 78%
Enrolled: 11%
Grad in 6 Years: 77%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (303) 871- 2036
Email Address: admission @
du .edu
Strong Programs:
Political Science
International Studies
“The Learning Effectiveness
Program has given me
the accommodations
and resources I need to
succeed.”
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are supplemented by a First- Year Seminar (limited to 15 students) that introduces
students to college- level work and an advanced seminar that serves as a capstone to
the curriculum model.
DU is known for business; the Daniels College of Business is home to the
Knoebel School of Hospitality Management, one of the top hospitality programs
in the country. Music, biology, engineering, and computer science have solid rep-
utations. Finance, psychology, marketing, and international studies are among the
most popular majors. The university has added a new major in physiology and two
new minors in critical race and ethnic studies and kinesiology and sport studies.
Several dual- degree programs allow undergraduates to earn a bachelor’s degree and
an advanced degree from Denver’s graduate schools in business, education, the arts,
international studies, social work, and law.
Since DU operates on a quarter system, classes move quickly and the workload
can get intense. “I personally enjoy how rigorous the quarter system can be, because
you are constantly learning something new,” says an art history major. Students
say small class sizes— 55 percent have fewer than 20 students— make for a collab-
orative environment with plenty of support from faculty. DU is also recognized
for its strong academic support services. A psychology major says, “The Learning
Effectiveness Program has been amazing and given me the accommodations and
resources I need to succeed.”
DU’s selective Honors Program accepts about 100 students each year who
take a sequence of honors courses and complete a thesis or final project. Funded
undergraduate research opportunities are widely available. Juniors and seniors have
the chance to study abroad at no additional cost through the Cherrington Global
Scholars program; 73 percent of Pioneers go abroad, and they say the 150 available
programs are an integral part of the DU experience. “DU fosters a global perspective
in which students understand their role in and responsibility to the global commu-
nity,” says a psychology major.
“We have a funky mix of really preppy East Coasters and Midwesterners mixed
in with all the laid- back outdoorsy people,” says one student. Thirty percent of
undergraduates come from Colorado, and 3 percent arrive from other countries.
Black students account for 3 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 4 per-
cent, Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, and multiracial students 6 percent. The campus
leans liberal, and students cite the environment and social justice as issues of partic-
ular concern. As one of the few private colleges in the West, DU is also among the
most expensive in the region. But more than half of undergrads receive merit schol-
arships, which average $21,400, and more than 200 athletic scholarships are also
available. “Students have relatively expensive hobbies like skiing, backpacking, and
traveling,” observes a senior. “I think individuals from low- income backgrounds
have a hard time fitting in.”
About half of all undergrads reside on campus; students are required to spend
their first two years in the residence halls. Students praise the five living/learning
communities open to first- years: “Being able to come onto campus and already
have a structured and supportive group of
people who shared a similar interest was incred-
ibly helpful,” a senior recalls. Most juniors and
seniors opt for the decent off- campus quarters
found within walking distance. Dining options
in the Community Commons get rave reviews,
and students report that dietary restrictions are easily accommodated. The univer-
sity has increased staffing of its mental health counseling services, and a junior
comments, “All leaders of student organizations receive training to reduce instances
of sexual assault on campus and become better supporters of survivors.”
(continued)
Business
Hospitality Management
Music
Biology
Engineering
Computer Science
Students unite when
the powerhouse
DU hockey
team— national
champions in
2022— skates out
onto the ice.
“We have a funky mix of
really preppy East Coasters
and Midwesterners mixed
in with all the laid- back
outdoorsy people.”
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216 DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
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More than 100 student organizations offer on- campus activities for every inter-
est. Fraternities and sororities draw 16 percent of the men and 20 percent of the
women, but students agree that Greek groups don’t set the tone for social life. “The
campus is pretty quiet on the weekends because everyone is either in the mountains,
downtown, or enjoying the sun at a neighboring park,” explains a media studies
major. “There is a lot to do aside from parties.” Indeed, free access to the nearby light
rail makes it easy to get downtown, where students enjoy “great shopping, festivals,
events, concerts, phenomenal restaurants, and, for students over 21, one of the best
microbrewery scenes,” cheers a student. With consistently beautiful, sunny weather
and great skiing, hiking, and camping less than an hour away in the Rockies, many
DU students head for the hills on weekends, often on low- cost trips organized by the
Alpine Club. Students also explore Estes Park, Mount Evans, and Echo Lake.
Students unite when the powerhouse DU hockey team— national champions in
2022— skates out onto the ice, especially against archrival Colorado College. Other
competitive Division I Pioneers programs include co- ed skiing, men’s lacrosse,
men’s golf, and men’s and women’s soccer. Intramural and club sports are varied
and popular; more than a quarter of students take part. Each February, academics
are put aside for the three- day Winter Carnival. Top administrators, professors, and
students all pack off to Keystone, Winter Park, or another ski area to catch some
fresh powder and see who can ski the fastest, skate the best, or build the most artistic
ice sculptures.
Students like the University of Denver for its modest size, its friendly atmo-
sphere, and the flexibility afforded by the albeit sometimes stressful quarter system.
As the school pushes for a more ethnically diverse student body and improves its
curriculum and facilities, the University of Denver is striving to become even
better known for its intellectual rigor than for its gorgeous setting in the Rocky
Mountains.
Funded undergraduate
research opportunities
are widely available.
Overlaps
American
University,
Syracuse, Southern
Methodist,
University of
San Diego, Santa
Clara, Tulane,
Northeastern, CU
Boulder
If You Apply To ›
DU: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL 60604
Few universities have come so far, so fast. DePaul gets the nod over Loyola as
the top Roman Catholic university in Chicago. Its Lincoln Park setting is like a
Midwestern version of New York’s Greenwich Village or Upper West Side. One in
five undergraduates who report a religion are Catholic. Especially strong in business,
public relations, film, and the arts.
The largest Roman Catholic university in the nation, DePaul University pursues the
Vincentian mission of service and contributing to the “common good.” Students
claim the university’s diversity and politically liberal leanings set it apart from rival
institutions. Based in the heart of the city, DePaul is a feeder to Chicago’s busi-
ness community. A spate of campus construction has transformed it from the “little
school under the El” to Chicago’s version of NYU.
DePaul, which was founded by Vincentian fathers in 1898 and is named after
the 17th- century French priest Vincent de Paul, has two residential campuses. The
Website: www .depaul .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 17,765
Undergraduates: 12,857
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 70%
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Lincoln Park campus, with its state- of- the- art library and student center, is home to
the colleges of liberal arts and social sciences, education, and science and health; the
theatre and music schools; and residence halls and recreational facilities. Lincoln
Park itself is a fashionable Chicago neighborhood with century- old brownstone
homes, theaters, cafés, parks, and shops. The Loop (or “vertical”) campus is 20 min-
utes away by elevated train (a.k.a. the El or “L,” depending on whom you ask) in
downtown Chicago and houses the colleges of business, communication, comput-
ing and digital media, and law, as well as the School of Continuing and Professional
Studies. The DePaul Center, a $70 million teaching, learning, and research complex,
is the cornerstone of this campus.
All freshmen take a course called Discover Chicago or its alternative, Explore
Chicago, which introduces them to the city. “This class is one of the best things
about DePaul. It’s really fun and valuable,” says a
senior. Other common core courses include com-
position and quantitative reasoning for fresh-
men, a sophomore seminar on multiculturalism
in the United States, and an experiential learning
program that requires an internship, research, study abroad, or service- learning
experience. In their senior year, students create a final project.
DePaul’s name is closely associated with Midwestern business and law, and under-
graduates can find internships year- round with local legal and commercial institu-
tions. The School of Accountancy and MIS is reported to be the most challenging
department in the Driehaus College of Business. The College of Science and Health
offers a health sciences program that prepares students for a variety of health care
professions, and the Pathways Honors Program provides top students with special-
ized prehealth advising and summer research opportunities. The School of Cinematic
Arts has teamed up with Cinespace Chicago, the city’s premier movie studio, to create
a learning environment that provides students with film and television production
experience in the midst of a working studio. Other notable programs include theatre,
game design, and animation. Combined, six- year bachelor’s/law degree options are
available in several fields, ranging from economics to Islamic world studies, and a
number of five- year bachelor’s/master’s degree programs are also offered. The most
popular majors include finance, accounting, psychology, and film and television.
Classes are often small, with 42 percent enrolling fewer than 20 students, and
professors teach at all levels. The administration appoints student representatives
from each school and college to faculty promotion and tenure committees. “DePaul
professors are respectful, intelligent, and don’t put up with nonsense,” says one
senior. Clerics teach some courses and celebrate (voluntary) mass every day. In addi-
tion, the University Ministry hosts other religious services and leads programs to
teach students about other faiths. The highly selective honors program includes
interdisciplinary courses and a senior thesis. Thirteen percent of students participate
in study abroad programs that take them to their choice of more than 40 countries
around the world, including India, Ireland, Peru, and Switzerland.
“DePaul is both a city school and a commuter school,” observes a psychology
major, and as such, its student body is more self- sufficient and independent than
most. Seventy- four percent of undergraduates hail from Illinois, while 3 percent
come from foreign countries. Hispanics/Latinos
represent 23 percent of the student body, Black
students 7 percent, Asian Americans 12 percent,
and multiracial students 4 percent. DePaul has a
reputation for being politically liberal, and according to a senior, “Students are
actively working to improve both DePaul and Chicago.” In addition to academic
merit scholarships, DePaul also awards scholarships to students who have artistic
(continued)
Pell Grant: 31%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 63%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 31,785
Accepted: 70%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 69%
Returning Freshmen: 84%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (312) 362- 8300
Email Address: admission @
depaul .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Public Relations
Film and Television
Accounting
Theatre
Game Design
Animation
Finance
“DePaul professors are
respectful, intelligent,
and don’t put up with
nonsense.”
The University
Ministry hosts
religious services
and leads programs
to teach students
about other faiths.
“DePaul is both a city
school and a commuter
school.”
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218 DEPAUW UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
talent or strong leadership skills or those who participate in community service;
such awards average $17,900 per year. Scholarships for athletes are available too.
With such a large commuter population, just 17 percent of undergraduates live
in university housing. One student complains, “Weekends can be boring because
many students go home.” Those who stay find the dorms comfortable and well
maintained, but they recommend applying early to secure a bed, especially after
freshman year. “Housing is in high demand around here,” says a junior. The Lincoln
Park campus includes six modern co- ed dorms and six townhouse and apartment
buildings. At the Loop campus, a 1,700- bed residence hall includes a rooftop garden,
fitness center, and music, art, and study rooms. Campus dining receives lackluster
reviews; many find the food overpriced and the options limited. Students say they
feel reasonably safe on campus but report that the Loop campus has experienced
issues with crime in recent years. Campus safety officers regularly patrol the area and
provide late- night rides home, and dorms require students to swipe ID cards at mul-
tiple points before allowing entrance. Nevertheless, “It’s good to be wary near either
campus at nighttime,” advises a senior.
Fraternities and sororities draw just 4 percent of DePaul men and 5 percent of
the women, respectively, and parties aren’t a big part of campus life. Not surpris-
ingly, with the school’s proximity to Chicago’s concert and comedy venues, restau-
rants, bars, clubs (especially on Rush Street), and sporting events, most social life
occurs off campus. A music major says of the city, “There is everything to do here.”
In the warmer months, the beaches of Lake Michigan beckon students, while the
university’s huge annual outdoor Fest concert attracts large crowds from both cam-
puses. On Vincentian Service Day in May, a tradition for more than 20 years, about
1,000 students, staff, faculty, and alumni participate in community service.
DePaul competes in the Division I Big East Conference in 15 sports. Men’s basket-
ball is the headline story, beginning with the Blue Madness of each fall’s first practice
in October. The game against Notre Dame always draws a capacity crowd, though
Loyola is DePaul’s oldest rival. The men’s tennis team recently won a Big East champi-
onship, and women’s basketball and softball are also competitive. Intramurals and club
sports are big draws, as is the 123,000- square- foot Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center.
Expanding academic programs, a diverse student body, and all the opportunity of
the city of Chicago make DePaul a dynamic university, throw in the special bonds that
students say they feel with fellow Blue Demons, and you have what one sophomore
describes as “a unique atmosphere in which to learn and grow,” in an urban setting.
DePaul’s huge annual
outdoor Fest concert
attracts large crowds
from both campuses.
Overlaps
Loyola University
Chicago, Marquette,
Saint Louis
University, Seattle
University, U of I
at Chicago, U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
Columbia
College Chicago,
Northwestern
If You Apply To ›
DePaul: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (test- optional applicants are encouraged to submit optional
personal essay). Accepts the Common Application.
DePauw University
204 East Seminary Street, Greencastle, IN 46135
DePauw is a small Midwestern liberal arts institution in the mold of Denison,
Dickinson, Knox, and Ohio Wesleyan. Its Greek system is among the strongest in
the nation. DePauw’s Fellows and Honors Scholar programs are a major draw for
career- oriented students looking to take their liberal arts experience to the next
level. Almost all students study abroad.
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DePauw University offers a liberal arts education with an orientation toward experi-
ential learning. The economics and management, communication, and natural sci-
ences programs are strong, and the university produces a high number of Fulbright
scholars. Students here are career- oriented and eager to take advantage of the rigor-
ous classwork and ample real- world experiences. With an undergraduate population
of 1,700 students, close ties to classmates and faculty are a given.
Founded in 1837 by the Methodist Church to export New England– style liberal
education to what was then the frontier, DePauw is set amid the gently rolling hills
of west- central Indiana. The lush green campus has a mix of older buildings and
more modern redbrick structures. The DePauw Nature Park, about a mile away, is a
well- kept, 520- acre park featuring nature trails and the LEED Gold– certified Prindle
Institute for Ethics. DePauw has significantly upgraded its main campus in recent
years, completing a major renovation of its main library, opening a new first- year
residence hall and a state- of- the- art dining hall, and improving its energy efficiency.
DePauw’s first- year program helps students transition into college by combin-
ing academically challenging coursework with cocurricular activities and programs.
Before arriving on campus, each student is assigned to a mentor group with 10 to 12
peers, an upperclassman advisor, and a faculty member who will teach their first- year
seminar and serve as their academic advisor until they declare a major. By gradua-
tion, students must demonstrate competence in writing, quantitative reasoning, and
oral communication and pass a course on power, privilege, and diversity. They must
also complete at least two extended study experiences, which may include courses
taken during the monthlong Winter or May terms, off- campus study (a very popular
choice), independent study or research, service- learning projects, or internships.
Academically, the DePauw student body is as career- oriented as they come in a
liberal arts college. The most popular majors include economics and management,
communication, computer science, psychology, and English, and students may also
design their own majors. Launched in fall 2023,
DePauw’s new School of Business and Leadership
is a rarity among liberal arts colleges. A new
school focusing on creative and performing arts
is expected to open in 2024. The School of Music, one of the oldest in the country,
offers a five- year dual- degree program in music performance/liberal arts. Students
may supplement their coursework through eight academic centers offering cocurric-
ular learning and professional development opportunities. Future reporters, editors,
anchors, and producers will find a home in the Pulliam Center for Contemporary
Media, which supplements DePauw’s strong student- run newspaper, TV station, and
radio stations. Seven other centers focus on management and entrepreneurship,
ethics, technology, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, student engagement,
and 21st- century musicianship.
Students say classes are challenging but well supported, with high- quality
instruction from professors. “Students here constantly push themselves to do their
best possible work, but we all work together to achieve our goals,” says a global
French studies and political science double major. For exceptionally motivated stu-
dents, Fellows programs in media, management, the environment, and science
research offer a semester- long internship or research experience and opportunities
to interact with top scholars and industry leaders on and off campus. Additionally,
the Honor Scholars Program allows high- achieving students to embark on interdis-
ciplinary study and complete a capstone thesis. About 97 percent of DePauw stu-
dents study off campus, mostly through short, faculty- led programs during the
Winter and May terms; semester and yearlong options are also available.
One student describes her peers at DePauw as “intellectually curious, philan-
thropically minded, and socially active.” Forty- five percent of students are from
Website: www .depauw .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,725
Undergraduates: 1,725
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 75%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 77%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 5,708
Accepted: 66%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 79%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (765) 658- 4006
Email Address: admission @
depauw .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics and Management
Communication
Natural Sciences
Music
Computer Science
Psychology
English
“Students here constantly
push themselves to do their
best possible work.”
By graduation,
students must
demonstrate
competence in
writing, quantitative
reasoning, and oral
communication.
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220 DEPAUW UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Indiana, and 21 percent are international. Campus diversity has grown, thanks in
part to recruitment of Posse Foundation students from New York and Chicago. Black
students now account for 6 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 8 per-
cent, Asian Americans 3 percent, and multiracial students 2 percent. During the
annual DePauw Dialogue event, classes are canceled so students, faculty, and staff
can gather to explore issues like bias, privilege, and identity. Merit scholarships aver-
aging $35,000 are available, although there are no athletic scholarships.
DePauw is a totally residential college, meaning all students live on campus
for all four years, with few exceptions. Options include homey residence halls, suites,
apartments, and college- owned houses, as well as Greek chapter houses. Meals are
served in Hoover Dining Hall and a few small cafés and grab- and- go options around
campus. A whopping 65 percent of DePauw’s men and 57 percent of the women go
Greek. That’s not surprising, given that the first modern- day sorority, Kappa Alpha
Theta, began here in 1870, and the university is home to the two longest continu-
ally running fraternities anywhere: Beta Theta Pi and Phi Gamma Delta.
“Students love being at DePauw on the weekends,” says a student. Perhaps
because of the prevalence of Greeks on campus, Greek groups have worked hard to
change the negative stereotypes of fraternities and sororities. A community council
reviews allegations of misconduct, and rush is delayed until the spring semester so
freshmen can first get their feet on the ground academically. Still, students say it’s
relatively easy for underage drinkers to imbibe, especially at fraternity parties. More
than 100 student organizations offer ample alternatives, and students are active in
about 20 volunteer programs.
The town of Greencastle (population 10,000) has a movie theater, a bowling
alley, and several pizza places and restaurants. “The first Friday of every month,
part of the town shuts down and they have food trucks, live music, and fun
games going on,” explains a sophomore. In
good weather, the DePauw Nature Park and
several state parks offer hiking trails and lakes.
Indianapolis is only a 45- minute drive, and
St. Louis, Chicago, and Cincinnati make for
good road trips. A cherished tradition is a takeoff on Indiana University’s famed
Little 500 bike race, itself a takeoff on the Indianapolis 500 auto race— teams of
cyclists compete on a course that circles the heart of the DePauw campus.
Everyone gets excited about Division III varsity athletics, especially the annual
football game against Wabash College, which is the oldest small- college rivalry west
of the Alleghenies. The winner of each year’s contest claims possession of the much-
cherished, 300- pound Monon Bell, an artifact from the defunct Monon Railroad
line. The Tigers football, field hockey, men’s cross- country, women’s basketball, and
softball teams have all brought home recent North Coast Athletic Conference titles.
Club sports and intramurals are growing in popularity, and students stay fit in the
two- story Welch Fitness Center.
For a small school, DePauw offers a multitude of opportunities, balancing strong
academics with a healthy dose of school spirit and a wealth of opportunities to
lead— whether in one of the abundant extracurricular activities or by blazing a trail
through study abroad. It’s New England liberal arts with a Midwestern flair.
A whopping 65 percent
of DePauw’s men
and 57 percent of the
women go Greek.
“[DePauw students are]
intellectually curious,
philanthropically minded,
and socially active.”
Overlaps
Denison, Ohio
Wesleyan, College
of Wooster,
St. Olaf, Wabash,
Butler, Miami (OH),
Knox
If You Apply To ›
DePauw: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (required for students applying to
Honor Scholars and Fellows programs). Accepts the Common Application.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Dickinson College
P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013
With traditions dating to the 18th century, Dickinson occupies a historic setting
in the foothills of central Pennsylvania. Curriculum blends traditional liberal arts
values with attention to international studies, foreign languages, study abroad, and
sustainable development. With students of color, international students, and free
spirits now more numerous, Dickinson is shedding its image as a preppy haven.
Competes head- to- head with nearby Gettysburg.
Dickinson College won its charter just six days after the Treaty of Paris recognized
the United States as a sovereign nation in 1783, and this small liberal arts school has
been blazing trails ever since. The moving force behind it was Dr. Benjamin Rush,
the famous physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence who convinced
John Dickinson, the then governor of Pennsylvania, to lend his name to the new
school. Rush’s founding mission was “to provide a useful education in the liberal
arts and sciences.” Now, administrators are also focused on global education, civic
engagement, and attracting the best and brightest academic talent.
Almost all of Dickinson’s Georgian buildings are crafted from local gray lime-
stone, which lends pleasing architectural consistency. The 144- acre campus is part
of the historic district of Carlisle, an economically prosperous central Pennsylvania
county seat nestled in a fertile valley. Newer additions to campus include a $19 mil-
lion, LEED Platinum– certified residence hall housing 130 upperclassmen in single
and double rooms. A new Alumni & Family Center is set to reimagine the traditional
welcome center. Dickinson has been a leader in sustainability education, and the
college achieved carbon neutrality in 2020.
To help students understand how the liberal arts fit into the broader world,
Dickinson supplements standard distribution requirements with courses in mul-
tidisciplinary and cross- cultural studies, such as sustainability and U.S. and global
diversity. The required First- Year Seminar introduces new students to college- level
writing and critical thinking through interdisciplinary courses such as Ideas That
Have Shaped the World, Storytelling with Food in France, and Natural Disasters
and You. Sophomores choose from 46 majors, and 85 percent of seniors complete
a capstone program.
Dickinson is best known for its workshop approach to science education, for its
outstanding and comprehensive international education program, and for the
depth of its foreign language program, with
more than a dozen languages offered, including
Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Hebrew, Italian, and
Portuguese. The college’s environmental studies
and environmental science department is well
respected. International business and manage-
ment, one of Dickinson’s most popular majors,
involves coursework in economics, history, and financial analysis, as well as intern-
ships and overseas education. Other popular majors include political science, psy-
chology, quantitative economics, data analytics, and international studies.
In addition, Dickinson offers certificates in food studies, social innovation and
entrepreneurship, security studies, health studies, global preparedness (with the
Army ROTC), and ballet (with the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet). Students can
gain a hands- on understanding of human culture and behavior by studying archae-
ology in far- flung locations like Greece and Bolivia. Interdisciplinary programs such
Website: www .dickinson .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,077
Undergraduates: 2,076
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 88%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 63%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 8,261
Accepted: 35%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (717) 245- 1231
Email Address: admissions @
dickinson .edu
Strong Programs:
Workshop Physics
Foreign Languages
Environmental Science
International Business and
Management
Political Science
Psychology
Quantitative Economics
International Studies
“There are a lot of
determined, passionate
students who are
committed to making
these four years mean
something.”
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222 DICKINSON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
as neuroscience and workshop physics offer chances to carry out research with fac-
ulty members. Dual- degree programs in engineering and law are available with part-
ner institutions, and students interested in pursuing graduate studies in areas like
business management and public health may partake in special advising programs.
Academics are demanding, but the environment is supportive. “Peers help each
other become the best students they can be, instead of trying to compete for the best
grades,” explains a sophomore. Seventy- eight percent of classes have fewer than 20
students, allowing freshmen easy access to their professors, who are highly rated
by students. “I have had some of the most caring and intelligent professors,” says
a junior. The Advising, Internships, & Career Center receives positive reviews as
well: “After each appointment, I feel enthusiastic and hopeful about my professional
interests,” cheers a neuroscience major.
Dickinson sponsors faculty- directed study abroad programs in 15 countries
around the world and offers more than 50 partner programs on six continents;
60 percent of students participate. Options include academic year, semester, and
summer programs; globally integrated courses that include a short- term interna-
tional field experience; and specialized programs such as Mosaics, which combine
domestic study with international study. Ninety- two percent of Dickinsonians com-
plete an internship, externship, or research, service- learning, or field- experience
course.
At Dickinson, says a sociology major, “There are a lot of determined, passionate
students who are committed to the concept of making these four years mean some-
thing.” Twenty- eight percent of the student body hails from the Keystone State.
Black students account for 4 percent of the stu-
dent population, Asian Americans 5 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 7 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 4 percent; international students represent
12 percent. Dickinson has been enrolling a growing number of students of color and
international students, especially through partnerships with the Posse Foundation,
the Philadelphia Futures Foundation, and schools and foundations abroad, but
some students note that the atmosphere on campus does not feel as much like an
integrated, inclusive community as they would like. Dickinson awards merit schol-
arships averaging $21,500 but no athletic scholarships.
Dickinson students live in college housing throughout their four years. A senior
reports that “freshman and sophomore housing is not typically as nice” as the
accommodations for upperclassmen, which include small houses and apartments.
Twenty- three percent of freshmen choose to participate in living/learning commu-
nities as extensions of the First- Year Seminar program. The college farm manages 80
acres and supplies produce to the dining hall, the college’s in- town grab- and- go
store, as well as a local food bank and farmer’s market. It also serves as a living labo-
ratory and work- study opportunity for students interested in sustainable develop-
ment. Aside from the main cafeteria, there are café and snack- bar options, and
“several provisions are met (e.g., kosher, vegan, nut- free, organic, gluten- free),” says
a senior. At Denim Coffee at the Quarry, the college has partnered with a local coffee
shop to provide gourmet brews and sandwiches. In response to student protests in
2020 over inadequate handling of sexual assault cases, Dickinson’s administration
has made several amendments to its sexual misconduct policies, procedures, and
reporting process.
“Whether it is a club, a sport, or a floor in your dorm, you must get involved in
something to have a good social life,” advises a political science major. Fraternities
and sororities attract 4 percent of the men and 25 percent of the women, and they
throw parties in houses that are owned and maintained by the college. Kegs aren’t
permitted in any college housing, and four underage drinking incidents will get you
Dickinson College
won its charter
just six days after
the Treaty of Paris
recognized the United
States as a sovereign
nation in 1783.
“You must get involved in
something to have a good
social life.”
International business
and management,
one of Dickinson’s
most popular majors,
involves coursework
in economics, history,
and financial analysis.
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DREW UNIVERSITY 223
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
suspended. “Drinking and parties are a large part of the social culture on campus,
especially on the weekends,” says a student. Each fall brings an arts festival and a
well- attended drag show, and Springfest gives students one last blast before finals
with a carnival and concert.
Carlisle is 20 miles from the Pennsylvania state capital of Harrisburg and has
plenty of eclectic cafés, restaurants, shops, and festivals. “The town is very cute and
fun to eat out and walk around in,” says an English major. Big Brothers Big Sisters,
the Alpha Phi Omega community service fraternity, and other programs help bring
the school and community together. In the spring and early fall, beaches in
Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey beckon; they’re just a two- to three- hour drive.
Come winter, good skiing is half an hour away. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking the
nearby Appalachian Trail. For those craving urban stimulation, the best road trips
are to Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C. All are accessible by bus or
train— a good thing, since first- years can’t have cars.
Dickinson students get riled up for any Division III Red Devils match against
top rival Franklin & Marshall, and two annual football battles— the Conestoga Wagon
game against Franklin & Marshall and the Little
Brown Bucket match against Gettysburg— are pop-
ular traditions. A perennial champ, the men’s
lacrosse teams recently won Centennial Conference
championships; men’s and women’s soccer and track and field are also strong. About
42 percent of students take part in club sports; equestrian, ultimate Frisbee, and the
Outing Club are the most popular. Recreational events like trivia nights and dodgeball
tournaments are an option too.
Although Dickinson has been growing and evolving for more than two centuries,
traditions remain strong. Seniors still share a champagne toast before graduation.
And the steps of Old West, the first college building, are still used only twice a
year— in the fall, at the convocation ceremony that welcomes new students, and in
the spring, for commencement. Dickinson continues to honor Rush’s global vision,
with its wealth of study abroad options and its demand that students cross the tradi-
tional borders of academic disciplines to grasp the interrelated nature of knowledge.
At Denim Coffee at
the Quarry, the college
has partnered with
a local coffee shop
to provide gourmet
brews and sandwiches.
“Peers help each other
become the best students
they can be.”
Overlaps
Franklin &
Marshall, Bucknell,
Gettysburg,
Lafayette,
Skidmore,
Connecticut
College, Penn State,
Hamilton
If You Apply To ›
Dickinson: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Dickinson’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Drew University
Madison, NJ 07940
From Drew’s wooded perch in suburban New Jersey, Manhattan is only a 30- minute
train ride away, and Wall Street, the UN, and Broadway are common destinations
for Drew interns. Drew is the state’s only prominent liberal arts college and one of
the few in the greater New York City area. About two- thirds of the students are from
Jersey, and Drew is still struggling to develop a national identity.
Founded more than 155 years ago as a Methodist university by Daniel Drew, a finan-
cier and railroad tycoon, Drew University has grown into a place where an emphasis
on hands- on learning, research, and internships is just as important as performance
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224 DREW UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
in the classroom. The university encourages theater and the arts to thrive, promotes
internships in New York City, and sends its students abroad for monthlong edu-
cational ventures. As part of its reinforced commitment to global education, Drew
has heavily recruited international students in recent years. As a junior explains,
students here benefit from “both a traditional college experience and professional
excellence, due to our proximity to New York City.”
The school occupies 186 acres of peaceful woodland in the upscale suburb of
Madison and is known as the “University in the Forest.” Fifty- six campus buildings
peek through splendid oak trees and boast classic and contemporary styles, a phys-
ical reflection of Drew’s respect for both scholarly traditions and progressive educa-
tion. Recent campus renovation projects have included the Commons Dining Hall
and the International Student Center.
In addition to an array of distribution requirements, Drew’s general education
program includes a first- year experience dubbed the Drew Seminar, the highlight of
which is a daylong, faculty- led, course- related field trip to Manhattan. As part of an
initiative known as Launch, first- years also take a
workshop on career development and academic
success in the spring. Launch requires all Drew
students to complete two hands- on learning expe-
riences, such as internships, lab research, creative projects, and study abroad; students
select their own mentorship team of faculty, counselors, and alumni to guide them
through their four years. As seniors, students complete a capstone experience.
Political science is among Drew’s strongest undergraduate departments, and
future politicos can take advantage of off- campus opportunities in New York City,
Washington, D.C., and London. Other popular majors include business, psychology,
media and communication, and biology. Among new undergrad programs are cyberse-
curity, accounting, finance, and the school has introduced B.S. degrees for some majors.
The touted theatre arts department works closely with the Tectonic Theater Project
in New York City and other theaters to produce plays that are written, directed, and
designed by students. Several dual- degree programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s
from Drew and a graduate degree in areas like engineering, law, nursing, and medicine
from Rutgers, Duke, Columbia, and other universities. Intent on using New York City
as a classroom whenever possible, Drew offers seven intensive semesters— Wall Street,
the United Nations, Social Entrepreneurship, Communications and Media, New York
Theatre, Contemporary Art, and Museums and Cultural Management— that take stu-
dents into the city each week for real- world learning experiences.
Students take their academics seriously and rate their professors highly. Small
class sizes and extensive enrichment opportunities allow students to develop personal
relationships with faculty. “No student goes unnoticed; everyone bonds with a mentor
on campus,” says a sociology major. The Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti offers
opportunities for students to do research with distinguished retired industrial scien-
tists; 70 percent of students participate in some kind of research. Participants in the
Baldwin Honors program take specialized classes, attend receptions with guest speak-
ers, and complete an honors thesis. Drew’s Center for Civic Engagement supports
teaching, research, scholarship, art, and other university- based activities that benefit
communities. Farther afield, Drew offers eight to 12 faculty- led study abroad TREC
(Travel, Rethink, Explore, Connect) courses during winter, spring, and summer breaks
each year, in addition to lengthier options through partner programs.
“Drew students are a welcoming bunch; we like new people, we like new ideas,
and we like new ideals,” observes a junior. About two- thirds of undergraduates are
from New Jersey and most attended public high schools; 15 percent are interna-
tional. Nine percent of students are Black, 8 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 4 percent
are Asian American, and 3 percent are multiracial. “My favorite thing about Drew is
Website: www .drew .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,779
Undergraduates: 1,438
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 95%
Pell Grant: 34%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 61%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 3,855
Accepted: 73%
Enrolled: 11%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (973) 408- 3739
Email Address: cadm @ drew
.edu
Strong Programs:
Political Science
Theatre Arts
International Relations
Neuroscience
Biochemistry
Business
Psychology
Media and Communication
“[Drew offers] both a
traditional college experience
and professional excellence.”
Launch requires
all Drew students
to complete two
hands- on learning
experiences, ranging
from internships
to study abroad.
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DREW UNIVERSITY 225
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
that although people are politically and socially active, they are more interested in
listening to what others have to say than in projecting their own opinions,” says a
senior. Merit awards average $20,000, but there are no athletic scholarships.
Eighty- three percent of the students live in university housing, which is guaranteed
for four years and includes both single- sex and co- ed dorms, theme houses, and, for
upperclassmen, townhouses. A lottery gives housing preference to seniors and juniors,
making room selection “an easy process,” according
to a sophomore. Most first- years reside in dorms sit-
uated at the back of campus, and 40 percent choose
to take part in living/learning communities.
Students report that a “massive renovation” to the Commons dining hall has vastly
improved the quality of meals; “There’s always something that I can look forward to
eating,” says a junior. As for safety, a senior says, “Campus is very safe, but Drew could be
better at acknowledging sexual assault and teaching students to take it seriously.”
With no Greek life, a sophomore explains, “The athletic teams and theatre
groups hold the most vibrant parties on campus,” and for those who don’t care to
party, “Our Office of Student Activities supplements student- run programming by
bringing in comedians, musicians, slam poets, and other performers every Thursday
to engage the community.” There is a 21- and- over pub on campus, as well as two
coffeehouses. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is in residence on campus part
of every year and offers both performances and internships. The long- standing First
Annual Picnic, held on the last day of classes and numbered like Super Bowls (spring
2023 marked FAP XLX), provides an opportunity to enjoy free food, carnival games,
and music. Other traditions include the Holiday Ball, 99 Nights for seniors, and Fern
Fest, where students plant native ferns and wildflowers during Earth Week.
About half of students volunteer in local and international activities such as Mentors
at Drew and working with children in the Dominican Republic. The commuter town of
Madison doesn’t have the amenities of larger metropolitan areas, of course, but there are
several unique shops and restaurants within walk-
ing distance of campus. One student says the town
“is a nice college town according to my parents,
but not to students. Everything closes up pretty
early.” Nearby Morristown is more of a college place. New York City’s Pennsylvania
Station is less than an hour away by commuter train, and Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore,
and the Delaware River are close by.
Interest in Drew’s 22 Division III varsity teams has grown as the Rangers have
become more successful. Men’s and women’s tennis, men’s basketball, and wom-
en’s swimming are recent Landmark Conference winners. The competitive men’s
and women’s fencing teams beat and parry with the likes of Duke and Cornell.
Intramural and club sports range from basketball and floor hockey to rugby and
eSports, and special recreation events like Hunger Games Dodgeball and the Rock
Paper Scissors Tournament are student favorites.
Drew offers its small body of students a wide range of opportunities, excellent
access to the riches of New York City, and plenty of personal attention in a classic
liberal arts structure. “I think Drew is like the coffeehouse of colleges,” a theatre
major muses. “There’s always intellectual stuff going on, but it’s very cozy.” Not too
bad for a school in the forest.
“Drew students are a
welcoming bunch; we like
new people.”
Traditions include
Fern Fest, where
students plant native
ferns and wildflowers
during Earth Week.
“The athletic teams and
theatre groups hold the most
vibrant parties on campus.”
Overlaps
Ursinus, Allegheny,
Goucher,
Susquehanna,
Juniata, College
of New Jersey,
Fairleigh Dickinson,
Fordham, Adelphi
If You Apply To ›
Drew: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
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226 DREXEL UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Drexel is a streetwise, no- nonsense technical university in the heart of Philadelphia.
Like Lehigh, Drexel also offers programs in business and arts and sciences, and
its most distinctive offering is the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. A
financial bargain compared to other leading technical schools, Drexel has abandoned
its aggressive expansion plans and in- your- face recruitment style of recent years
in a successful effort to increase yield and graduation rates. Check out the co- op
program.
For career- minded students who want to bypass the soul- searching of their liberal
arts counterparts, Drexel University offers both solid academics and an innovative
co- op program that combines high- tech academics with paying job opportunities— a
mix that’s particularly appealing in today’s economic climate. The school dates to
1891, when Anthony J. Drexel, a Philadelphia financier and philanthropist, set up
the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry in order to prepare young men
and women to work in the emerging industrial society. Drexel began offering co- op
education in 1919. “If you want a good job, you go to Drexel and you do co- op,”
asserts a student.
“Drexel’s campus is impressive for its downtown Philadelphia location, with
gardens and greenery on every block,” says a student, “but the campus is woven
tightly into the fabric of the city.” Drexel’s 123- acre campus, which is adjacent to
the University of Pennsylvania, is condensed into about a 20- block radius. It lies
in a formerly crime- ridden neighborhood that is, while still urban, now one of
the most desirable parts of Philadelphia, with plenty of restaurants and stores. A
long- term, multiphase neighborhood remake includes a $3.5 billion “Innovation
Neighborhood” along the Schuylkill River rail yards that houses new research facil-
ities and incubator space. The campus’s older buildings are simple and fashioned
of brick; most are modern and in good condition. Additional facilities include the
Center City Campus for the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Cooperative education is the hallmark of Drexel’s curriculum, which alternates
periods of full- time study and full- time employment for four or five years, providing
students with six to 18 months of job experience before they graduate. The co- op
possibilities, which 95 percent of undergraduates
take advantage of, are unlimited: students can
pursue co- ops virtually anywhere in the U.S. or
in 28 other countries. Students in five- year programs spend their freshman and
senior years on campus; the three intervening years (sophomore, prejunior, and
junior) usually consist of six months of work and six months of school. A 10- week
preparatory course, Co- op 101, covers such topics as skills assessment, ethics in the
workplace, résumé writing, interviewing skills, and stress management. Most co- ops
are paid, and the median six- month salary for co- op students is more than $19,000.
And although some students complain that jobs can turn out to be six months of
busywork, most enjoy making important contacts in their potential fields and learn-
ing while earning.
To accommodate the co- op students, Drexel operates year- round. “I would
describe the climate as intense but manageable,” says one senior. “Being on a quar-
ter system is rigorous at times.” Flexibility in requirements varies by college, but
in the first year everyone must take English composition, mathematics, and two
one- credit courses: one that introduces students to university resources and one on
Website: www .drexel .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 17,150
Undergraduates: 12,769
Male/Female: 52/48
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 27%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 67%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 37,040
Accepted: 80%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 2- DREXEL
Email Address: enroll @
drexel .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Nursing
Business
Architecture
Game Design and Production
Film and Television
Physics
Computer Science
“Being on a quarter system
is rigorous at times.”
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DREXEL UNIVERSITY 227
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
civic engagement in the local community. Engineering majors must also complete
the Drexel Engineering Curriculum, which integrates math, physics, chemistry, and
engineering to make sure that even techies enter the workforce well- rounded and
able to write as well as they can compute and design. Students enjoy the Hagerty
Library, which offers a 24- hour study space and plenty of room for group work.
What’s more, each entering freshman is assigned a “personal librarian” charged
with helping them make the best use of library facilities. Professors receive high
praise from most and are noted for their accessibility and warmth. Says one student,
“The only things that teaching assistants run are labs and study sessions.” Fifty- two
percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.
The most popular majors are mechanical engineering, computer science,
finance, and biological sciences. Drexel’s greatest strength is its engineering college,
where the materials science, electrical, and architectural engineering programs are
particular standouts. Other noteworthy programs include nursing, business, and the
Westphal College of Media Arts and Design’s majors in architecture, game design
and production, and film and television; the College of Arts and Sciences is well
recognized for theoretical and atmospheric physics. An honors college is available
for those who seek an even more challenging experience, and about 8 percent of
undergrads study abroad.
Drexel has long shed its reputation as an easy- admission commuter college.
According to one sophomore, Drexel students are “not afraid of hard work because
we do it all the time, even when we’re exhausted.” About half of the undergraduate
student body is Pennsylvanian, with another
large chunk of students from adjacent New
Jersey, and the campus tends to lean right politi-
cally. The international student population is
9 percent. Asian Americans account for 23 percent, Black students 8 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. In addition to need-
based financial aid, merit scholarships averaging $19,500 and more than 200 ath-
letic scholarships are awarded to qualified students. Community college graduates
from Pennsylvania and New Jersey receive a 50 percent discount on tuition.
Freshmen live in one of nine co- ed residence halls, including a luxurious high-
rise, but most upperclassmen reside in nearby apartments or fraternity houses.
Overall, just 21 percent of the students live in the dorms. Students say the two main
dining centers offer a variety of “adequate” food. If all else fails, nomadic food trucks
park around campus, providing quick lunches. Students are encouraged to use a
shuttle bus between the library and dorms at night, and access to dorms, the library,
and the physical education center is restricted to students with IDs, so most say they
feel safe on campus.
With so many students living off campus and the city of Philadelphia at their
disposal, Drexel tends to be a bit deserted on weekends. Friday- night flicks on
campus are cheap and popular with those who stay around, and dorms sponsor
floor parties. The dozen or so fraternities, which
recruit 11 percent of the men, also contribute to
the party scene, especially freshman year; the
handful of smaller sororities attract 8 percent of
the women. “Greek life is relatively small, so
there are plenty of other ways to be involved socially,” a senior says. “There’s no
pressure to drink,” adds a communication major, and campus policies are strict;
dorms require those of age to sign in alcohol and limit the quantities they may
bring in.
Drexel’s co- op program often undermines any sense of class unity and can strain
personal relationships. Activities that depend on some continuity of enrollment for
Drexel’s curriculum
alternates periods of
full- time study and
full- time employment,
providing students
with six to 18 months
of job experience
before they graduate.
“The only things that
teaching assistants run are
labs and study sessions.”
With so many students
living off campus
and the city of
Philadelphia at their
disposal, Drexel tends
to be a bit deserted
on weekends.
“Greek life is relatively
small, so there are plenty of
other ways to be involved
socially.”
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228 DUKE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
success— music, drama, student government, athletics— suffer most. “It’s hard to
get people involved because of the amount of schoolwork and co- ops,” says one
student. Even so, the university sponsors 18 Division I teams, competing in the
Colonial Athletic Association. There is no football team, but the Dragons men’s and
women’s basketball, crew, and squash teams are strong. “Our biggest rivalry is our
feud with Delaware,” admits one frenzied student. “We delight in sacrificing blue
plastic chickens!”— Delaware’s mascot. An extensive intramural program serves all
students, and joggers can head for the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, just
as Rocky did in the movies. Students take full advantage of their urban location by
frequenting clubs, restaurants, cultural attractions, and shops in Philadelphia, easily
accessible by public transportation.
Aspiring poets, musicians, and historians may find Drexel a bit disorienting. But
future computer scientists, engineers, and other technical minds could get a fantas-
tic jump- start on their careers, thanks to the university’s unique approach to learn-
ing inside and outside the classroom. As one satisfied student explains, “The terms
are intense, the activities unlimited, but Drexel graduates are surely among the most
capable and motivated individuals I have ever met. When I graduate, I will be pre-
pared and proud of it.”
Overlaps
Penn State,
Syracuse,
University of
Pittsburgh, George
Washington,
Temple, Rochester
Institute of
Technology, Lehigh,
Ursinus
If You Apply To ›
Drexel: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Please consult Drexel’s website for the most up- to- date information
regarding standardized test requirements. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to particular school or program.
Duke University
2138 Campus Drive, Durham, NC 27708
What fun to be at Duke— face painted blue, rocking Cameron Indoor Stadium as the
Blue Devils win again. The most prestigious private university in the South, Duke is
academically competitive with the Ivies and Stanford but offers a distinctive brand with
an emphasis on interdisciplinary and international perspectives and civic engagement.
Strong in engineering and science as well as the humanities. DukeEngage service
program dazzles. Generous in financial aid to neediest students, but not much
socioeconomic diversity.
Duke University is one of the handful of elite U.S. colleges and universities where
strong academics and championship- caliber sports teams manage to coexist. It might
be south of the Mason– Dixon line, but it has long since outgrown its regional roots
and stopped looking for models among certain ancient and prestigious Northeastern
schools known for the erstwhile foliage on their walls. Faculty and students work
across academic disciplines, travel the globe, and devote countless hours to imple-
menting their school’s motto of “knowledge in the service of society.” Duke offers
much to cheer about, says one senior, including “a diverse student body, challeng-
ing academics, world- renowned professors, research opportunities, and an immense
amount of school spirit.”
Founded in 1838 as the Union Institute (later Trinity College), Duke University
is young for a school of its stature. It sprouted up in 1924, thanks to a stack of
tobacco- stained dollars known as the Duke Endowment. Duke’s campus in the
North Carolina Piedmont is divided into two main sections, West and East, and with
Website: www .duke .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 16,780
Undergraduates: 6,789
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 42%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 30%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 49,523
Accepted: 6%
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8,300 acres of adjacent forest, offers enough open space to satisfy even the most
diehard outdoors enthusiast. West Campus, the hub of the university, is laid out in
spacious quadrangles and dominated by the impressive Gothic chapel, a symbol of
the university’s Methodist tradition. Constructed in the 1930s, West includes colle-
giate Gothic residential and classroom quads, the administration building, the huge
Perkins Library, and the student union. East Campus, built in the 1920s, consists
primarily of Georgian redbrick buildings. East and West are connected by buses that
shuttle between them along wooded Campus Drive.
Students opt for one of two undergraduate schools: the Pratt School of Engineering
and Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. The school’s engineering programs— particularly
electrical and biomedical— are national standouts. Natural sciences, most notably ecol-
ogy, biology, and neuroscience, are also first- rate,
and proximity to the Medical Center enhances
study in biochemistry and global health. Duke’s
Sanford School of Public Policy offers an interdis-
ciplinary major— unusual at the undergraduate
level— that trains aspiring public servants and future leaders of nonprofit organiza-
tions, government agencies, and other bodies that shape public life. Internships and
apprenticeships are a big part of the program. Duke’s English and dance programs are
notable, but students say the language offerings can be weak. Duke has more than
60 interdisciplinary centers, including the Duke Global Health Institute, the Nicholas
Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, and the John Hope Franklin Humanities
Institute. Computer science attracts the most majors, followed by public policy studies,
biology, and economics.
Trinity College’s curriculum, part of the traditional undergraduate coursework
known as Program I, requires courses in five general areas of knowledge: arts, liter-
ature, and performance; civilizations; social sciences; natural sciences; and quan-
titative studies. Students must also fulfill requirements in six modes of inquiry,
including foreign language; writing; research; ethical inquiry; science, technology,
and society; and cross- cultural inquiry. All students complete three Small Group
Learning Experiences: one seminar course during the freshman year, on topics such
as Politics on Camera and How Hospitals Work, and two more as upperclassmen.
Those who wish to explore subjects outside and between usual majors and minors
may choose Program II, to which they are admitted after proposing a topic, ques-
tion, or theme for which they plan an individualized curriculum with faculty advi-
sors and deans.
When college counselors say Duke is hot, they’re not referring to the boiling
temperatures in the South. “The workload is heavy, but, because of the highly col-
laborative environment, it is manageable,” says a public policy major. Seventy- one
percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and the university focuses resources
on undergraduate education and having senior professors teach more classes. A
senior says, “Faculty members are accessible, especially through a program called
FLUNCH, where you are able to have a meal with a faculty member on Duke’s dime.”
The highly regarded FOCUS program offers first-
year students two linked seminars with no more
than 18 students clustered around a single broad,
interdisciplinary theme, such as geopolitics and
culture or science and the public; participants
also live together in the same residence hall and attend weekly dinners with faculty.
It is “an incredible opportunity to engage with the university’s top professors,” a
senior reports. The Bass Connections program gives undergraduates a chance to
work with faculty and graduate students in interdisciplinary, research- based project
teams in areas such as global health and energy and environment.
(continued)
Enrolled: 60%
Grad in 6 Years: 96%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (919) 684- 3214
Email Address: undergrad
-admissions @ duke .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Ecology
Biology
Neuroscience
Global Health
Public Policy Studies
English
Dance
“[Duke has] a diverse
student body, world-
renowned professors, [and]
research opportunities.”
The FOCUS program
offers first- year
students two linked
seminars with no
more than 18 students
clustered around
a single broad,
interdisciplinary
theme.
“The workload is heavy,
but, because of the highly
collaborative environment,
it is manageable.”
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230 DUKE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Those who wish to see the world before embarking on their undergraduate
career may apply to the Duke Gap Year Program; accepted students receive between
$5,000 and $15,000 toward the cost of their chosen gap year program. Fifty- seven
percent of Duke’s undergrads study abroad, and there are ample opportunities for
those who want a break from campus life without leaving the country. DukeEngage,
an ambitious and innovative program backed by a $30 million endowment and
unique among elite universities, supports students willing to spend summers work-
ing on projects ranging from building schools in Kenya to working with Gulf Coast
flood victims. About a quarter of all undergrads participate in the program, which
has become a centerpiece of the school’s commitment to “knowledge in service to
society.”
“Students tend to be extremely driven, upper middle class, and focused on
succeeding far after college,” says one public policy major. Seventeen percent of
Duke students are from North Carolina and qualify for tuition assistance, and the
Northeastern corridor sends a fair- sized contingent, as does California. Ten per-
cent of undergraduates hail from overseas. Noting that only 12 percent of first-
years in 2020– 21 were recipients of Pell Grants, the New York Times characterized
Duke as “one of the least economically diverse college in the United States.”
Duke’s Southern gentility is reflected in campus attire, which is generally neatly
pressed on guys and maybe a bit outfit- y on women, in contrast to the thrown-
together antistatus uniform of jeans and sweats that dominates on many other
campuses. Undergraduate women sometimes complain about the pressure they
feel to demonstrate, in the words of a (female)
former president, “effortless perfection” in all
respects. Despite the unmistakable air of wealth
on campus, about two- thirds of the students
come from public high schools. Nine percent
are Black, 11 percent are Hispanic/Latino,
21 percent are Asian American, and 7 percent are multiracial. Students of differ-
ent ethnicities and races tend to “self- segregate,” students say, producing little
tension but also little interaction. The Center for Race Relations works to improve
the way Duke educates its students about diversity and conflict resolution. Also
noteworthy: Duke was among the first universities to include in their admissions
application an optional short essay question in which applicants can discuss their
sexual, gender, or other identities.
Duke admits students without regard to financial need and meets 100 percent
of their demonstrated need. The university has eliminated loans from financial
aid packages for families with incomes below $40,000 a year, and families with
incomes below $60,000 a year are not expected to contribute to the cost of tui-
tion. In addition to lots of athletic scholarships, the university also offers a small
number of merit scholarships, including those offered through the Rubenstein
Scholars Program for high- achieving, first- generation students from low- income
backgrounds.
Duke undergrads are required to live on campus for three years; overall, 83 per-
cent stay in university- owned housing. Students live in residence halls or quads
that house both independent students and members of selective living groups
such as fraternities. Freshmen all reside in dorms on the East Campus along with a
faculty member and his or her family. “The dorms look like castles on the outside
and feel like Harry Potter,” says a junior, who adds that the new dorms “are like
five- star hotels.” Sophomores move to West Campus, where there are also special-
interest dorms focused on themes such as women’s studies, the arts, languages,
and community service. Seniors can move off campus. Students give good ratings
to campus security.
“Students tend to be
extremely driven, upper
middle class, and focused
on succeeding far after
college.”
DukeEngage supports
students willing
to spend summers
working on projects
ranging from building
schools in Kenya to
working with Gulf
Coast flood victims.
The Springternational
festival brings in live
bands and vendors
peddling local
crafts and exotic
foods each spring.
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DUKE UNIVERSITY 231
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Duke has been engaged in a massive physical expansion in recent years aimed at
enhancing students’ creature comforts, including a 72,000- square- foot, state- of- the- art
Student Wellness Center. The glass- fronted Brodhead Center for Campus Life recently
underwent an $80 million renovation, and the
main dining hall, known to students as the West
Union, offers options catered by local chefs and
restauranteurs. Consistent with Durham’s reputa-
tion as a foodie haven, the university boasts the most lavish and, students say,
costly— the local term is “wuflation”— dining on any college campus. Off- campus
restaurants are linked to the Duke meal plan.
“Duke students are the type who will start a club if they are interested in some-
thing that nobody else is doing, work hard on a paper late into the night, and then
go out Thursday, Friday, and Saturday,” says a public policy major. Students agree
that most social life takes place on campus or in surrounding houses and apart-
ments. Although it has been pushed away from the center of campus, “the Greek
scene dominates,” says a history major. Fraternities and sororities attract 29 percent
of the men and 42 percent of the women, respectively. Fraternity parties are open to
everyone, and the free shuttle bus service that connects the school’s various dorm
and apartment complexes runs until 4 a.m. “There is a strong drinking and party
culture on campus, though students are not pressured to participate,” one sopho-
more reports.
Duke is also a culturally active campus; theater groups thrive, and the Nasher
Museum of Art, with its world- class exhibits by Picasso, Calder, and El Greco, among
others, has become a popular social hub. The Springternational festival brings in
live bands and vendors peddling local crafts and exotic foods each spring, and the
traditional Joe College Day has been revived as a daylong fall affair filled with food,
arts and crafts, and music.
Durham is a small, working- class city that has had its share of racial tensions
but also boasts a vibrant Black middle class and strong political leadership. Duke
as an institution has been active in the community, especially in public schools,
and hundreds of undergrads are involved in ser-
vice learning, tutoring, and related activities.
“Everyone is involved in volunteer work,” says
one student. Downtown Durham is booming,
with old tobacco warehouses converted into restaurants, stores, offices, and apart-
ments. The town is proud of its Durham Bulls, the local minor- league baseball
team, which coined the term “bullpen” and inspired the iconic baseball film Bull
Durham. No one misses the irony of the fact that Durham, once known as the
“City of Tobacco,” now bills itself as the “City of Medicine.”
Duke’s official motto is Eruditio et Religio only to a few straitlaced administra-
tors; everyone else knows it as Eruditio et Basketballio, which for practical purposes
translates as “Go to hell, Carolina”— meaning UNC at Chapel Hill, Duke’s archrival
in the rough- and- tough Atlantic Coast Conference. At games, students transform
into the legendary Cameron Crazies and get the best courtside seats, where they
make life miserable for the visiting team. The Blue Devils won the national Division
I men’s basketball championship five times under fabled coach Mike Krzyzewski,
who retired in 2022. Sports- crazed Blue Devils erect a temporary tent city— dubbed
“Krzyzewskiville”— to vie for the best seats. This is far from roughing it— students
form groups to hold their places so that some fraction can go to class and keep
their peers who hold down the fort on track academically. “There is something
magical about Duke basketball, and the feeling of being in the student section
with the Cameron Crazies during the Duke– UNC game is something that can’t be
captured in words,” gushes one fan. Men’s lacrosse and women’s golf are national
“The Greek scene
dominates [Duke’s social
scene].”
Duke’s Sanford School
of Public Policy offers
an interdisciplinary
major— unusual at the
undergraduate level.
“There is something
magical about Duke
basketball.”
Freshmen all reside
in dorms on the East
Campus along with a
faculty member and
his or her family.
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232 EARLHAM COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
powerhouses as well. The previously hapless football team now plays in a reno-
vated stadium complete with luxury boxes for Iron Duke supporters and earns
occasional bowl bids. Intramurals are big, with roughly 950 teams, and operate on
two levels of competitiveness; more than 40 club sports are available as well.
Meandering around Duke’s up- to- date campus, you can see the latest technol-
ogy, but you can also hear the whisper of the Old South through those big old trees
and stunning architecture. In addition to a sophisticated blending of old and new,
Duke also does an impressive job combining sports and academia and producing
students who almost define the term “well- rounded.” With its distinctive blend of
interdisciplinarity, internationalization, and civic engagement, Duke has fashioned
a powerful new model for higher education in the 21st century.
Overlaps
Brown, Columbia,
Dartmouth,
University of
Pennsylvania,
University of
Chicago, Stanford,
Harvard, Yale
If You Apply To ›
Duke: Early decision, regular decision. Please consult Duke’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding stan-
dardized test requirements. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Additional optional essay invites applicants
to share a perspective or experience related to community, family, culture, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Earlham College
Richmond, IN 47374
Earlham is a member of the proud circle of solid liberal arts colleges that includes
Beloit, Grinnell, Kenyon, and Oberlin, to name just a few. Smallest of the group, but
manages to attract a highly diverse student body despite its conservative southern
Indiana location. Earlham is distinctive for its Quaker orientation, welcoming
environment, and international perspective.
Earlham is a study in contradictions— a top- notch liberal arts college in a relatively
conservative city that few could place on a map and an institution that in the 21st
century remains true to the traditions of community, peace, and justice that are
hallmarks of its Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) heritage. Earlham’s curriculum
and programs engage students with the world by exposing them to classmates from
more than 50 nations and offering some 200 academic courses that incorporate
an international perspective. Varied study abroad programs provide close faculty
involvement and a thoughtful focus on cross- cultural perspectives.
Earlham was established in 1859 in the wake of the Great Migration of Quakers
from Eastern states that took place in the first half of the 19th century. The college’s
800- acre campus sits in the small, quintessentially Midwestern city of Richmond,
just a short distance from Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Georgian- style buildings
dominate, surrounded by mature trees and plantings, while the Japanese gardens
symbolize the college’s long friendship and closeness with Japan.
To graduate, students must complete general education requirements in the
arts, analytical reasoning, wellness, scientific inquiry, foreign language, and, not
surprisingly, diversity. All students take a reading- and writing- focused first- year
seminar and complete a capstone experience. Psychology, biology, biochemistry,
global management, and international studies are some of the strongest and most
popular majors, and computer science also garners high enrollment. As of fall 2023,
engineering is now available as a major, with a curriculum that administrators say
is designed to prepare students to approach engineering problems “with a sense of
Website: www .earlham .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 616
Undergraduates: 587
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 40%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 55%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 1,375
Accepted: 73%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 75%
Returning Freshmen: 80%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (765) 983- 1600
Email Address: admissions @
earlham .edu
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EARLHAM COLLEGE 233
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
compassion and justice.” A wide range of interdisciplinary offerings includes such
programs as peace and global studies, environmental sustainability, and Japanese
studies, a field in which Earlham is a national leader. “The Japanese program has
high national standing,” says one student, “and the sciences have high placement
for graduate studies and jobs post- graduation.” Preprofessional preparation and
integrated learning programs are available in such areas as health sciences, educa-
tion, business and entrepreneurship, and law and social justice.
An international studies major says the academic climate is “very collaborative,
but still leaves room for individual critical thinking.” Discussion rather than lecture
is the predominant learning style here, facilitated by small classes— 85 percent have
fewer than 20 students. Earlham faculty mem-
bers are selected for their excellence in teaching
and their ability to cross disciplinary lines.
“Professors at Earlham are clear in what they
expect from students and help as much as they
can,” says a sophomore. Another student explains that, as a matter of Quaker prin-
ciple, faculty, staff, and students are never addressed by honorifics or social titles like
Dr. or Ms., but by their first names: “It’s an equality thing.”
The EPIC Advantage program provides every Earlham student with the opportu-
nity to pursue a fully funded internship or faculty- guided research experience, on or
off campus, typically during the summer before their junior or senior year. Seventy
percent of students participate in at least one off- campus study experience. Earlham
offers study abroad programs in more than two dozen countries, including Ecuador,
Germany, India, Japan, and New Zealand, most of which are managed by the col-
lege. In a Border Studies program, students live with families in Tucson, Arizona,
and take courses focusing on United States– Mexico border issues. Popular May Term
classes send students off campus with faculty for one- month intensive courses in
various locations around the world. “One of my friends, only a rising sophomore, is
spending several weeks in Germany with a professor studying ancient fossils in one
of the most advanced DNA analysis labs in the world,” says one sophomore. “His
story is not an uncommon one for freshmen, and this speaks to the unique availabil-
ity of great opportunities here.” About half of students eventually pursue postgrad-
uate study, often after taking some time off for a job or to participate in volunteer or
service programs.
Only 27 percent of the students are Hoosiers; impressively, another 19 percent
hail from abroad. Eight percent are Black, with Hispanics/Latinos adding 9 percent,
Asian Americans 3 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. These days, just 3 per-
cent of students are Friends, but traditional
Quaker values still permeate this liberal campus.
“Earlhamites come at all of their endeavors with
their whole hearts,” says a senior. “Many stu-
dents walk around barefoot (weather permitting),
and peace and justice are an Earlhamite’s deepest
love.” Merit scholarships averaging $28,900 are available for qualified students; there
are no athletic scholarships. Forty percent of incoming first- year students qualify for
Pell Grants.
Ninety percent of Earlham students live on campus, with first- years occupying
eight traditional residence halls. The newest, Mills Hall, offers suite- style accommo-
dations. Upperclassmen can opt to live in the dorms, the Campus Village Apartments,
or one of 20 themed college houses. Dining facilities receive average reviews. Some
say the administration has been slow and ineffective in its response to the issue of
campus sexual assault. “Information around reporting is sparse,” says a junior, “and
reporting rates are scary low.”
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Psychology
Biology
Biochemistry
Global Management
International Studies
Peace and Global Studies
Japanese Studies
Computer Science
“Professors at Earlham are
clear in what they expect
from students and help as
much as they can.”
In a Border Studies
program, students
live with families
in Tucson, Arizona,
and take courses
focusing on United
States– Mexico
border issues.
“Many students walk
around barefoot (weather
permitting), and peace and
justice are an Earlhamite’s
deepest love.”
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234 ECKERD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
There are no fraternities or sororities at Earlham, but on- campus activities
abound. “Most everything happens on campus, which is great because everything
is more open and accessible,” a student says. Students enjoy improv comedy, a cap-
pella music, equestrian programs, a lip- synch competition, fall and spring festivals,
concerts, and sports. Student groups include numerous religious, ethnic, and cul-
tural organizations, some of which also take the lead on throwing campus parties.
Students 21 and over can consume alcohol, although only in their residence hall
rooms, and a senior expresses the opinion that “Earlham parties are usually regarded
as lame.” Day trips to Cincinnati, Indianapolis, or Columbus and weekend visits to
other nearby universities are popular diversions.
Though not a college town, the city of Richmond offers standard American and
a variety of ethnic restaurants, as well as movie theaters, bowling alleys, golf, and a
popular biking and running trail. “Richmond has great opportunities for volunteer-
ing or interning with NGOs, but is less exciting if you are looking for a happening
night life,” reports a politics major. Students fan out into the city, racking up more
than 23,000 hours of volunteer service a year.
Earlham’s 19 varsity teams (the Quakers) attract nearly a third of the student
body and compete in Division III sports. Men’s and women’s soccer, men’s tennis
and baseball, and women’s track and field are strong. About half of the students
play club and intramural sports, and soccer, basketball, and kickball are the most
popular.
Earlham students graduate ready to take on the world, thanks to the school’s
cooperative, can- do spirit, international perspective, and caring student/faculty
community— and its commitment to a values- oriented education. “Earlham
is crunchy and a bit of an underdog but definitely punches above its weight class,”
opines a junior. “At Earlham, everyone is rooting for you and working with you to
dream bigger and then achieve those dreams.”
As a matter of Quaker
principle, faculty,
staff, and students
are never addressed
by honorifics or
social titles like
Dr. or Ms., but by
their first names.
Overlaps
Oberlin, College
of Wooster,
Kalamazoo,
Hanover, Knox,
St. Olaf, Kenyon,
Beloit
If You Apply To ›
Earlham: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (recommended for applicants who wish to be considered
for merit scholarships). Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Eckerd College
4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
There are few places more tempting to attend than a college with its own stretch
of beach on the shores near Tampa Bay. Eckerd’s only direct competitor in Florida
is Rollins, which has a business school but is otherwise similar. Marine science,
environmental studies, and international studies are among Eckerd’s biggest draws.
The student body is mainly from out of state, with an abundance of Yankee accents.
Attending Eckerd College demands a special sort of willpower. As an international
business major explains, “We are right on the water, and it is like going to college
in a resort.” With free paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, boats, coolers, and tents always
available for student use, it’s a wonder anyone finds time to study. But study they
do, as administrators continue to lure adventurous students to Eckerd with small
classes, skilled professors, and a thriving social scene. “It’s Eckerd’s paradise- like set-
ting that seals the deal for most prospective students,” says a sophomore.
Website: www .eckerd .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,929
Undergraduates: 1,929
Male/Female: 30/70
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Founded in 1958 as Florida Presbyterian College and renamed 14 years later after
a generous benefactor (of drugstore fame), Eckerd considers itself nonsectarian. Still,
the school maintains a formal “covenant” with the major Presbyterian denomina-
tion, from which it receives some funds. The lush, grassy campus is on the tip of a
peninsula bounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, with plenty of flowering
bushes, trees, and small ponds— it’s not unusual to spot dolphins frolicking in the
adjacent waters. Campus buildings are modern, and none are taller than three stories.
Highlights include the $25 million, LEED Platinum– rated James Center for Molecular
and Life Sciences and the state- of- the- art studios in the Nielsen Center for Visual Arts.
Autumn Term, Eckerd’s version of freshman orientation, is a three- week term
before the regular fall semester that introduces new students to the academic expec-
tations and social responsibilities of the Eckerd community. First- years also take a
Human Experience course in the fall, focusing
on topics like justice, power, freedom, and global
citizenship, and a First- Year Experience Seminar
in the spring. In addition to standard distribu-
tion requirements, all students take one course each in environmental and global
perspectives and complete at least 40 hours of community service before graduation;
service opportunities are built into reflective service- learning courses that are offered
in every major. Imagining Justice, the required senior capstone seminar, asks stu-
dents to draw on what they’ve learned during college to find solutions to important
issues. Seniors present their capstone work at a festival in the spring.
Eckerd students take their coursework seriously, but on the whole, a human
development major says, “The atmosphere is relaxed. How could it not be when
you can study and sunbathe at the beach?” Popular majors include environmen-
tal studies, marine science, animal studies, biology, psychology, chemistry, business
administration, international studies, and creative writing. Wet subjects are espe-
cially strong. “The close proximity to the ocean gives [marine science] majors a great
amount of hands- on, close- up experience,” a student says. The Eckerd College Search
and Rescue team, for instance, performs more than 500 marine rescues annually.
Eckerd was a pioneer of the 4– 1– 4 term schedule, in which students work on a single
project for credit each January. Every student has a faculty mentor, and there are no
graduate assistants; about half of all classes have fewer than 20 students. “The profes-
sors are genuinely interested in what they’re teaching, and you can see that passion
through their willingness to work with students,” says a marine science major.
Each year, 20 to 25 top incoming students are selected to participate in First- Year
Research Associateships, receiving stipends of up to $1,000 to work side by side with
leading professors on active research projects. A four- year honors program is also
available. While St. Petersburg isn’t exactly a college town, a side benefit to the school’s
location is the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College, a group of savvy
senior citizens who mentor undergrads, work with professors on curriculum develop-
ment, and lead workshops in their areas of expertise. Fifty- four percent of students
study abroad, mostly during three- week terms in January and May. Programs are avail-
able in more than 300 destinations, including the school’s study center in London.
A former Eckerd president once referred to the school’s quirky students as “intel-
lectuals in sandals,” reports a junior. “I like the quote, and it really works.” Another
student says Eckerd attracts “friendly, liberal,
free- spirited, and intelligent” students who enjoy
the great outdoors and care about protecting the
environment. Seventy- nine percent of the stu-
dent body hails from out of state, with a large contingent coming from the Northeast;
another 4 percent come from other countries. Hispanics/Latinos account for 9 per-
cent of the student body, Black students 3 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent, and
(continued)
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 63%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 5,548
Accepted: 65%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 67%
Returning Freshmen: 77%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (727) 864- 8331
Email Address: admissions @
eckerd .edu
Strong Programs:
Marine Science
Environmental Studies
International Studies
Animal Studies
Biology
Psychology
Chemistry
Business Administration
“We are right on the water,
and it is like going to
college in a resort.”
All students take
one course each in
environmental and
global perspectives
and complete at
least 40 hours of
community service
before graduation.
“[Students are] friendly,
liberal, free- spirited, and
intelligent.”
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236 ECKERD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
multiracial students 6 percent. Merit scholarships averaging $18,700 and athletic
awards are available to qualified students.
Eighty- seven percent of students live in the housing quads. First- years usually live in
doubles or triples, while suite- and apartment- style residence halls are available for upper-
class students. Most campus housing is gender neutral. Waterfront views and beach
access are a given, and a sophomore notes, “We
have many different types of themed housing,
including pet- friendly, all- female, and health and
wellness housing options.” Vegan and vegetarian
options in Eckerd’s dining facilities are plentiful;
the food generally gets average reviews. A manage-
ment major explains that, given the school’s location near a tourist destination, “a
security post at the entrance of the school provides a safer environment for students.”
“Eckerd is a primarily student- run campus,” says a junior, “and there are usu-
ally fun and interactive events that happen every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.”
Students can partake in concerts, lectures, shows, and games arranged by the stu-
dent activity board. There are no Greek organizations (a sophomore comments, “We
have residence halls named after Greek letters, making fun of the tradition of having
frats and sororities”), and weekend parties are usually held in the Kappa, Nu, and
Omega dorms. Kegs and glass bottles are prohibited on campus, and students 21
and over must wear wristbands at campus parties. Students and professors gather
regularly for Fridays with Faculty and Friends to enjoy good conversation, food,
and root beer floats in the campus pub. The last few weeks of the school year bring
Springtopia, featuring major events like the Spring Ball and the Kappa Karnival, with
rides, games, and cotton candy galore.
Off campus, students enjoy downtown St. Petersburg’s First Friday block parties
and Saturday Morning Market. Tampa and St. Pete also offer a Salvador Dalí
museum— free for Eckerd students— and professional baseball, football, hockey, and
soccer teams. The nightclubs and bars of Latin- flavored Ybor City are about 30 min-
utes away, and tempting road trips include Orlando’s Walt Disney World and
Universal Studios theme parks, Miami’s South Beach, and that hub of debauchery
on the delta, New Orleans.
Varsity teams (the Tritons— after a Greek sea god) compete in the Division II
Sunshine State Conference. “Men’s basketball is the only sport that attracts lots of
fans and spectators,” a senior says, and for good reasons— the men’s and women’s
teams are both frequent conference winners. The Triton Tip- Off pep rally helps kick
off the season. Baseball and women’s volleyball (both indoor and beach) are com-
petitive, too, and the co- ed sailing team has claimed several recent divisional and
regional titles. Eckerd doesn’t have a football team, but popular club sports include
rugby, lacrosse, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee.
Eckerd is committed to offering “experiential, service, and international learn-
ing” alongside the traditional classroom experience. That mission, combined with a
focus on social justice and, of course, all the fun to be had in the Florida sun, gives
Eckerd its distinctive flavor. As a sophomore puts it, “We have dogs, we have beaches,
we have intense science labs, and tons of research opportunities. If you are serious
about working hard and studying, and getting tan while doing it, Eckerd is the right
place to do it!”
“We have many different
types of themed housing,
including pet- friendly, all-
female, and health and
wellness housing options.”
Students and
professors gather
regularly for Fridays
with Faculty and
Friends to enjoy good
conversation, food,
and root beer floats
in the campus pub.
Overlaps
Allegheny, Goucher,
Saint Anselm, Lewis
& Clark, Rollins,
Cornell College,
University of Puget
Sound, Roger
Williams
If You Apply To ›
Eckerd: Early action, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Eckerd’s web-
site for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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ELON UNIVERSITY 237
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Edinburgh: See page 369.
Elon University
Elon, NC 27244
With tough in- state competition from the likes of Duke, Wake Forest, and the UNCs,
Elon has put itself on the map with aggressive marketing and a classic colonial- style
campus. Strong emphasis on global perspectives and active, experiential learning.
A counterpart to University of Richmond with medium size, strong preprofessional
programs, well- heeled student body, and popularity among Northerners.
Elon University derives its name from the Hebrew word for “oak,” and at each year’s
opening convocation, entering students are given an acorn. Four years later, they
are presented with an oak sapling at commencement. It’s a charming tradition and
a reminder of how things grow and change. With an emphasis on undergraduate
research, internships, service learning, study abroad, and leadership— the five Elon
Experiences— the university also provides its students with plenty of opportunities
to mature, intellectually and socially. “Finding a program that really matches your
interest and getting involved in research is a great direction,” urges a psychology
and sociology major.
Elon was founded in 1889 and occupies a 690- acre campus in North Carolina’s
Piedmont region, and it is arguably the most architecturally consistent campus in
the nation. Buildings are Georgian- style brick with white trim, and newer buildings
have been adapted to modern architectural lines
while maintaining this classic collegiate feel. On
the north end of campus is Lake Mary Nell, home
to an abundance of geese and ducks. Academic
buildings are organized in five clusters: a historic
quad near a fountain in the older section of the
campus; the Lambert Academic Village; the School of Communications, a three-
building quad; a business center; and a newly constructed Innovation Quad, home
to engineering and other STEM programs. Other recent construction includes a
5,100- seat athletics arena, three residence halls, and a learning center for academic
advising and support services.
To graduate, students must complete a core curriculum that includes a broad
range of liberal arts and science subjects, as well as an interdisciplinary capstone
seminar. All students must fulfill an Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR)
by completing at least two of the five Elon Experiences. “I’ve found the critical
thinking and reflection that comes from ELRs to be extremely beneficial for dis-
cussing my experiences and strengths in job interviews,” says a journalism major.
The university offers more than 70 undergraduate degrees, including nursing that
also has an accelerated B.S. option. Business majors— especially finance, marketing,
and accounting— are some of the strongest and most popular; students also flock
to strategic communications and psychology. Programs in drama, education, and
biology are strong. The School of Communications is nationally recognized, and its
cinema and television arts program benefits from two ultramodern digital television
studios. Aspiring engineers may enroll in Elon’s four- year engineering degree pro-
gram or pursue a 3– 2 dual degree with partner institutions like Virginia Tech, Georgia
Tech, Penn State, and others.
Website: www .elon .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 6,894
Undergraduates: 6,147
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 80%
Pell Grant: 10%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 39%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 17,551
Accepted: 75%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 334- 8448
Email Address: admissions @
elon .edu
Strong Programs:
Finance
Marketing
Accounting
Drama
Education
Biology
Communications
Cinema and Television Arts
“[Having small classes]
makes it easier to learn
and more intimate, with
your professors knowing
everyone.”
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238 ELON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Elon has an elaborate faculty- managed support system designed to ensure that
first- year students don’t fall through the cracks. Elon 1010 serves as an academic ori-
entation for all first- years; students meet weekly in small groups with an academic
advisor and an upper- level student. Students begin general studies with a course
called The Global Experience, a seminar- style interdisciplinary class that investi-
gates challenges facing the world. Undergraduate courses are capped at 32 students,
which “makes it easier to learn and more intimate, with your professors knowing
everyone,” enthuses a policy studies major.
“We don’t have the same level of academic rigor as other private liberal arts
schools in the region,” remarks an anthropology major, “but we make up for it with
our focus on experiential learning.” Twenty- three percent of undergrads engage in
research with faculty and present their work at a research forum in the spring. Most
students study abroad, thanks to the 4– 1– 4 academic calendar and more than 100
study abroad programs that students rave about. For career preparation, 82 percent
of students complete internships and students praise the career services office. Elon’s
eight Fellows Programs, to which prospective students can apply alongside their
admissions applications, are designed for exceptionally motivated students. They
offer faculty support, scholarships, and peer networks, and current participants
highly recommend them as being “profoundly impactful.”
Given Elon’s emphasis on out- of- classroom endeavors, students here have a lot
going on. Twenty- five percent of undergrads come from North Carolina, with most of
the rest hailing from the Northeast, and women outnumber men 3 to 2. Six percent
of students are Black, 7 percent Hispanic/Latino,
2 percent Asian American, 3 percent multiracial,
and 2 percent international. Somewhat surpris-
ingly for a school that was once a top choice for
first- generation college students, only 10 percent
of undergraduates qualify for Pell Grants. Lack of racial and socioeconomic diversity
is a common complaint, but students are now required to take a four- hour course on
advancing equity. Politically, says a senior, the campus “certainly does lean liberal,
but there are more conservatives here than you think.” Forty- five percent of admitted
applicants are automatically awarded the Presidential Scholarship. Overall, merit
scholarships average $7,658 per year, and the university awards more than 276 ath-
letic scholarships.
Sixty- nine percent of students reside on campus; they are required to do so for
their first two years, and many choose to stay on campus for all four years. “The new
dorms and apartments are gorgeous and nicer than where I’ll be living after gradua-
tion,” says a senior. Options include traditional residence halls, university- owned
apartments, and the Global and Colonnades neighborhoods, which feature two
dozen living/learning communities, such as Creative Arts, Gender and Sexuality,
and Innovation. Designed to bridge classroom learning with social experiences,
these communities also serve to bring together diverse groups of students with
common interests in a safe space; many participants in the Gender and Sexuality
community, for instance, identify as LGBTQIA. Elon recently launched HealthEU, a
wellness initiative to support student mental health. Those who move off campus
find plenty of options within walking distance.
Campus dining, which consists of three dining
halls and almost 20 retail locations, receives
good reviews for taste, variety, and accommoda-
tions for allergies and special diets. Campus security programs are said to be effective
and include escort services, Safe Rides, and the Live Safe app to help students get
home safely.
“Greek organizations definitely set the tone for social life,” says a junior, and
Elon has an elaborate
faculty- managed
support system
designed to ensure
that first- year
students don’t fall
through the cracks.
“The new dorms and
apartments are gorgeous
and nicer than where I’ll be
living after graduation.”
“Greek organizations
definitely set the tone for
social life.”
Eighty- one percent of
students participate
in community service,
both domestically
and abroad.
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EMERSON COLLEGE 239
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
it attracts 20 percent of the men and 39 percent of the women. Students report
that alcohol policies are loosely enforced. The Student Union Board hosts events
every weekend, like bingo and trivia nights, a cappella concerts, and comedy shows.
Favorite campus traditions include a weekly College Coffee, where students and fac-
ulty mingle over free breakfast— a tradition since 1984; the Wednesday Food Truck
Frenzy also gets shout- outs. An exercise science major says, “We have a Festival of
Lights before winter break, and a holiday party at our president’s house is a hallmark
of the holiday season.”
The tiny town of Elon is virtually indistinguishable from the university. “There’s
nothing to do here if you don’t go to Paulie’s or Frogg’s,” gripes a junior. Students
do take an active role in the community through volunteer projects. Eighty- one
percent of students participate in community service, both domestically and abroad,
and one student confirms, “Service is one of the bigger components of life as an Elon
student.” The nationally known Elon University Poll, which the school runs as a
public service, tracks political and public policy issues. Road trips to the beach (three
hours), the mountains (one hour), and Chapel Hill or Raleigh- Durham (less than an
hour) are popular diversions.
Elon competes in the Division I Colonial Athletic Association and offers 17
Phoenix teams. Indoor and outdoor track and field and women’s cross-country, and
men’s soccer were recent conference champions. Men’s basketball and softball are
also strong. The intramural program covers more than 20 sports, including esports,
climbing, and martial arts, and a successful club sports program lets students com-
pete with other schools.
“Elon’s best asset is honestly its commitment to engaged learning,” says one
student. By steadily ramping up its educational offerings, increasing and improving
its facilities, and becoming more selective, this supportive liberal arts university is
quickly outgrowing its local reputation. “Elon is a close- knit culture,” says a senior,
“that’s focused on students and their overall well- being and success.”
Road trips to the
beach, the mountains,
and Chapel Hill or
Raleigh- Durham are
popular diversions.
Overlaps
University of
Richmond,
American
University,
Bucknell, Chapman,
Furman, James
Madison, NC State,
UNC Chapel Hill,
Clemson, Syracuse
If You Apply To ›
Elon: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Application includes
optional field for students who identify as part of the LGBTQIA community. Please consult Elon’s website for the most up- to-
date information regarding standardized test scores.
Emerson College
120 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
BEST
BUY
Emerson is strategically located on Boston Common in the heart of Boston’s
Theater District and within walking distance of many of the city’s major attractions.
Specializes in communication and the arts. With roughly 4,000 undergraduates,
Emerson is a smaller alternative to neighboring giants Boston U and Northeastern.
Like most Beantown institutions, it is far more selective than it once was.
Those who aspire to a career in film, television, or marketing may want to start with
a four- year stint in Boston. There they will find Emerson College, a small liberal arts
school that offers strong programs in communication and the arts, as well as top-
notch performance and production facilities. At Emerson, students take notes from
professors who also happen to be working directors, producers, actors, editors, and
Website: www .emerson .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 5,319
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240 EMERSON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
writers. It’s an approach that helps talented, city- savvy students find their voices.
Emerson has turned out such notable alumni as actors and comedians Denis Leary,
Jennifer Coolidge, Jen Kirkman, and Jay Leno. “If you are serious about surrounding
yourself with creative people during your college years,” says a journalism major,
“this is the school for you.” Prospective students take note: getting into Emerson
requires more than dreams. You’ll need a solid academic record as well as plenty
of talent.
Founded in 1880, Emerson is located on Boston Common in the middle of the
city’s Theater District, and much of the surrounding city is accessible by foot. The
campus features a mix of traditional and modern high- rise buildings. The historic
Cutler Majestic and Emerson Colonial theaters,
the anchors of Emerson’s urban campus, have
been restored to their original grandeur. The
11- story Tufte Performance and Production
Center features rehearsal spaces, a costume
shop, a makeup lab, and television studios.
Students here also have access to professional- grade equipment and digital labs,
audio postproduction suites, radio stations (Emerson is home to the oldest non-
commercial radio station in Boston), a multimedia newsroom, and a marketing
research suite featuring eye- tracking technology and a two- way mirror for con-
ducting focus groups.
Core requirements at Emerson consist of a combination of traditional courses
and interdisciplinary seminars. All students must take courses in two areas:
Foundations, which includes writing and oral communication, and Perspectives,
which includes courses in aesthetics; ethics and values; history; literature; quantita-
tive reasoning; diversity; world languages; and scientific, social, and psychological
perspectives. Honors students take intensive seminars in their first three years and
complete a senior thesis.
Undergraduates may choose from 27 majors in communication and the arts,
ranging from stage and screen design technology and business of creative enter-
prises to communication disorders and journalism. Performance- related majors,
such as acting and musical theatre, tend to be the most popular, along with visual
and media arts; writing, literature, and publishing; journalism; and marketing
communication. An entrepreneurship minor features a business plan competition
known as the Entrepreneurship Exposition; students vie for thousands of dollars in
start- up funds.
In 2020 Emerson completed an agreement with Marlboro College under which
Marlboro closed its campus in Southern Vermont and transferred its academic pro-
grams to Emerson. Tenure- track faculty at Marlboro were offered teaching positions
at the renamed Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies at
Emerson College. The partnership perpetuates Marlboro’s innovative approach to
liberal arts education, which emphasizes independent study and close student/
faculty relationships. Students in the Marlboro Institute design their own interdis-
ciplinary studies major tailored to their unique academic interests and complete a
yearlong senior capstone project.
“The classes at Emerson are more challenging creatively than academically,”
says a junior. A media arts production major agrees: “Students are encouraged to try
new things and explore new mediums and apply for weird, wacky opportunities.”
Eighty percent of all classes have fewer than 20 students, and a political communi-
cation major says professors “give us real- world perspective and also always have an
ear to the ground for those of us looking for internships.”
For those seeking a spotlight and stage in a different setting, Emerson offers sev-
eral global study options, including a semester- long program at Kasteel Well (in the
(continued)
Undergraduates: 4,035
Male/Female: 36/64
Financial Aid: 75%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 59%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 11,568
Accepted: 45%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 79%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (617) 824- 8600
Email Address: admission @
emerson .edu
Strong Programs:
Communication Studies
Performing Arts
Film Art
Visual and Media Arts
Writing, Literature, and
Publishing
Journalism
Marketing Communication
Business of Creative
Enterprises
“If you are serious about
surrounding yourself with
creative people during your
college years, this is the
school for you.”
Emerson has two
radio stations,
six humor and
literary journals, 10
performance troupes,
and six production
organizations.
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EMERSON COLLEGE 241
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Netherlands), where students are housed in a restored, college- owned, 14th- century
castle complete with moats, gardens, and a gatehouse. Each semester about 200 stu-
dents live at Emerson’s Los Angeles Center on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, where
they participate in internships with the likes of HBO, Warner Bros., Dreamworks,
and the Los Angeles Times. Another semester- long program sends participants to
Washington, D.C., for classes and internships. “Above all, cocurriculars are the
backbone of an Emerson education,” a film production major says. “Classes are
thought- provoking, but nothing prepares you for the real world better than actually
getting out into the field to practice as much as possible.” In an effort to establish
a global presence, Emerson’s Global Portals initiative allows international students
without U.S. passports to earn select Emerson degrees at partner universities in
France, Switzerland, and Australia.
“The students at Emerson are artistic, passionate, and career- focused,” says a
student. Adds another, “We have a very large ‘hipster’ presence at our school.”
Seventeen percent of undergraduates hail from Massachusetts, and most come from
public high schools. Sixteen percent are interna-
tional. Black students account for 6 percent of
the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 11 percent,
Asian Americans 5 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 6 percent. Despite a noticeable lack of
socioeconomic and ethnic diversity, “Emerson is
known for being extremely LGBTQ- friendly,” says one senior. “Students are always
championing liberal social causes.” Emerson offers merit scholarships averaging
$13,600 to qualified applicants, as well as scholarships to support underrepresented
students. There are no athletic awards.
A majority of undergrads reside on campus, since they are required to live in
college housing for their first three years. After that, says a junior, “A lot of students
take it as a rite of passage to move off campus.” Several living/learning communities
are available, such as Community Outreach, Digital Culture, and Writers’ Block. A
senior says campus fare passes muster: “The food is fine, but definitely not a high-
light.” Each building requires an ID to enter, and public safety officers regularly
patrol the streets outside the buildings. “Emerson has had a rocky history with han-
dling sexual assault,” reports a junior. Although the college has taken steps to address
concerns, another student explains, “The student body believes that there is still
more to be done.”
“While there is no shortage of on- campus events like comedy shows, perfor-
mances, and club meetings, a lot of the traditional college nightlife tends to
happen in the city or at someone’s off- campus apartment,” says a sophomore.
More than 100 student organizations offer
ample opportunity for involvement, including
two radio stations, six humor and literary jour-
nals, 10 performance troupes, and six produc-
tion organizations. “Each student is involved in
a million different things,” claims a student.
Popular annual festivities include the EVVY Awards, the largest student- run awards
show in the country. Greek life, which attracts a mere 2 percent of Emerson men
and 3 percent of the women, is a negligible influence at Emerson. Those seeking a
more active party scene head to larger Boston universities on weekends. Students
need only step off campus or hop on the T (Boston’s subway system) to enjoy
other diversions, including theater, museums, the Franklin Park Zoo, the Boston
Public Garden, the Freedom Trail, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and major
league baseball at Fenway Park. A student says, “Emerson students live, study,
work, and volunteer in almost every major neighborhood and area of the city.”
“Students are encouraged
to try new things and
explore new mediums and
apply for weird, wacky
opportunities.”
Undergraduates may
choose from 25 majors
in communication
and the arts.
“A lot of the traditional
college nightlife tends to
happen in the city or at
someone’s off- campus
apartment.”
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242 EMORY UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Emerson fields 14 Division III athletic teams, and the Lions compete as a member
of the Eastern College Athletic Conference and the New England Women’s and
Men’s Athletic Conference. Solid teams include baseball, softball, basketball, cross-
country, lacrosse, and soccer. Students also enjoy an active intramural program and
take advantage of the 10,000- square- foot fitness center featuring state- of- the- art
equipment, classes, and wellness workshops.
“Emerson prepares creative thinkers to get out into the workforce and make a
difference,” says one senior. While you are not guaranteed to become the next
Oscar- winning director, the possibility is not that unreasonable at Emerson. And
even if a lifestyle of fame is not for you, the excellent education, small classes, and
attentive professors may teach you how to be the “star” of your own life story.
Overlaps
Bentley, Chapman,
Butler, Rollins,
Elon, Boston
University,
Northeastern, NYU
If You Apply To ›
Emerson: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (test- optional applicants are encour-
aged to submit an optional creative sample or portfolio). Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Additional
materials required for applicants to performing arts, media production, comedic arts, and honors programs.
Emory University
200 Boisfeuillet Jones Center, Atlanta, GA 30322
Emory stands out from rivals like Duke and Vanderbilt thanks to its commitment to
innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Attracts a larger contingent from the
Northeast than other Southern schools of its ilk. Business and premed are major
draws, and its suburban Atlanta location is tough to beat. Also consider Oxford
College, Emory’s two- year, small- town liberal arts campus.
Emory University may lack the liberal arts prowess of the Northeastern schools with
which it competes, but it’s a favorite of preprofessional students from both U.S. coasts
and around the globe. They come for its size (big, but not too big), location, national
reputation, and, increasingly, for its diversity— nearly 20 percent of students are
international. One sophomore says, “Probably the best part of Emory [is] meeting
people from all over the world and all different kinds of backgrounds.” Even with
the university’s academic rigor, students say they feel supported in the classroom,
and an atmosphere of Southern friendliness enhances the vibrant campus life.
Founded in 1836 in Oxford, Georgia, and relocated to Atlanta in 1915, Emory
(named in honor of a Methodist bishop) is set on 631 acres of woods and rolling
hills in the Druid Hills suburb of Atlanta. The campus spreads out from an academic
quad of marble- covered, red- roofed buildings.
Contemporary structures dot the periphery of
the lush, green grounds. Emory has expanded
science and math research facilities, added a per-
forming arts center, and updated freshman housing in recent years. The three- story
Emory Student Center houses the campus’s main dining facilities, student organiza-
tions, and various multipurpose spaces.
Emory University offers applicants the choice between two different undergrad-
uate experiences at two distinct campuses: Emory College in Atlanta, Georgia, and
Oxford College, 45 minutes away in Oxford, Georgia. Emory College may be best
for students who seek a standard four- year undergraduate experience at a research
Website: www .emory .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 13,251
Undergraduates: 6,952
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 58%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 32%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 33,179
Accepted: 11%
Enrolled: 38%
Grad in 6 Years: 90%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (404) 727- 6036
Email Address: admiss @
emory .edu
“Probably the best part of
Emory [is] meeting people
from all over the world.”
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EMORY UNIVERSITY 243
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
institution that values academic independence and intellectual engagement. Oxford
College, which enrolls about 1,000 students, is suited for those who seek a small
liberal arts college experience and early opportunities for leadership. Following two
years of study at Oxford, all students continue as juniors at the Atlanta campus.
Emory’s distribution requirements span the liberal arts and sciences, aiming
to develop competence in writing, quantitative methods, a second language,
and physical education. All freshmen take a first- year seminar that is limited to
15 students each and introduces them to college- level work.
Fifty- eight percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Just as Emory has
invested in its physical plant, the school has focused on adding star faculty members
to key departments, such as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the school of the-
ology, Salman Rushdie, and, more recently, Tayari Jones in the creative writing pro-
gram. “Faculty members make teaching a priority and set aside a significant amount
of time for mentoring and helping students with both the course material and with
life in general,” says one student. Opportunities for mentored research are available
in all fields, and a chemistry major says, “Many students find research opportunities
through professors they had during their freshman year.”
Along with the sciences, business administration, nursing, biology, neurosci-
ence, and economics are among Emory’s most notable majors. Offerings in biology
and chemistry benefit from physical proximity to the federal Centers for Disease
Control, while a major in quantitative sciences allows students to combine the study
of data science with one of 18 liberal arts tracks, ranging from art history to psychol-
ogy. Many political science professors have ties to the Carter Center (named for the
former president, who for nearly 40 years participated in an annual town hall meet-
ing on campus) and serve as regular guests on nearby CNN. The English and creative
writing program is nationally recognized. Emory has received a significant portion
of Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney’s archive, and its unique Irish studies program is
said to rival those of Notre Dame and Boston College. A 3– 2 dual- degree program
allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree at Emory and a bachelor’s degree in engi-
neering at Georgia Tech. The Center for International Programs Abroad offers more
than 100 study programs on six continents. The students who participate earn
Emory credit and Emory grades, and they can receive Emory financial aid, scholar-
ships, and grants.
“Though Emory is definitely not an easy school, and you have to work hard to
earn your grades, overall, everyone manages to find a good balance between class-
work, extracurriculars, and socializing,” says a
senior. Around 30 percent of undergraduates hail
from the Southeast, 25 percent are from the Mid-
Atlantic region, and 17 percent come from more
than 100 countries around the world. Nearly a
quarter of incoming students identify as Asian
American, 13 percent as Black, 12 percent as Hispanic/Latino, and 5 percent are
multiracial. Politically, the campus is left- leaning, but according to one sophomore,
political activism “is not a huge part of campus life.” That’s not to say students
aren’t concerned about social issues; in fact, many do service work through Volunteer
Emory. Emory meets the full demonstrated need of all admitted students; merit
scholarships worth an average of $28,000 are awarded annually, but there are no
athletic scholarships. Furthermore, university financial aid packages eliminate or
cap loans for students from families who meet certain income requirements.
Sixty- two percent of Emory students live in campus housing; freshmen and
sophomores are required to do so. Each first- year dorm has a special living theme,
such as social innovation and global cultures, and a theater studies major reports,
“The accommodations for first- years are really nice because all of the rooms have
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Biology
Chemistry
Quantitative Sciences
Political Science
English and Creative Writing
Nursing
Neuroscience
Emory University
offers applicants
the choice between
two different
undergraduate
experiences at two
distinct campuses.
Many political science
professors have ties
to the Carter Center
(named for the
former president).
“Many students find
research opportunities
through professors they
had during their freshman
year.”
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244 EMORY UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
been renovated recently, but the sophomore residence halls aren’t as nice.” Lucky
juniors and seniors may hang their hats in the one- to four- bedroom Clairmont
Campus apartments, which boast such luxuries as private bedrooms, a washer- dryer
in each unit, a rec center, and a heated, outdoor, Olympic- sized pool. In addition to
the dining halls, there are small cafés, grills, and food courts on campus. Meals get
fair reviews, but a nursing major cautions that “a disproportionate amount of tofu
and catfish is served.” When it comes to combating sexual violence, one student
says, “Emory is very big on education and prevention.”
“Most social life takes place on campus, but we are so close to Atlanta nightlife
that many students choose to explore the area,” says a student. Fraternities and
sororities attract 20 percent of students, so, of course, Greek parties are abundant.
Other options include concerts, Theater Emory
shows, and other events organized by the Student
Programming Committee. Alcohol isn’t allowed
in the freshman dorms, and “anyone caught will
definitely suffer consequences,” a freshman
warns. A very popular highlight of the social cal-
endar is Dooley’s Week, a spring festival in honor of the “Spirit of Emory” (the
school’s unofficial mascot), Dooley, a skeleton who reportedly escaped from the
biology lab more than 100 years ago. If Dooley walks into your class, the class is
dismissed, and the week culminates with a costume ball in his honor. Freshman
halls also have Songfest, a competition where residents make up spirit- filled
song- and- dance routines.
Just 20 minutes away, downtown Atlanta offers a multitude of diversions, from
major league sports to plays at the Fox Theatre, exhibits at the High Museum of Art,
marine wildlife at the Georgia Aquarium, and shopping at the Lenox Square.
Upperclassmen enjoy the Atlanta bar scene, and some local dance clubs host college
nights. The Emory Experience Shuttle provides free transportation to popular neigh-
borhoods and festivals. Road trips include Stone Mountain, Athens, Savannah, and
the beaches of Florida and the Carolinas.
Emory doesn’t field a varsity football team, but the Eagles have produced
a number of Division III national champs in recent years, including men’s and
women’s swimming and diving, women’s golf, and men’s and women’s tennis.
Emory competes against academic powerhouses such as the University of Chicago
and Carnegie Mellon in the University Athletic Association conference. Many stu-
dents join at least one intramural or club sports team at either a competitive or a
recreational level. Popular options include basketball, flag football, soccer, crew,
and lacrosse.
While many Southern schools suffer from a regional provincialism, that isn’t
true at Emory, which blends a focus on teaching and research to nurture creativity
and turn out leaders who are highly sought after in the working world— and by post-
graduate law, medical, and business programs. As one satisfied student concludes,
Emory offers “high academic quality and rigor,” yet “still has the hospitality and
charm of a Southern school.”
“The accommodations for
first- years are really nice
because all of the rooms
have been renovated
recently.”
Atlanta offers
a multitude of
diversions, from major
league sports to plays
at the Fox Theatre.
Overlaps
Duke, Georgetown,
University of
Pennsylvania,
Vanderbilt, WashU
in St. Louis, Johns
Hopkins
If You Apply To ›
Emory: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Emory’s
website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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EUGENE LANG COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS 245
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
65 West 11th Street, New York, NY 10011
Home to just over 1,600 street- savvy, freethinking urbanites, Eugene Lang College
is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to much larger neighbor NYU in
Manhattan’s chic Greenwich Village. Emphasis on progressive critical inquiry pursued
in seminar settings. With the city as its campus, Lang offers a less cohesive sense
of community than traditional small liberal arts schools. Long- standing international
perspective and strength in arts and humanities still predominate.
Students seeking a typical college experience— large lectures, rowdy football games,
and rigid academic requirements— would do well to steer clear of Eugene Lang
College of Liberal Arts, The New School’s undergraduate liberal arts college. That’s
because Lang offers small seminars, individualized academic programs with mini-
mal required coursework, and not a single varsity sport— not to mention an urban
campus that reflects the quirky and kinetic atmosphere of Greenwich Village. “We
don’t want to become business leaders, but instead teachers, community organiz-
ers, thinkers, professors, and writers,” a junior says. “Students here want to change
the world.”
Lang fits right in amid the brownstones and trendy boutiques of one of New
York’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The school’s main hub is a single five- story
building between Fifth and Sixth Avenues on West 11th Street, although students
make use of all 16 of the buildings that The New School occupies along lower Fifth
Avenue. The New School’s library is small, but students have access to the mas-
sive Bobst Library at NYU, which is just a few blocks away, as is the excitement of
Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park. The 16- story University Center
offers state- of- the- art facilities, including “smart” classrooms, design studios, a resi-
dence hall, and an auditorium.
The New School was founded in 1919 by a band of progressive scholars that
included John Dewey, Charles Beard, and Thorstein Veblen. A decade and a half
later, it became a haven for European intellectuals fleeing Nazi persecution, and
over the years it has been the teaching home of
many notable thinkers, including Buckminster
Fuller and Hannah Arendt. Created in 1975, the
undergraduate college was renamed 10 years
later for Eugene Lang, a progressive philanthro-
pist who made a significant donation to the
school. In addition to Lang, today’s New School
includes a graduate program in social research, a school of management, and var-
ious arts and music programs, most notably Parsons School of Design. At night,
the Schools of Public Engagement are host to a huge assortment of public lectures
and performances, as well as continuing education courses.
The two most distinctive features of Lang are the small classes— 91 percent
have fewer than 20 students— and undergraduates pursuing their own path of
study with minimal general education requirements. As freshmen, students
take one year of writing and choose one required first- year seminar from a
broad- based menu; the seminar also incorporates workshops on nonacademic
concerns and study skills and is taught by a professor who serves as students’
faculty advisor. Additionally, all students take two University Lecture courses,
choosing from three categories: Tools for Social Change, Introductions to Social
Research, and Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Arts and Humanities. In their
Website: www .newschool
.edu/ lang
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,604
Undergraduates: 1,604
Male/Female: 20/75
Financial Aid: 92%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 2,643
Accepted: 85%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 54%
Returning Freshmen: 75%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
%
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 292- 3040
Email Address: lang @
newschool .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Theater
Politics
Urban Studies
Literary Studies
Journalism + Design
Culture and Media
Psychology
“There is a large emphasis
on research and studying
not only core academic
texts, but also branching
out into more alternative
forms of learning.”
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246 EUGENE LANG COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
final year, students take on a senior capstone project that synthesizes their edu-
cational experience.
Lang’s most popular majors include literary studies, journalism + design, cul-
ture and media, psychology, and the arts; economics, theater, and politics are other
strengths. Its city location enhances the urban studies program, and the writing
minor is highly praised. While introductory language courses are plentiful, upper-
level language offerings are limited. The college has, however, beefed up its offer-
ings in global studies and added a minor called “code as a liberal art,” which focuses
on coding and computational systems in a liberal arts context. Thirty percent of
undergrads take advantage of more than 40 joint B.A./M.A. and B.S./M.S. programs,
including public and urban policy, international affairs, and arts management and
entrepreneurship. “There is a large emphasis on research and studying not only
core academic texts, but also branching out into more alternative forms of learn-
ing,” says a politics major. A large portion of the faculty consists of part- time
adjuncts who hold other jobs in their respective fields. “I credit many professors
with helping me navigate the professional world as I have gone to many of them
for advice on getting internships, working in government, or discussing careers,”
praises a junior.
The main academic complaint is the limited range of seminars, but outside pro-
grams and partnerships offer more variety. Students may enroll in approved classes
in other divisions of The New School, including Parsons, and nearly 60 minors
offered across the university provide opportuni-
ties to study topics like law and social change,
sustainable cities, creative entrepreneurship, and
capitalism studies. Lang’s popular Civic Liberal
Arts program offers courses that incorporate vis-
iting fellows from community partners, the likes of which have included the New
York Times, the Center for Traditional Music and Dance, and Brooklyn Grange.
Seventeen percent of students study abroad, and semester- long exchange programs
are available with the University of Amsterdam, John Cabot University in Rome,
and Sophia University in Tokyo, among others.
Lang attracts a disparate group of undergraduates, but many of them can be
described as idealistic, independent, and politically progressive. “Most students
have a passion for the social justice or political issues they are studying, and many
do outside work with organizations related to their passions,” explains a politics
major. Some students are slightly older than conventional college age; 75 percent
are female. Twenty- two percent are from New York, and 17 percent come from
abroad. Five percent are Black, 13 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 8 percent are Asian
American, and 9 percent are multiracial. Lang admits students regardless of their
finances. Merit scholarships averaging $17,700 are offered, but no varsity teams
means no athletic awards.
The New School’s residence halls accommodate roughly one- third of Lang stu-
dents. A gender- inclusive housing policy assigns housing based on students’ preferred
gender pronouns. Off- campus dwellers live in apartments in the Village (if they can
afford it) or in Brooklyn (if they can afford it), or elsewhere in the New York City area.
Students complain that food in the Dining Commons, while tasty and healthy, is too
expensive, so most opt for the hundreds of delis, coffee shops, and restaurants that
line Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The school reports they’ve increased the counseling
staff, but students say some support services need to be made more accessible. “There
should be more awareness for advocating for oneself if an assault does occur,” opines
a junior.
Many students cite the school’s location as one of its best features. “The city
rules,” reports a journalism and design major. The social network at Lang is quite
The 16- story
University Center
offers state- of- the-
art facilities, including
“smart” classrooms,
design studios, a
residence hall, and
an auditorium.
“Most students have a
passion for the social
justice or political issues
they are studying.”
On- campus activities
tend to involve
intellectual pursuits,
such as poetry
readings, open- mic
nights, and working
on the student
newspaper and the
literary magazine.
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THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE 247
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
small and, like many things, is left up to the student. “Our lack of campus kind of
makes all activity ‘off campus,’ though we do have dances and club activities within
the school facilities themselves,” a junior says. On- campus activities tend to involve
intellectual pursuits, such as poetry readings, open- mic nights, and working on the
student newspaper and the literary magazine. A
multitude of cultural events, like Bollywood
Night and Gospel Night, enhance campus diver-
sity. Students generally avoid drinking on
campus. Fifty- seven percent of students get involved in community service. Athletics
barely register here, although the school does field a few club teams: men’s and
women’s basketball and co- ed cross- country.
Despite the seeming lack of tradition and typical sense of college community,
Lang’s stock continues to rise. Students relish the freedom and independence they
have here. For a student who yearns for four years of “traditional” college experi-
ences, Lang would likely be a disappointment. But for those desiring an intimate
education in America’s cultural capital, Lang offers all the stimulation of the city it
calls home.
“Our lack of campus kind
of makes all activity ‘off
campus.’”
Overlaps
NYU, Fordham,
Emerson, Sarah
Lawrence, Pratt
Institute, RISD,
Bard, Oberlin
If You Apply To ›
Eugene Lang: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
The Evergreen State College
Olympia, WA 98505
There’s no mistaking Evergreen for a typical public college. Never mind its
unconventional students; Evergreen’s interdisciplinary, team- taught curriculum is
unique. To find anything remotely like Evergreen, you’ll need to go private and travel
east to places like Hampshire or Sarah Lawrence. Accepts just about anyone who
applies, and graduation rate is underwhelming. Traditions show a sense of humor.
In “La Vie Bohème,” the anthem of Jonathan Larson’s rock opera Rent, one of the char-
acters asks, “Anyone out of the mainstream / Is anyone in the mainstream?” At The
Evergreen State College, the answer has always been a vehement “No!” The school’s
unofficial motto is Omnia Extares, Latin for “Let it all hang out.” Founded in 1967 as
Washington State’s experimental college, Evergreen has narrative evaluations instead
of grades and lacks formal majors, and even departments. This system may sound
strange, but it works for those seeking the freedom to chart their own course. Where
else will you find a criminologist and a theater professor teaching a class together?
Evergreen lies in a fir forest at the edge of the 90- mile- long Puget Sound. The
peaceful, 1,000- acre campus includes an organic plant and animal farm as well as
3,300 feet of saltwater beach. Most of Evergreen’s
buildings are boxy concrete- and- steel creations,
though the Longhouse Education and Cultural
Center is designed in the Native American style
typical of the Pacific Northwest. The college has
also built an Indigenous Arts Campus featuring a fiber arts studio and a carving
studio. In keeping with Evergreen’s progressive nature, all new building projects
strive to comply with LEED standards.
Website: www .evergreen .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 1,871
Undergraduates: 1,658
Male/Female: 38/62
Financial Aid: 62%
Pell Grant: 38%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 61%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 1,623
Accepted: 74%
Enrolled: 22%
Grad in 6 Years: 41%
Returning Freshmen: 65%
Academics:
- - -
“The academic climate
at Evergreen is robust,
collaborative, and
engaging.”
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248 THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
At first glance, Evergreen’s wide- open curriculum might look like Easy Street.
The college operates on 10- week quarters, but the structure of learning is differ-
ent. Instead of signing up for unrelated classes to fulfill distribution requirements,
students enroll in a single coordinated, 12- to 16- credit “program” spanning sev-
eral disciplines that are often team- taught by multiple professors. Recent program
offerings include Advanced Computing and Machine Learning, Psychology and
Popular Music, and Business Start- Ups. In addition to professor and self- evaluations,
students must write an annual Academic Statement, reflecting on their academic
experiences and goals. Upperclassmen may fulfill an Individual Learning Contract
developed in partnership with a faculty sponsor, and many complete some form of
capstone experience, such as a senior thesis.
Students praise Evergreen’s environmental and sustainability studies offerings,
which span agriculture, ornithology, and marine science, among others. To supple-
ment their coursework, environmental scientists may also study marine animals
while sailing in Puget Sound, spend seven weeks at a bird sanctuary in Oregon,
or trek to the Grand Canyon or the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica. The Native
American and indigenous studies program is notable, and computer science and var-
ious arts programs— dance, writing, visual arts, and media arts— also get high marks.
Regardless of what they study, students warn that while the integrated approach
to learning may improve comprehension and deepen understanding, it likewise
means a lot of work. “The academic climate at Evergreen is robust, collaborative,
and engaging,” says a junior. “It gives space for both self- directed learning and small
learning communities.” Many academic programs include a service- learning com-
ponent, and several faculty- led study abroad programs are available; 8 percent of
undergrads study abroad.
Because Evergreen attracts many nontraditional students and students who are
older than the typical college freshman, administrators take advising and career
counseling seriously. In hopes of improving notoriously low retention and gradua-
tion rates, they’ve also asked faculty members to do more to help students adjust to
life on campus. First- Year Experience programs focus on developing skills for college
success, such as study skills, health and wellness education, and academic planning.
“A goal of the faculty here is to get to know each student personally and to under-
stand their interests and goals,” explains a political economy student. Another
bonus: because Evergreen doesn’t award formal tenure, there’s less pressure for pro-
fessors to conduct research and publish their findings— and less to distract them
from teaching undergraduates. Professors who do engage in research often involve
students in their work, and students may apply for competitive Summer
Undergraduate Research Fellowship stipends.
“Greeners want to be open- minded, intelligent, and actually meaningful to the
world in which they live,” says a student. Eighty- six percent of Evergreen’s students
are Washington residents, and less than 1 percent come from foreign countries. Black
students account for 5 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, Asian
Americans 3 percent, American Indians 3 per-
cent, and multiracial students 7 percent. Thirty-
three percent of students identify as LGBTQ, and
42 percent are of a nontraditional age. Liberal
views and student activism dominate the campus; “If you are someone who doesn’t
like high- energy debate, you may find yourself struggling to connect with the school,”
says a media studies major. Feminists in Solidarity Together, Food Not Bombs, T-Rex
(a transgender group), and Black Cottonwood Collective (an anarchist group) repre-
sent just a small sampling of the student activist groups on campus. A recently hired
vice provost for equity and inclusion is working to address campus culture and
(continued)
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (360) 867- 6170
Email Address: admissions @
evergreen .edu
Strong Programs:
Environmental Studies
Sustainability Studies
Native American and
Indigenous Studies
Computer Science
Dance
Writing
Visual Arts
Media Arts
The college has built an
Indigenous Arts Campus
featuring a fiber
arts studio and a
carving studio.
“A goal of the faculty here
is to get to know each
student personally and to
understand their interests
and goals.”
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THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE 249
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
climate. A hefty 38 percent of incoming freshmen are eligible for Pell Grants, and the
proportion of first- generation students has risen to 30 percent. A limited number of
merit and athletic scholarships are available for qualified students. The statewide
Washington College Grant provides free or reduced tuition for in- state students from
low- and middle- income families who meet certain requirements.
Fifteen percent of Evergreen students, mostly freshmen, live on campus. Students
appreciate the amenities in the school’s apartment complexes but say the dorms
need sprucing up. There’s an efficient bus system to get nonresidents to class on
time, though it helps to have a car. Evergreen’s
food service offers a wide variety of dishes. “We
have the amazing student- run café, the Flaming
Eggplant. They serve delicious, locally sourced
food that caters to special diets,” cheers one student. Students say campus security is
good and although instances of sexual assault are uncommon, one student says,
“Evergreen needs to work on reconciling its progressive, liberal image with the way
that assaults are actually handled.”
Given the pervasive individualism that flavors Evergreen, it’s little surprise that
the college lacks a Greek system. Still, the housing and student activities offices orga-
nize plenty of events— including open- mic nights, soccer and other field games, and
parties. Student musicians are often at the center of the social scene, hosting on-
campus performances or playing popular “house shows” off campus. “We are in a
marijuana- legal state, but you cannot have pot on campus. As you can imagine, this
is the most violated rule on campus,” quips a religious studies student. The fall
Harvest Festival on the college’s organic farm is a favorite annual event.
Olympia (population 56,000), the state capital, hardly qualifies as a college
town, but it is progressive and open- minded, with art walks through local galleries,
coffee shops, clothing stores, co- ops, and a thriving music scene. “It’s a rad little
town with its own personality,” says a junior. The college’s outdoor program orga-
nizes mountaineering, backpacking, and rock- climbing trips and offers a wide range
of gear for rent. Seattle (just over an hour away) and Portland and the rugged Oregon
coast (two to three hours away) provide changes of scenery; everything is kept green
and lush by the (interminable) rain, which stops in time for summer break and
resumes by November.
You may chuckle at Evergreen’s mascot, an eight- foot clam named “Speedy” (a
nod to the large geoduck clams found in Puget Sound), but the school has an active
intercollegiate athletics program. Geoduck teams compete in seven sports in the
NAIA Division II Cascade Conference, and men’s soccer, men’s track and field, and
women’s volleyball have enjoyed recent success. About a quarter of students choose
to participate in recreational or intramural sports.
Evergreen remains one of the best choices for students who see traditional aca-
demic structures as too restrictive. Freed from requirements and grades, Greeners
delight in exploring the connections between disparate disciplines at their own
pace. It’s a challenging task that requires an ability to focus, but for Greeners, the
rewards lie in an education that is personally meaningful and that allows them to
develop and express their own identities. “Here you can truly be whoever you want
to be,” says a junior. “There’s really nothing to fit into. There is no box at Evergreen;
there’s just the experience of being here.”
“[Olympia] is a rad
little town with its own
personality.”
The school’s unofficial
motto is Omnia
Extares, Latin for
“Let it all hang out.”
Overlaps
Hampshire,
Prescott,
Bennington,
Western
Washington, UC
Santa Cruz, Sarah
Lawrence, Lewis &
Clark, University of
Washington
If You Apply To ›
Evergreen: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional (test- optional applicants must submit essay). Accepts the Common
Application with supplement.
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250 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT 06824
Strategically located in Connecticut on Long Island Sound near New York City,
Fairfield offers a classic Jesuit- style Roman Catholic education. Nursing and business
are the biggest academic draws. Lack of big- time sports keeps Fairfield from enjoying
the visibility of Boston College or Holy Cross. Minimal diversity, socioeconomic and
otherwise, is both a problem and an issue on campus. Lively party scene.
Like Boston College to the north and Georgetown to the south, Fairfield University
was founded by Jesuits and offers a dynamic living/learning environment that com-
bines solid academics, real- world opportunities in and outside the classroom, and an
abundance of community service projects. Religious and lay faculty alike promote
traditional Jesuit religious and humanistic values to the largely preprofessional stu-
dent body, and the absence of Greek organizations is never an obstacle to organizing
a good party.
The physical beauty of the university’s scenic, tree- lined campus just 60 minutes
from Manhattan is a source of pride. Founded on two adjoining private estates in
1942, the administration takes pains to preserve a lush atmosphere of sprawling
lawns, ponds, and natural woodlands. Buildings are a blend of collegiate Gothic,
Norman chateau, English manor, and modern. The newest addition is the $51 mil-
lion multiuse Mahoney Arena in the center of campus. Students enjoy a 24- hour
computer lab and a Geographic Information Systems lab along with a new building
for the business school that includes a big data analytics lab, an entrepreneurship
center, a gaming lab, and other high- tech tools.
Students may have difficulty finding time to savor the beautiful facilities.
Everyone completes the Magis Core, a classic Jesuit- style liberal arts core curriculum
that constitutes about a third of a student’s total courseload over four years. The core
requires coursework in math, natural sciences,
history, social and behavioral sciences, philoso-
phy and religious studies, literature, writing,
visual and performing arts, modern and classical
languages, and social justice. Freshmen are intro-
duced to Fairfield with a thorough orientation
program that includes a series of seminars and events throughout the fall term. A
formal academic convocation in the first week of classes features a speaker chosen to
reflect the school’s Jesuit values.
Fairfield’s main academic strengths— and most popular majors— are nursing,
business (finance, marketing, accounting, and management), communication, and
psychology. Students enrolled in the Dolan School of Business have access to the
state- of- the- art Business Experiential, Simulation, and Trading Floor classroom.
Irish studies has strong ties to the University of Galway, and Italian studies features
links to the Florence University of the Arts. A minor in humanitarian action is an
outgrowth of Fairfield’s involvement as a founding member, along with Fordham
and Georgetown, of the Jesuit Universities Humanitarian Action Network (JUHAN).
Students can also join the JUHAN club to organize campus events raising awareness
for humanitarian issues, participate in alternative spring breaks, and serve as dele-
gates to the UN Youth Assembly.
In the classroom, says an international studies major, “We are challenged and
encouraged to challenge ourselves.” There are no teaching assistants at Fairfield, and
41 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. “Small class sizes and dynamic
Website: www .fairfield .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 5,261
Undergraduates: 4,655
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 90%
Pell Grant: 7%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 59%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 13,359
Accepted: 52%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (203) 254- 4100
Email Address: admis @
fairfield .edu
Strong Programs:
Nursing
Finance
Marketing
Accounting
Communication
Psychology
Irish Studies
Humanitarian Action
“Small class sizes and
dynamic classroom
environments make it the
great academic institution
that it is.”
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FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY 251
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
classroom environments make it the great academic institution that it is,” says an
accounting and finance double major.
Students can study abroad through their choice of more than 60 programs.
Fairfield administers its own programs in Australia, France, Ireland, Italy, and Spain,
and several professors lead short educational tours for credit during the winter inter-
cession, spring break, and the summer. Eleven percent of students join the four- year
honors program. Twenty- six percent of students carry out undergraduate research
projects, and qualified students in biology, chemistry, and physics are guaranteed
the opportunity to do so.
Nineteen percent of Fairfield undergraduates are from Connecticut, and most of
the rest hail from elsewhere in the Northeast; 2 percent come from abroad. Sixty- one
percent are Catholic. The political climate “is much more conservative than what I
thought it would be for a Northeast school,” says a junior, and a politics major
observes, “Racism is the main issue.” Hispanic/Latino students constitute 7 percent
of the student body, Black students 1 percent, Asian Americans 3 percent, and mul-
tiracial students 2 percent. Only 7 percent of Fairfield freshmen are eligible for Pell
Grants. The New York Times reported in 2022 that Fairfield has “the lowest percent-
age of Pell Grant recipients of any college in the
United States,” but the university says this is mis-
leading because it admits low- income undocu-
mented immigrants and international students
who are not eligible for Pell Grants. They’ve also
introduced a new program, Company Scholars, that offers full funding to a select
group of first- generation Jesuit high school and Cristo Rey graduates. Still, lack of
diversity is a nearly universal complaint among the student body. But a biomedical
engineering major adds, “I do think Fairfield is trying to improve on this and prog-
ress can be seen.” To help students with Fairfield’s price tag, the school offers merit
scholarships, averaging $19,200 annually, as well as more than 100 athletic scholar-
ships in 20 sports.
Fairfield’s residence halls house 76 percent of the student body, and housing is
guaranteed for all four years. Several living/learning communities are available for
undergrads of all levels and come highly recommended. Living/learning communi-
ties are highly recommended. As a senior reports, “That was huge in helping me
make friends and get adjusted to college.” Seniors can apply to live off campus, and
the most popular options are the privately owned beach houses and apartments on
Long Island Sound made available to students off- season. Meals in the main dining
hall get good reviews for taste and variety.
In an effort to enhance the residential nature of the school and at the same time
curb the number of rowdy beach parties along the Sound, the university has added
more on- campus townhouses and apartments for upperclassmen. Nevertheless,
a junior admits, “Fairfield is a pretty big party school.” Counseling services and
campus safety receive positive reviews. “Fairfield is proactive from day one about
educating students about the issue of sexual assault,” reports a junior.
Party culture notwithstanding, students find plenty of on- campus activities to
keep them busy, including a growing number of student organizations to meet just
about any interest. Sponsored events range from
dances to hanging out at the campus coffeehouse
to concerts. The Presidential Ball in the fall is a
favorite annual event, along with the Clam Jam
beach party with live music, kegs, and food
trucks. The Campus Ministry draws a large following, with daily masses, annual
retreats, and regular community service work, including many service immersion
trips, both domestic and international.
The Magis Core is a
classic Jesuit- style
liberal arts core
curriculum that
constitutes about a
third of a student’s
total courseload.
“Downtown Fairfield is
really cute and there are
many restaurants and
shops.”
Students can also
join the JUHAN
club to organize
campus events
raising awareness for
humanitarian issues.
“I had never seen Fairfield
as a school with a lot of
school spirit until the first
game in the new stadium.”
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252 UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
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As for the surrounding area, “downtown Fairfield is really cute and there are
many restaurants and shops,” enthuses a nursing major, although another student
says the town can feel a bit “snobby.” Relations with local residents are sometimes
strained, but even so, the campus bookstore moved downtown and is becoming a
community meeting place. In keeping with Jesuit values, volunteerism abounds,
with 55 percent of the student body performing community service. “Fairfield on
Fire is a day devoted to service in neighboring towns that is such a huge, inspiring
initiative,” raves a junior. Road trips to New York (an hour by train) and Boston (two
hours away) are popular.
The Stags compete in Division I, and women’s lacrosse, basketball, volleyball,
and swimming and diving are recent Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champi-
ons; field hockey and baseball are competitive too. Men’s and women’s basketball
both draw crowds, and the boisterous home- court fans, who come to games in full
Fairfield regalia, have been dubbed the “Red Sea.” The new stadium has been a
welcome addition, says a senior, “I had never seen Fairfield as a school with a lot
of school spirit until the first game in the new stadium— it was evident how much
school spirit we had but we weren’t able to show it until then.” Living up to the
Jesuit commitment to sound mind and body, 62 percent of students compete in one
of 28 intramural and 25 club sports.
“Fairfield focuses on self- improvement and really allows students to make mis-
takes and learn from their experiences, both good and bad,” comments a junior.
Although Fairfield is reflecting seriously on issues of diversity and how to create an
inclusive social atmosphere on campus, it remains committed to its Jesuit ideals and
to offering an undergraduate experience defined by close bonds with faculty, chal-
lenging academics, an emphasis on community involvement, and the holistic devel-
opment of each student.
The Presidential Ball
is a favorite annual
event, along with the
Clam Jam beach party
with live music, kegs,
and food trucks.
Overlaps
Providence,
Bentley, Fordham,
Elon, Santa Clara,
Quinnipiac, Boston
College, Villanova
If You Apply To ›
Fairfield: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (interviews are recommended for
test- optional applicants). Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611
It should come as no surprise that UF is a world leader in citrus science. But add
accounting, engineering, and Latin American studies to the list of renowned
programs. Among Deep South public universities, only the University of Georgia
rivals UF in overall quality. Top- shelf varsity sports teams are a year- round draw,
and UF’s party- school reputation remains intact. Economic and racial diversity not a
strong priority.
Set on 2,000 acres of rolling, heavily forested terrain in north- central Florida, the
University of Florida is an athletic powerhouse, and administrators are working
hard to gain the same level of national recognition for their academic offerings as
well. With roughly 31,000 full- time undergraduates, the school is already massive
and continues to become more so as it adds scores of new faculty in areas such
as artificial intelligence, food security, big data, and drug discovery. While some
students certainly get lost in the shuffle, those who can navigate the bureaucratic
Website: www .ufl .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 43,486
Undergraduates: 30,690
Male/Female: 43/57
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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 253
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red tape will find ample resources at their fingertips. The state’s flagship univer-
sity, founded in 1853, has become more selective in its admissions— especially for
out- of- staters— and continues to wage an aggressive campaign against its long-
standing tradition of free- flowing alcohol.
UF’s campus has more than 20 buildings on the National Register of Historic
Places. Most are collegiate Gothic in style— redbrick with white trim. They’re aug-
mented by more modern facilities, such as Hernandez Hall, a 110,000- square- foot
chemistry building. UF’s research capabilities and
equipment are likewise impressive and a boon to
aspiring physicians and scientists. Cypress Hall is
one of only a few residence halls in the nation
designed specifically to accommodate students
with severe physical impairments. The $150 mil-
lion Malachowsky Hall for Data Science and Information Technology, a high- tech
hub for the university’s expanding initiatives in artificial intelligence, data science,
and cyber systems, opened in 2023.
Academically, UF’s strongest programs are those with a preprofessional bent,
including engineering, accounting, and prepharmacy. To balance students’ prepro-
fessional coursework, the UF Quest general education program requires students
to take a Quest Humanities course and a Quest Natural or Social Science course,
along with engaging in experience- based learning. Popular majors include biol-
ogy, computer science, psychology, and finance; entomology and Latin American
studies are specialties. New majors include meteorology and music business and
entrepreneurship. Students also give high marks to the College of Journalism and
Communications, which boasts the lavish Innovation News Center that houses
the college’s news, weather, and sports operations. The Graham Center for Public
Service trains students in languages, culture, and other skills vital to careers in
public service.
Top incoming freshmen are invited into the Honors Program, where they live
together in a residential college and take honors sections of standard academic sub-
jects, most of which are limited to 25 students. The Innovation Academy offers
another distinct living/learning opportunity for undergraduates with a spring-
summer schedule, offering options for internships and research in the fall. It draws
students from more than 30 majors with one common minor: innovation. A third
of UF’s undergraduates conduct research, while 15 percent study abroad through
university- sponsored, exchange, and affiliate programs all over the world.
UF’s academic climate is intense and collaborative. “Closer to midterms and
final exams, [the] campus feels constricted and very tense, with everyone huddled in
libraries. However, around football season, [the] campus tends to be more relaxed,”
says one political science major. Despite the university’s huge size, 53 percent of all
undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. Some students say they have to
climb a mountain of bureaucracy if a course they
need is full, but the administration reports that
UF has hired 500 new faculty to improve under-
graduate student/faculty ratios. Professors often
have deep professional experience and bring
enthusiasm to their work, though students fre-
quently find teaching assistants behind lecterns. A junior says, “The quality of
instruction is somewhat low in introductory classes but ramps up significantly in
more specialized courses.”
Students describe their classmates as “very outgoing and friendly” and “leadership-
oriented.” UF is Florida’s flagship university, and 88 percent of undergraduates hail
from the Sunshine State, while 2 percent come from overseas. Black students represent
(continued)
Financial Aid: 89%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 25%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 64,473
Accepted: 23%
Enrolled: 44%
Grad in 6 Years: 90%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (352) 392- 1365
Email Address: webrequests
@ admissions .ufl .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Accounting
Psychology
Latin American Studies
Journalism
Communications
Business
“Closer to midterms and
final exams, [the] campus
feels constricted and
very tense, with everyone
huddled in libraries.”
Sports are a year-
round obsession,
and the students go
wild anytime the
Division I Gators
take to the court,
field, or gridiron.
“It is great to live on
campus for at least one
year to really immerse
oneself in the UF
experience.”
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254 UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
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5 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 11 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 24 per-
cent, and multiracial students 5 percent. Students say there is a mix of political views
on campus, and racial tensions can occasionally flare up. One first- generation student
of color remarks, “It’s great to be a Gator, but it’s hard to not be represented on this
campus.” UF offers more than 250 athletic scholarships as well as thousands of merit
scholarships averaging $3,000. The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship provides
funds and resources for first- generation, low- income students.
Undergrads typically live on campus during their freshman year but then move
out after that; overall, 22 percent of students stay on campus. Dorms are described
as comfortable, and a senior advises, “It is great to live on campus for at least one
year to really immerse oneself in the UF experience and for simple convenience.”
Dining halls get mixed reviews, but students agree that suitable provisions are made
for vegetarians and vegans. Campus security draws praise, thanks to a robust police
presence and a late- night “Later Gator” transportation system. “The STRIVE center
works to educate the student body against sexual assault and other sexual violence
on campus,” notes a sociology and women’s studies major.
Students at UF have more than 900 student organizations to choose from, and a
psychology major says, “Getting involved on campus takes time, but it’s a surefire
way to find a mini- community in a university that can be dauntingly massive.”
Seventeen percent of UF’s men and 24 percent of
the women go Greek; rush is held before classes
start in the fall and again in the spring. Students
report that “elitism” of Greek groups and the
outsize influence they have on campus life, espe-
cially student government, are common com-
plaints. UF students have a well- deserved national reputation for knowing how to
party, but the binge- drinking rate has fallen sharply as a result of tough enforcement
of zero- tolerance campus policies, including a ban on drinking games. A senior
points out that “off- campus parties are certainly a fixture” of the social scene, espe-
cially in the Midtown area across from the football stadium.
Gainesville, a city of about 140,000 between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of
Mexico, largely revolves around the university. “Gainesville is an awesome, young
town that is perfectly suited for college students who wish to relax and unwind,”
a student says. There are plenty of stores, restaurants, and bars, as well as a sports
arena and the Center for Performing Arts, which brings in world- class symphony
orchestras, Broadway plays, opera, and large- scale ballet productions. The univer-
sity owns a nearby lake, which is “great for lazy Sundays” and more vigorous water
sports, and there’s a plethora of parks, forests, rivers, and streams for backpacking,
camping, and canoeing. Orlando and the beaches of St. Augustine and Jacksonville
are also popular destinations.
Sports are a year- round obsession here, and the students go wild anytime the
Division I Gators take to the court, field, or gridiron, especially when they’re squaring
off against rivals Florida State or the University of Georgia. The annual homecoming
extravaganza, known as “Gator Growl,” is billed as the biggest student- run pep rally
in the country. The university fields 19 varsity teams, most of which compete in the
ferocious Southeastern Conference. Men’s and women’s track and field and men’s
tennis recently won national titles. Men’s and women’s swimming and diving and
women’s gymnastics, softball, and lacrosse are recent conference champions. More
than 40 intramural leagues and tournaments are offered, as well as nearly 50 club
sports, and for those who don’t want to join a team, the 60,000- square- foot fitness
park offers aerobics classes, martial arts, strength training equipment, and squash
and racquetball courts.
For some students, Florida’s sheer size is overwhelming. For others, it’s a
UF’s research
capabilities and
equipment are
impressive and a boon
to aspiring physicians
and scientists.
“Gainesville is an awesome,
young town that is perfectly
suited for college students
who wish to relax and
unwind.”
Overlaps
University of
Virginia, UNC
at Chapel Hill,
University
of Michigan,
University of
Georgia, Florida
State, University
of Central Florida,
University of South
Florida, University
of Miami
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FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 255
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
drawing card that means plenty of opportunities to pursue their interests or find
new ones. Combine great weather with nationally recognized programs in engineer-
ing and business and nationally ranked athletic teams, and it’s easy to see why
Sunshine State natives like to study here.
If You Apply To ›
Florida: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: required. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to particular school within UF.
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL 32901
Florida Tech is practically a branch of the nearby Kennedy Space Center, so
aeronautical science, aviation, and aerospace engineering are popular specialties.
The Atlantic Ocean is close at hand, making the school an ideal spot for marine
biology and ocean engineering. The only geographical drawback is the occasional
early- fall hurricane evacuation. Florida Tech is the smallest of the major technical
institutions in the Southeast. Strong international flavor.
Students at the Florida Institute of Technology can explore the endless depths of
the ocean or shoot for the stars. Located just 40 minutes from one of NASA’s pri-
mary launch pads, Florida Tech is a child of the nation’s space program and the
only independent technological university in the Southeast. The school’s subtrop-
ical setting is perfect for scientific research and study in oceanography, meteorol-
ogy, marine biology, and environmental science. It comes as no surprise that some
of the most cutting- edge work in space and water- related sciences happens here.
The combination of academic excellence and a convenient central Florida location
draws students to this high- flying and innovative school.
Founded in 1958 to meet the academic needs of engineers and scientists work-
ing at what is now the Kennedy Space Center, Florida Tech’s 130- acre contemporary
campus features a botanical garden and an aquatic center. Campus architecture
ranges from traditional redbrick to modern. The
L3Harris Student Design Center is a high- tech
space that serves seniors working on capstone
projects in engineering and science. Opened in
2022, the $18 million Nelson Health Sciences
building has expanded opportunities for undergraduate education and research in
biomedical engineering and biomedical sciences.
If you’re considering Florida Tech, make sure you have a strong background in
math and science, especially chemistry and physics. Everyone must take courses
in communication, physical or life science, mathematics, humanities, and social
sciences and demonstrate proficiency in the technologies pertinent to their chosen
major. All majors include hands- on projects and capstone requirements. Almost all
freshmen take part in the University Experience course, which helps them adapt to
college life. Popular majors include aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering,
computer science, biomedical engineering, and electrical engineering. Sustainability
studies is one of Florida Tech’s fastest- growing majors, and astrobiology is the first
undergraduate program of its kind. Prospective aviation students can major in avi-
ation management, aviation meteorology, aviation human factors and safety, and
Website: www .fit .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 4,053
Undergraduates: 2,965
Male/Female: 68/32
Financial Aid: 78%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 13,920
Accepted: 64%
Enrolled: 9%
Grad in 6 Years: 67%
Returning Freshmen: 75%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 888- 4348
Email Address: admission @
fit .edu
Strong Programs:
Aviation
Aerospace Engineering
Marine Biology
Ocean Engineering
Astrobiology
“We are a space school.
Everyone knows about and
follows advances in space
technology.”
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256 FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
aeronautical science— all of which are offered with or without a flight option. The
flight school has a modern fleet of more than 40 airplanes and 11 flight- training
simulators.
The academic climate is rigorous, but Florida Tech students enjoy rising to the
challenge. “Students here want to spend extra time in the library or take those unpaid
undergrad research positions,” asserts a senior. Half of the classes have fewer than
20 students, and the majority are taught by full professors. “The professors here are
always open to getting to know students personally, and they encourage questions
and interaction in class,” says a software engineering major. In a move designed to
elevate its national standing, Florida Tech now offers faculty tenure. Students in
the Honors College work to achieve one of three tiers of recognition, depending
on GPA and the number of honors credits completed: Mercury (honors), Gemini
(high honors), and Apollo (highest honors). Research opportunities are available
at the Indian River Lagoon or on the RV Delphinus, a 60- foot research boat owned
by the school. Established in collaboration with Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin,
the Aldrin Space Institute conducts research and development intended to support
an eventual human settlement on Mars. The ProTrack cooperative education pro-
gram allows students in the College of Engineering and Science to complete three
semester- long paid work experiences. Study abroad options are available in Oxford,
England, and other locales, although only 6 percent of undergrads take advantage
of them.
“We are a space school,” comments a psychology major. “Everyone knows about
and follows advances in space technology in some way.” Thirty- nine percent of
Florida Tech students are Florida natives, and at 18 percent, the school’s interna-
tional population is huge. “It is a microcosm of intelligent people representing 100
countries,” says a sophomore. “It’s like traveling the world in four years.” Black
students represent 5 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 2 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 14 percent, and multiracial students 3 percent. The proportion of
women is low even by techie school standards. Florida Tech offers merit scholar-
ships averaging $15,700 and more than 150 athletic scholarships.
Fifty- six percent of students make their home in Florida Tech’s modern dorms,
which an aviation management major calls “very comfortable.” Freshmen are
required to live on campus in large double rooms
or suite- style accommodations. Four- student
apartments are available to a small percentage of
qualifying upperclassmen by lottery. The meal
plan is an open, unlimited arrangement, and students give the food positive reviews
for variety and diversity. The Stop It Before It Starts campaign, developed by stu-
dents as a senior design project, aims to prevent sexual assault on campus.
Watching rocket launches from campus with a trained eye and a cold brew is
a treasured pastime. The Rat, a campus eatery with pool tables and big- screen TVs,
is a popular hangout, and there are more than 120 active clubs and organizations
on campus; gaming, sci- fi, and performance- oriented groups such as Pep Band are
student favorites. Fraternities and sororities claim a mere 7 percent of the men
and 3 percent of the women, respectively, and students describe the party scene
as moderate. “This is a smaller STEM school, so there aren’t parties everywhere
you turn, but they are there if you look for them,” reports a construction manage-
ment major. Homecoming and the annual International Festival are much-
anticipated events.
Melbourne is “a nice little beach town,” says a senior, and students spend
much of their downtime surfing, fishing, sailing, and hanging out at the beach.
“Everybody goes to the beach whenever they can, even just to do homework,”
explains a sophomore. Bikes and skateboards are popular modes of transportation
(continued)
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Biomedical Engineering
The school’s
subtropical setting
is perfect for
scientific research
in oceanography,
meteorology,
marine biology, and
environmental science.
“Everybody goes to the
beach whenever they can,
even just to do homework.”
Bikes and skateboards
are popular modes
of transportation
around campus.
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FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE 257
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
around campus; dining halls and other common areas are equipped with skateboard
racks. Public transportation in the area is limited, so students recommend having
a car on campus. More diversions can be found in the abundant theme parks of
Orlando or at the Kennedy Space Center, each within an hour’s drive. Students also
hit the road for other Sunshine State cities, including Tampa, Key West, Miami,
Daytona, and St. Augustine.
The Florida Tech Panthers field 18 varsity teams that compete in Division II.
Men’s and women’s soccer and swimming, men’s basketball, and men’s lacrosse
are competitive. The university’s Precision Flight Team, the Falcons, regularly wins
awards from the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. The expanding intra-
mural and club sports programs offer sports like soccer, flag football, and cricket.
Whether it’s surveying the sky 30,000 feet above or marine coral 50 feet below
the surface of the sea, students at Florida Tech get hands- on experience that serves
to sharpen the school’s already specialized, high- quality academics— all in a small,
more personal setting. The administration continues to focus on capital improve-
ments, sponsor cutting- edge research, and embrace global diversity. And with
beaches and amusements close at hand, students can have some real fun in the sun
while they prepare for high- flying or low- lying careers.
Overlaps
Embry- Riddle
Aeronautical,
Worcester
Polytechnic,
Illinois Institute
of Technology,
Caltech, Stevens
Institute of
Technology,
University of
Central Florida,
University of
Florida, University
of South Florida
If You Apply To ›
Florida Tech: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: required. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801
FSC combines top- ranked Division II athletics, strong career- oriented programs, an
active Greek system, and a picturesque campus that doubles as a Frank Lloyd Wright
museum. Centrally located between Tampa and Orlando. Competes with Rollins and
Eckerd among leading liberal arts schools in the Southeast.
Since its founding in 1885, Florida Southern College has been committed to provid-
ing students with a solid liberal arts foundation and exceptional signature programs.
Students enjoy a bevy of academic choices, including outstanding preprofessional
programs, extensive internship opportunities, and a vigorous study abroad program.
They also appreciate the college’s attractive setting and its mission to develop well-
rounded graduates. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, to
which 3 percent of students belong.
Situated on 113 acres overlooking pristine Lake Hollingsworth, Florida
Southern is home to the world’s largest single- site collection of structures
designed by iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The campus features 12 original
Wright structures, as well as the Usonian
Faculty House, which the college constructed
in 2013 based on Wright’s 1939 design for
single- family faculty housing and which serves as a museum and welcome center
for the college’s architectural tourism. Wright’s Annie Pfeiffer Chapel is a popu-
lar meeting and performance venue. The campus also houses several buildings
designed by Robert A. M. Stern, former dean of the Yale School of Architecture,
including the Becker Business Building. The recently opened Carol and Marcus
Website: www .flsouthern .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,989
Undergraduates: 2,642
Male/Female: 37/63
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 27%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 83%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 11,121
Accepted: 57%
Enrolled: 12%
Grad in 6 Years: 68%
Returning Freshmen: 77%
Academics:
- - -
“We have a very relaxed
academic climate.”
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258 FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Weinstein Computer Sciences Center features high- tech classrooms, workshops,
and study spaces.
Florida Southern’s core curriculum is based on student learning outcomes in
eight areas, ranging from critical and creative thinking to effective communication
to personal and social responsibility. Most classes meet for four hours a week, with
at least one of those hours fully devoted to engaged learning techniques such as
debate, small- group discussions, case studies, and research. As part of the required
Passport Program for student involvement, students attend a minimum of six events
every year, choosing from more than 300 options across six Passport categories:
school pride, learning beyond the classroom, fine arts, service and diversity, health
and wellness, and pathways to profession.
FSC students may choose from more than 70 undergraduate programs. The
most popular majors include business administration, psychology, nursing, biol-
ogy, elementary education, computer science, and accounting; all are among the
college’s strongest programs. The premed program boasts an exceptional place-
ment rate in medical, dental, and pharmacy schools nationwide. Unique at the
undergraduate level, a major in citrus and horticultural science involves plenty
of hands- on experience thanks to FSC’s on- campus collection of citrus trees. In
addition to seven majors, the Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise
offers minors in entrepreneurship, eSports management, and healthcare man-
agement. Dual- degree programs are available in engineering with Washington
University in St. Louis and in pharmacy with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic
Medicine.
“We have a very relaxed academic climate,” says a senior. “FSC is a huge
advocate for engaged learning, so we always end up working in groups, creating
a very collaborative culture.” Sixty- one percent of classes enroll fewer than 20
students, and students praise professors for their accessibility. “The faculty take
time to get to know the students,” comments a criminology major. Students are
bullish about FSC’s career services. Says an interpersonal and organizational com-
munication major, “The Career Center is the best resource on campus. They offer
résumé building, [mock] interviews, and many more things to help you with your
future career.”
All FSC students are guaranteed an internship, and 60 percent avail themselves
of this opportunity. Students have interned with Charles Schwab, the Kennedy
Center, OPEC, Fox News, the Walt Disney Company, NASA, and scores of other
organizations. About a quarter of students go abroad, mostly through the Junior
Journey program, which guarantees all full- time undergraduates a short- term travel-
study experience, often at no additional cost. Students may embark on faculty- led
trips in May or during academic breaks to domestic and international locales such as
Alaska, the Bahamas, Spain, and Japan. Traditional study abroad options are avail-
able as well. Qualified students may enroll in the
highly selective Honors Program, which offers
specialized gen- ed courses. Forty- three percent of
students carry out undergraduate research proj-
ects during their time at FSC, usually as part of a
senior capstone course. More than 100 students present their research and creative
projects every year at Fiat Lux (Latin for “Let there be light”), the college’s annual
celebration of undergraduate work.
Florida Southern students are “very down- to- earth and easy to get along with,”
says one denizen. Fifty- seven percent of students hail from Florida; 4 percent
are international. Black students account for 6 percent of the population, Asian
Americans 3 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 15 percent, and multiracial students 3 per-
cent. “While the school is mostly conservative (as one might expect of a school in
(continued)
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (863) 680- 4131
Email Address: fscadm @
flsouthern .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Psychology
Nursing
Biology
Elementary Education
Computer Science
Accounting
Citrus and Horticultural
Science
Florida Southern is
home to the world’s
largest single-
site collection of
structures designed
by iconic architect
Frank Lloyd Wright.
“The Career Center offer[s]
résumé building, [mock]
interviews, and many more
things.”
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FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE 259
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
central Florida), students are generally tolerant of their peers’ political opinions,”
reports an environmental studies major. The college awards merit scholarships aver-
aging $26,200, as well as talent awards and 269 athletic scholarships.
Eighty- five percent of FSC undergrads reside in student housing. First- year stu-
dents live together in dedicated residence halls, while upperclassmen may choose
from a variety of living arrangements, including college- owned apartments within
walking distance of the campus. According to one student, some residential build-
ings “could be updated to be more modern.” The cafeteria serves up “average” fare,
including special options for vegetarians and vegans. Students report feeling safe on
campus, and the “Just Ask” initiative aims to educate the community on preventing
sexual assault and gender- based discrimination.
The social scene is active on campus, with frequent cookouts, concerts, sport-
ing events, a farmers market, and activities organized by more than 100 student
clubs. “The school sponsors various bimonthly wellness trips that vary from paint-
ball to snorkeling with manatees,” adds a student. Twenty- two percent of the men
and 26 percent of the women go Greek, and a junior says, “Greek life definitely
defines the party culture, but parties are often very inclusive.” Alcohol is prohibited
on campus, and a senior notes that alcohol policies “are not always obeyed but are
enforced.” FSC offers a number of traditions, including Southern’s Got Talent,
Cram Jam during finals week, the Winter Wonderland festival (complete with a
Christmas tree lighting and temporary Florida- style snow), and the end- of- year
Fair- Well Festival.
Lakeland (population 115,000) offers eateries, malls, movie theaters, and a his-
toric downtown district with unique shops and attractions. “Lakeland is a great
college town!” cheers a junior. “There are plenty
of hip stores and restaurants.” Many students
venture out into the local community to volun-
teer, often through Greek life programs, or to
take part in off- campus church services. For those with access to wheels, popular
road trips include excursions to the Gulf Coast’s sandy beaches, Orlando’s famed
theme parks, or the Florida Keys.
The Florida Southern Moccasins (the snake, not the footwear) field 22 varsity
teams, most of which compete in Division II as a member of the Sunshine State
Conference. In addition, three club sports compete at the varsity level: equestrian,
eSports, and men’s ice hockey. Men’s swimming and women’s lacrosse have claimed
recent conference titles. Other competitive “Mocs” teams include men’s and wom-
en’s basketball, men’s cross- country, baseball, and women’s volleyball. “Our ath-
letes dominate Division II sports every year,” boasts one student, and Rollins and
the University of Tampa are the Mocs’ chief rivals. Intramural sports and activities
sign up 20 percent of undergraduates; the most popular activities include flag foot-
ball, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, and Wiffle ball.
Florida Southern has a lot going for it. Despite the ubiquitous college stu-
dent laments of limited parking and so- so food, most are quick to point out that
they have access to strong academic programs, championship athletics, and all
the sun and fun a person could want. “Florida Southern College is a great com-
munity where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally,” says
one senior.
More than 100
students present
their research and
creative projects every
year at the college’s
annual celebration of
undergraduate work.
“Our athletes dominate
Division II sports every
year.”
Overlaps
University of
Tampa, Rollins,
High Point,
Stetson, Elon,
Eckerd, Florida
State, University of
Florida
If You Apply To ›
Florida Southern: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please
consult Florida Southern’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
sbk-fiske2025.indb 259sbk-fiske2025.indb 259 5/9/24 10:47 AM5/9/24 10:47 AM
260 FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Florida State University
A2500 University Center, Tallahassee, FL 32306
Located in Florida’s Panhandle, FSU is far from the glitz of South Beach. The College
of Motion Picture Arts is among the best around, and business and the arts are also
strong. Big emphasis on undergraduate research. Location in the state’s capital is an
asset. Notable programs include several living/learning options for freshmen.
At Florida State University, you could have a Nobel laureate for a professor, study in
one of the finest science facilities in the Southeast, or network at the state capitol.
While the choices are plentiful here— “FSU has too many resources to list,” raves a
junior— the pace of life makes it possible to taste a little of everything: a wide array
of solid academic options, blistering Florida sunshine, and plenty to do, from foot-
ball to Tallahassee hangouts. “There is a relaxed feel to campus that makes FSU the
cool, laid- back friend of the Florida university system,” says a student.
FSU is located in the Florida Panhandle, with rolling hills, flowering azaleas and
dogwoods, and a canopy of moss- draped oaks. Glistening Gulf of Mexico waters are
only half an hour away. Situated on 485 compact
acres, the main campus features collegiate Jacobean
structures surrounded by plenty of shade trees,
with some modern facilities sprinkled in. A mas-
sive, $125 million expansion and renovation of
the Oglesby Student Union offers new and improved dining facilities, spaces for stu-
dent clubs, the campus bookstore, a nightclub/music venue, a 12- lane bowling alley,
and more.
FSU students can choose from nearly 200 undergraduate degrees, the most popular
of which are psychology, business- related majors (especially finance and marketing),
criminology, and political science. Outstanding programs include theater, international
affairs, and entrepreneurship. The English department and the College of Motion Picture
Arts have consistently won national and international awards. Engineering programs are
a joint effort with neighboring Florida A&M; the FAMU- FSU College of Engineer-
ing holds the distinction of being the country’s only shared college of engineering.
FSU’s newest major is human rights and social justice, based in the religion department.
Students report that the academic climate varies by department and depends
on how much students choose to challenge themselves, but a sophomore reports,
“The university makes sure that everyone has equal opportunity to find their com-
munity.” As part of FSU’s liberal studies curriculum, students must fulfill diversity
and civic literacy requirements and take two Scholarship in Practice courses, in
which they apply their learning to produce an original project. Sixty- six percent of
undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, and a psychology major says,
“Professors and graduate instructors are amicable, welcoming, and express genuine
interest in the success of their students.” Freshmen can take advantage of living/
learning communities (where students with similar interests or majors live together
in the same residence hall) and freshman interest groups (clusters of high- demand
freshman courses that have been linked by a theme or academic program). LGBTQ+
housing options are also available.
Honors courses, usually limited to 20 students, offer gifted students the oppor-
tunity to rub shoulders with top faculty and students highly recommend applying.
“You can live with other honors students, take classes with motivated students,
and push yourself to your greatest achievements,” enthuses a freshman. Certain
students can even earn their degrees in three years. About a quarter of undergrads
Website: www .fsu .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 35,897
Undergraduates: 29,475
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 60%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 36%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 78,088
Accepted: 25%
Enrolled: 30%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (850) 644- 6200
Email Address: admissions @
fsu .edu
Strong Programs:
Motion Picture Arts
Entrepreneurship
Fine and Performing Arts
International Affairs
Computer Science
Criminology
Psychology
English
“The university makes sure
that everyone has equal
opportunity to find their
community.”
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FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY 261
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
conduct some sort of out- of- class research, and students highly praise the nationally
acclaimed Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, which connects fresh-
men and sophomores to faculty research projects for two semesters. Internships and
political jobs abound for tomorrow’s politicians since the state capitol and supreme
court are nearby. For those with wanderlust, FSU offers extensive study abroad pro-
grams, in which 15 percent of students take part.
Perhaps not surprisingly, FSU’s student body has a distinctly Floridian flavor:
in- staters comprise 84 percent of the group and international students just 2 per-
cent. Eight percent of undergraduates are Black, 3 percent are Asian American,
23 percent are Hispanic/Latino, and 4 percent are multiracial. Seminoles are a mix-
ture of friendly small- towners and city dwellers, and students say political tastes
tend to be somewhat more liberal than the surrounding town. “Politically minded
students have many opportunities to join marches, protests, and campaigns,” says a
sophomore. Merit scholarships averaging $3,400 are available to qualified scholars,
and athletes vie for more than 350 scholarships in 20 sports.
Twenty- one percent of FSU’s undergrads live in the university residence halls, some
of which have just been built in the last few years. Still, a junior warns, “There is always
a waiting list for housing.” The halls get mixed reviews, but a junior says that on- campus
living makes for “a fun, smooth first- year experi-
ence.” After freshman year, students generally
move into the ample apartments and houses
located within walking distance of campus; the
city and campus bus systems are useful for those who live farther away. Students enjoy
meals in the Suwannee Room, a grand Gothic dining hall built in 1913, and they can
choose from nearly 30 other dining locations around campus as well. Students cite
FSU’s student- driven “kNOw MORE” campaign as helping to educate the community
about preventing sexual assault, and in 2022, the school created “Fresh Check Day,” an
event that aims to promote mental health awareness on campus.
When they’re not studying, FSU students keep busy with films, concerts, and
parties in the dorms or off campus. Seventeen percent of the men and 23 percent
of the women belong to Greek life; Greek social activities have been somewhat cur-
tailed with the implementation of safety measures intended to reduce the hazards
of underage and binge drinking. With roughly 800 student organizations, “there
really is a group for everyone,” says a senior. Many head out to Tallahassee’s “beau-
tiful bar patios, art parks, and cafés,” says one junior, or to its hopping club scene
for nightlife.
The Seminoles compete in the Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. School
spirit runs high during football season, and each game is heralded by the beating
of the campus spirit drum. “Game day is something that you won’t want to miss,”
raves a senior, noting FSU students get free tickets to home games. Women’s soccer
continued its winning ways with another national championship. And FSU has ele-
vated women’s lacrosse from club to varsity status to comply with federal regula-
tions regarding sex discrimination in athletics. Thirty percent of students participate
in the school’s more than 40 intramural sports and 40 sports clubs.
Florida State remains a solid choice for those seeking knowledge under the blaz-
ing Florida sun. The school’s laid- back, cheery atmosphere is appealing to many, but
make no mistake: students here take their learning and their futures seriously. With
so much on offer, it’s no wonder some students say, “Wish we could stay forever!”
The English
department and
the College of
Motion Picture Arts
have consistently
won national and
international awards.
“Game day is something
that you won’t want to
miss.”
Students enjoy meals
in the Suwannee
Room, a grand
Gothic dining hall
built in 1913.
Overlaps
Indiana University,
Michigan State,
Iowa State, Kansas
State, Missouri
State, University of
Florida, University
of Central Florida,
University of South
Florida, University
of Miami
If You Apply To ›
Florida State: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: required. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
sbk-fiske2025.indb 261sbk-fiske2025.indb 261 5/9/24 10:47 AM5/9/24 10:47 AM
262 FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Fordham University
Rose Hill Campus: 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458
Lincoln Center Campus: 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023
New York City’s Fordham is riding the wave of euphoria for colleges in New York.
Though still operating in the shadows of urban icons like NYU and Boston College,
Fordham is coming on strong. There is no better location than Lincoln Center in
Manhattan, where the performing arts programs are housed. The Bronx campus is
less appealing but home to larger programs and adjacent to the New York Botanical
Garden and Bronx Zoo.
At Fordham University, the tradition of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) pervades all
aspects of life, from the quality of teaching, to the emphasis on personal relation-
ships, to the pursuit of both “wisdom and learning,” which also happens to be the
school’s motto. Students benefit from two campuses: the gated Bronx community
of Rose Hill and the Lincoln Center facility, just a short subway ride away from
the heart of midtown Manhattan. Though 41 percent of the student population
is Roman Catholic, there’s plenty of variation in ethnic background and in stu-
dents’ political, social, and religious views. Fordham, which dates to 1841, is “more
diverse than Boston College, less funky than NYU,” says a German and English
double major.
The 85- acre Rose Hill campus is an oasis of trees, grass, and Gothic architecture;
it’s close to the New York Botanical Garden and Yankee Stadium and had cameo
appearances in films such as A Beautiful Mind. Rose Hill is home to Fordham College
at Rose Hill, the largest liberal arts school at the
university, as well as the primary programs of
the Gabelli School of Business. The campus
center at Rose Hill, which combines fitness and
dining facilities, student services, and event
spaces, recently received a $200 million renovation, and a new Learning and
Innovation Technology Environment center with podcast rooms, recording studios,
3-D printers, and more, opened in 2022. The Lincoln Center campus benefits from
its proximity to the Juilliard School, the CBS and ABC television studios between
10th and 11th Avenues, and Lincoln Center itself, Manhattan’s performing arts hub.
Shuttles run between the two campuses.
Undergraduate requirements include coursework in English, social and natu-
ral sciences, philosophy, theology, history, math/computer science, and fine arts.
Students also complete four distinctly Jesuit Eloquentia Perfecta (or “perfect elo-
quence”) seminars, including a capstone senior seminar on values. Freshmen can
opt to participate in Urban Plunge, three days of exploring the city’s diverse neigh-
borhoods and working on a team service project before the start of the fall semester.
No matter where at Fordham you study, humanities are a good choice. Strengths
at Rose Hill include history, philosophy, biological sciences, psychology, economics,
and film and television, while at Lincoln Center, theatre, English, and communi-
cation shine. The most popular majors across the university are business adminis-
tration, political science, finance, and psychology. The B.F.A. in dance is offered
in partnership with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; students must be
accepted by both Fordham and the Ailey audition panel. Fordham’s public radio
station, WFUV, offers hands- on experience for aspiring deejays and radio journal-
ists, and there is a TV production studio at Rose Hill. The notable global business
program at Lincoln Center engages students in courses about the global dimensions
Website: www .fordham .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 13,332
Undergraduates: 9,613
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 90%
Pell Grant: 23%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 55%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 47,203
Accepted: 54%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (718) 817- 4000
Email Address: enroll @
fordham .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Performing Arts
History
Biological Sciences
Psychology
Economics
Film and Television
Communication
“The community vibe makes
Fordham feel like a family
instead of an academic
institution.”
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FORDHAM UNIVERSITY 263
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
of business and requires a study abroad experience. Rose Hill offers 3– 2 engineering
programs with Columbia and Case Western Reserve, and both colleges have a 3– 3
program with Fordham Law School as well as 4– 1 accelerated masters programs in
many majors.
“Fordham offers a good balance between academic rigor and a relaxed atmo-
sphere,” says a business administration major, especially since students frequently
work together on homework and projects. Fifty- two percent of all undergraduate
classes have fewer than 20 students, and professors
are praised for bringing much- appreciated profes-
sional experience and real- world perspective to the
lectern. Helped by alumni connections, business
students often obtain internships on Wall Street or
elsewhere in the Manhattan financial community. Half of all undergrads study abroad,
choosing from over 100 programs in more than 50 countries, including those offered
by the university’s London Centre.
A political science major says Fordham students are “open- minded and eager to
learn about different cultures and perspectives,” but are also “opinionated, assertive,
and outspoken.” This is, after all, New York City. The atmosphere is less intellectual
than at nearby Columbia and NYU. Forty- one percent of undergraduates hail from
New York State, and many of the rest are from elsewhere on the East Coast; 7 per-
cent come from abroad. Black students make up 5 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans 13 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 18 percent, and multiracial students 5 per-
cent. The university supports a vibrant LGBTQ community, and while it leans left,
there is a healthy variety of political views. Hundreds of merit and audition- based
scholarships averaging $18,700 are available to eligible students, as well as athletic
scholarships in 19 sports.
About half of Fordham undergrads live in the dorms, and those who snag rooms
in the two high- rise residence halls near Lincoln Center are saved from the bor-
ough’s greedy brokers and unconscionable rents. Both campuses offer living/learning
communities; all Lincoln Center freshmen participate in the first- year experience
integrated learning community, while first- years
at Rose Hill can apply for the Manresa Scholars
Program, which offers access to academic live- in
tutors and a Jesuit priest in residence. Students
across the university complain about strict guest
policies that require sign- ins and restrict overnight passes to visitors of the same sex.
“Fordham has recently updated its dining facilities,” according to a biological sci-
ences major. “They cater to many special diets, such as vegan, vegetarian, Halal, or
Kosher.” Both campuses are safe, students say. “The constant presence of Public
Safety and guards at each gate has made me feel very safe and comfortable at
Fordham,” reports a film and television major.
Fordham’s Campus Activities Board sponsors events like movies, concerts, and
dances on both campuses; there is no Greek system. Says one student, “Parties with
alcohol are practically unheard of on campus.” Students are far more likely to head
to nearby bars, clubs, performances, festivals, and cultural events. “Off- campus, the
breadth of opportunity within New York City allows students to participate in any
activity they desire,” enthuses a senior. The Rose Hill campus backs up against the
Bronx Zoo, and Arthur Avenue, the Little Italy of the Bronx, “is right off campus and
offers some of the best Italian food in the country,” raves a sophomore. Both pro-
vide welcome weekend diversions. Students look forward to homecoming and
Spring Weekend, which features a major concert and the Under the Tent dance on
Martyrs’ Lawn at Rose Hill. Fordham’s Center for Community Engaged Learning
helps connect students with local community service opportunities.
“[Students are] open-
minded and eager to learn
about different cultures and
perspectives.”
“[Arthur Avenue] is right off
campus and offers some of
the best Italian food in the
country.”
The campus center
at Rose Hill,
combining fitness
and dining facilities,
student services,
and event spaces,
recently received
a $200 million
renovation.
Helped by alumni
connections, business
students often obtain
internships on Wall
Street or elsewhere
in the Manhattan
financial community.
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264 FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The Fordham Rams compete in Division I and the Atlantic 10 Conference (and
the Patriot League for football), and its location near the Hudson River has helped
to produce the women’s rowing Metropolitan champs. Recently, women’s softball
and tennis, and men’s water polo have brought home conference titles; baseball and
basketball are also competitive. The Lombardi Memorial Athletic Center (named for
football legend Vince, an alumnus) supports club sports and intramurals. Perhaps
Fordham’s most unusual athletic endeavor is Riding the Ram. “Students are expected
to climb on the granite blocks and sit on the bronze statue of the Fordham Ram at
least once in their time here,” explains a computer science major. “However, ride
the Ram at your own risk, as you will be reprimanded if caught in the act.”
“The community vibe makes Fordham feel like a family instead of an academic
institution,” says a senior. Some things are changing— including its admissions and
academic standards, which are inching up, and its national profile, which is also far
higher than in years past. What hasn’t changed is the idea that diversity and com-
munity can coexist, instilling confidence and pride in Fordham students and loyalty
in the expanding alumni base. “Fordham University is the Jesuit university of New
York,” asserts one student. “The bustle of New York City is unlike anywhere else on
the planet, and our students graduate as experts of the city and have their Jesuit
ideals to guide them for the rest of their lives.”
Overlaps
George
Washington,
Boston University,
Syracuse,
Northeastern,
Villanova, NYU,
Boston College,
SUNY– Binghamton
If You Apply To ›
Fordham: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to particular school or
program. Theatre and dance applicants must audition. Portfolio recommended for visual arts applicants. Please consult
Fordham’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Franklin & Marshall College
637 College Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17604
F&M is known for churning out hardworking preprofessional students. Faces tough
competition from the likes of Bucknell, Dickinson, Gettysburg, and Lafayette for
Pennsylvania- bound students. Known for natural sciences, business, government,
and emphasis on civic engagement. Bases all financial aid on need and meets the
demonstrated need of every student. Strong contingent of international students.
Franklin & Marshall College is set in one of the country’s 50 largest metro areas,
but you can still enjoy the serene hills of Pennsylvania’s Amish country, and you
might come nose- to- nose with a horse and buggy. While the city of Lancaster has
modernized beautifully, parts of this historic town look much the same as they did
when two acclaimed but struggling colleges decided to pool their resources. In 1853,
Marshall College (named for Chief Justice John Marshall) merged with Franklin
College (started with a donation of 200 English pounds from Ben himself). These
days, F&M is trying to modernize, too, particularly by bringing a more international
and service- oriented bent to the curriculum.
F&M’s 220- acre campus is surrounded by a quiet residential neighborhood
shaded by majestic maple and oak trees. The campus itself is an arboretum and
boasts 65 buildings of mainly Gothic and colonial architecture. The Blue Line Café
and nearby Hartman Green appeal to students seeking a study respite. Other notable
facilities include the Life Sciences and Philosophy Building and Martin Library of
Website: www .fandm .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,984
Undergraduates: 1,984
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 62%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 54%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 8,923
Accepted: 36%
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FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE 265
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the Sciences. As part of a decade- long urban renewal project, the college has devel-
oped 28 acres of land, once home to aged industrial buildings and rail yards, into a
North Campus for athletic fields and facilities. Other additions include the $29 mil-
lion Winter Visual Arts Center.
First- year students are introduced to F&M’s academic community through a
required Connections seminar, an intimate course that teaches the skills of critical
analysis, research, writing, and civil debate. First- years also live together in seminar-
based living/learning communities. Additional
general education components include writing
and language requirements and distribution
requirements in the arts, humanities, social sci-
ences, natural sciences, and world perspectives.
F&M has long been known for being strong in the natural sciences, its computer
science and creative writing programs are on the rise, and the school is now placing
more emphasis on service- learning courses in many disciplines. A preprofessional
college in line with Lafayette and Bucknell, F&M has an excellent reputation for
preparing undergrads for medical school, law school, and other careers. Business,
organizations, and society is the most popular major, followed by government, eco-
nomics, psychology, and biology. F&M also offers several cooperative- degree and
domestic- exchange programs.
Students uniformly describe the coursework as demanding, but a biology major
says, “Despite the intensity of the academics, there is not a strong sense of competi-
tion.” The relatively small student body and intimate class sizes help create a feeling
of community between students and professors. A business major says the profes-
sors are caring and “make Franklin & Marshall an exciting and comfortable place to
learn.” More than 40 percent of F&M students engage in directed research under the
guidance of faculty, including students in the Hackman Summer Research Scholars
program. In the summer, faculty- led study abroad programs head to countries such
as China, Italy, Russia, and South Africa, and 43 percent of students study in loca-
tions around the world during their time at F&M.
A government major says her classmates are hardworking and “stressed out
about academics,” but also intellectually curious and welcoming. Twenty- eight per-
cent of students hail from Pennsylvania, and 18 percent come from foreign nations.
Black students comprise 5 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 10 per-
cent, Asian Americans 4 percent, and multiracial students 3 percent. Perhaps because
most of the community shares a liberal point of view, “intense political debate is
uncommon,” according to a senior. Fummers do, however, take an interest when it
comes to extracurricular activities and social opportunities. The 100- plus clubs on
campus attest to that, as does a notably high level of participation in community
service activities (70 percent). There are no athletic scholarships, and the school
offers financial aid based solely on need, guaranteeing to meet 100 percent of admit-
ted students’ demonstrated need.
The college requires students to live in college- affiliated housing all four years,
and housing options include residence halls organized into five College Houses,
apartments, lofts, townhouses, and special- interest housing. The faculty- led College
House system “provides a strong academic and
social structure within living spaces,” says a
music and math double major. Boarders eat most
of their meals in the campus dining hall under a
flexible meal plan, but students are issued debit cards that they may use at a number
of different food stops on campus. A first- year reports, “We have been very informed
about the need for consent and respect,” but students express dissatisfaction with
how the administration has handled sexual assault cases.
(continued)
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 86%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (877) 678- 9111
Email Address: admission @
fandm .edu
Strong Programs:
Natural Sciences
Business, Organizations, and
Society
Government
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Economics
Psychology
Biology
“Despite the intensity of
the academics, there is
not a strong sense of
competition.”
F&M has an excellent
reputation for
preparing undergrads
for medical school,
law school, and
other careers.
“Downtown is always a
fun place to go if you can
spend money.”
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266 FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Three fraternities attract 7 percent of the men, and seven sororities attract 24 per-
cent of the women. They are integral to much of the nightlife, although the residence
halls and student organizations such as the College Entertainment Committee offer a
range of alternatives, including concerts and comedians. “Off- campus parties dominate
the lives of students on the weekends,” one student says. Ben’s Underground, a popular
student- run nightclub, and Hildy’s, a tiny local bar, are also favorite meeting places. The
biggest annual event is the Spring Arts Festival, held the weekend before finals, which
includes live concerts, student air- band contests, art exhibits, games, booths, and bar-
becues. Another highlight is Flapjack Fest, when professors serve pancakes to students.
Lancaster is a historical and well- to- do city located in a larger metro area of more
than 500,000. Lancaster offers a 16- screen cinema, scores of shops and art galleries, a
historic farmers market, brick- and- cobblestone streets, and a plethora of quaint restau-
rants and cafés. Students have a measured, realistic appreciation of its urban amenities
and rural ambiance. “Downtown is always a fun place to go if you can spend money,”
says a senior. The Amish culture, although not as visible as some newcomers might
expect, draws the interest of some students too. Those with a hankering for contempo-
rary action take road trips to Philly, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York City.
With the exception of wrestling, which is Division I, F&M teams compete in
Division III. The college boasts recent Centennial Conference championships
in men’s and women’s lacrosse and men’s golf. Varsity squads are called the
Diplomats, a moniker that gained currency in 1935 when the football team nearly
upset national powerhouse Fordham. The annual football game against Dickinson
for the Conestoga Wagon trophy is always a crowd- pleaser. The college also offers a
selection of five co- ed intramural sports and 13 club sports, such as cycling, rugby,
and ultimate Frisbee, which sign up about a quarter of the students.
At Franklin & Marshall, a happy senior says, “We have a stellar reputation and
the best faculty. An F&M education will prep you for any job, and alumni jump at
the chance to help.” The college’s illustrious namesakes would no doubt be proud
of the quality academics and ever- evolving opportunities at the institution that
bears their names.
Ben’s Underground,
a popular student-
run nightclub, and
Hildy’s, a tiny local
bar, are also favorite
meeting places.
Overlaps
Dickinson,
Lafayette,
Gettysburg,
Bucknell, Skidmore,
Lehigh, Union
College, Hamilton
If You Apply To ›
F&M: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Furman University
3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613
Furman’s campus is gorgeous, with the swans being a particularly elegant touch.
With roughly 2,300 undergraduates, Furman is larger than Davidson and half the size
of Wake Forest. Academic life includes a strong emphasis on off- campus experiences
as well as undergrad research. Furman is relatively conservative, and the student
body is predominantly Christian and regional.
While deeply rooted in Southern culture and academic traditions, Furman University
is seeking to be known as a place where strong liberal arts and sciences, not big- time
athletic rivalries or a boisterous Greek scene, set the campus tone. Student diversity
is still a work in progress, but a strong sense of community is well established. As one
denizen puts it, “I love how Furman builds a community with such a homey feel.”
Website: www .furman .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,362
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FURMAN UNIVERSITY 267
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Furman’s 750- acre campus is one of the country’s most beautiful, with tree-
lined malls, fountains, a formal rose garden and Japanese garden, and a 30- acre lake
replete with swans and ducks. Flowering shrubs dot the well- kept lawns, which sur-
round buildings in the classical revival, Colonial Williamsburg, and modern archi-
tectural styles. Many have porches, pediments, and other Southern touches, such as
handmade Virginia brick. Recent campus projects include a renovation of the Clark
Murphy Housing Complex.
Founded by Southern Baptists in 1826 and named for a denominational leader,
Furman operates under the “semester- plus” system. The school year begins in late
August, and the first semester ends prior to the December holiday break. Students
begin the second semester in January and then
have the option of attending a three- week May
Experience in (guess when). General education
requirements include a first- year writing seminar
and a series of core requirements that fulfill the
following “ways of knowing”: empirical studies,
human cultures, mathematical and formal reasoning, foreign language, ultimate ques-
tions, and body and mind. Finally, students must fulfill global awareness requirements.
The most popular majors include health sciences, communication studies, politics and
international affairs, psychology, and history. Business administration is among the
stronger programs, along with chemistry and biology. Students in the health sciences
program have access to the innovative international health and nutrition program as
well as a human performance laboratory. Internships and research opportunities are
available through the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health.
Furman’s academic climate is challenging. “Furman students all understand
that the courses are difficult and seem to commiserate with one another,” says one
junior. Seventy- eight percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, helping stu-
dents get to know faculty members well, and the Pathways advising program helps
freshmen and sophomores stay on track. “All classes are taught by professors, and
only a handful of labs are taught by teachers’ assistants,” says one senior.
The Furman Advantage ensures that every undergraduate will have the opportu-
nity to participate in research, an internship, or study abroad. “I have participated in
all three of these areas,” explains an elementary education major, “and these opportu-
nities, funded by the Furman Advantage, have
added immensely to my holistic learning and
development as an individual.” Forty- four per-
cent of undergrads conduct research, many assist-
ing professors through paid Furman Summer
Research Fellowships. Furman typically sends one
of the largest student delegations to the annual National Conference on Undergraduate
Research. Internships are popular, and fifty- three percent of students study abroad
through one of two dozen Furman- sponsored programs on five continents, including
programs in Iceland, Japan, Belize, and Botswana. Entering freshmen have the oppor-
tunity to travel in small groups to an island off the coast of Charleston, the mountains
of North Carolina, or even China during the summer before they enroll.
Furman broke with the South Carolina Baptist Convention in 1992, but it
remains in South Carolina, where religion ranks second only to football as a cultural
institution. Thirty- three percent of students hail from South Carolina; 4 percent are
international. A political science major says, “Students here tend to be sheltered” and
“image- conscious.” The administration has committed to erasing Furman’s tradi-
tional image as the “Country Club of the South” and diversifying the school, and the
Student Diversity Council promotes such efforts, but they have been slow to bear
fruit. “Socioeconomically, Furman generally draws from a more upper- middle- class
(continued)
Undergraduates: 2,259
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 35%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 7,510
Accepted: 67%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (864) 294- 2034
Email Address: admissions @
furman .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Chemistry
Biology
Health Sciences
Communication Studies
Politics and International
Affairs
Psychology
History
“Furman students all
understand that the
courses are difficult and
seem to commiserate with
one another.”
“Socioeconomically,
Furman generally draws
from a more upper- middle-
class to upper- class
background.”
Student diversity
is still a work in
progress, but a strong
sense of community
is well established.
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268 FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
to upper- class background,” reports a senior. Despite the school’s location in the
South, Black students make up only 6 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos
6 percent, Asian Americans 4 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. The Task
Force on Slavery and Justice seeks to examine and help the community understand
Furman’s historic ties to slavery. Every year, Furman awards hundreds of merit schol-
arships averaging $26,800, plus more than 200 athletic scholarships in 18 sports.
Furman is a residential campus, with 96 percent of students living in university
housing, and students enjoy the resulting camaraderie. “The residence halls undergo
cyclical renovations such that no one dorm is in disrepair,” says a junior. Furman is no
longer a dry campus, although the alcohol policy
is strictly enforced in freshman and sophomore
dorms, where most students shouldn’t be imbib-
ing anyway. The atmosphere is more relaxed for
students of legal drinking age, who may consume alcohol in North Village, a university-
owned apartment complex of 10 buildings for juniors and seniors. Meal plan credits
can be used in the dining hall or food court, and, overall, students say campus fare is
tasty and diverse. Campus police help provide a relatively safe environment and “are
transparent about all sexual assault issues that happen on campus,” says a student.
When the weekend comes, Furman’s Student Activities Board sponsors “free
movies, weekend trips, restaurant deals, and huge concerts,” says a communication
studies major. Fraternities claim 26 percent of the men and sororities 49 percent of the
women, and off- campus Greek parties draw crowds. “Greek life does tend to dominate
life on Furman’s campus,” reports one student. “As someone who is not a part of
Greek life, I’ve had to seek out activities on my own. There are a lot of interesting
cultural and religious programs on campus, and great outdoor/sporting facilities.”
“Greenville is a great city that is seeing a large amount of growth,” says a senior.
“The downtown is booming and is a really fun place to visit.” The Peace Center for
the Performing Arts, located downtown, brings in touring casts of Broadway shows
and other top- rated acts. Sixty- seven percent of Furman’s students devote spare time
to the Heller Service Corps, which provides volunteers to more than 50 commu-
nity agencies and organizes the annual Exceptional Adults Valentine’s Day Dance
for adults with special needs. The best road trips are to the mountains of Asheville
(only 45 minutes away), Atlanta (for the big city and shopping, about two hours),
and Charleston or Myrtle Beach (four hours).
Furman’s athletic teams are the Paladins (after the toughest warrior in Charlemagne’s
court), and they compete in the Division I Southern Conference. Recent conference
champs include men’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross- country, and women’s
tennis. Students happily yell out the school’s tongue- in- cheek cheer (“F.U. one time,
F.U. two times, F.U. three times, F.U. all the time!”) during football games against
archrivals Wofford and the Citadel. A quarter of the student body plays intramural
and club sports, and Greek groups compete annually for the coveted All Sports Trophy.
Furman’s debate and mock trial teams are both nationally ranked and regularly com-
pete in intercollegiate tournaments.
Three decades after severing its religious ties, Furman is still a largely homogeneous
institution, although it continues to evolve. It may call itself a university, but its educa-
tional approach is closer to that of a traditional college of liberal arts and sciences, empha-
sizing broad exposure to many fields, problem- solving, and experience- based learning.
“Greenville is a great city
that is seeing a large
amount of growth.”
Furman’s debate and
mock trial teams are
both nationally ranked
and regularly compete
in intercollegiate
tournaments.
Overlaps
Davidson, Rhodes,
Wake Forest, Elon,
University of South
Carolina, Sewanee,
Washington and
Lee, Wofford
If You Apply To ›
Furman: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement.
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GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY 269
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
George Mason University
4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
The largest public research university in Virginia, George Mason offers an alternative
to UVA for students who want the advantages of an elite research institution, along
with the most diverse campus community in the state. The location in the Washington,
D.C. metro area is a boon for job and internship seekers. Big focus on overall student
well- being. A quarter of undergraduates start out in community colleges.
Located in the middle of the budding high- tech corridor of greater Washington,
D.C., George Mason University features a suburban campus and symbiotic relation-
ship with the surrounding region that contrasts starkly with Virginia’s two other
major universities, which have operated for many years in the relative isolation of
Charlottesville and Blacksburg. With centers of both conservative thinking and lib-
eral and progressive values, Mason has grown by leaps and bounds for the past two
decades, largely because of its commitment to extend the benefits of higher educa-
tion to as many Virginians as possible.
Founded in 1957 as an outpost of the University of Virginia designed to meet
the growing educational needs of Northern Virginia, Mason became independent
in 1972. It sits on a 677- acre wooded campus 20 miles southwest of Washington,
D.C., in suburban Fairfax, Virginia. Campus architecture is modern and homo-
geneous, with lots of brick, glass, and metal, and just about everything is within
a 15- minute walk. The campus observatory is second in the area only to that of
NASA. The 100,000- seat EagleBank Arena hosts both sporting and entertainment
events. Although Mason’s campus doesn’t have the colonial ambiance or tradition
of William & Mary or UVA, its namesake does have the same Old Virginia creden-
tials. George Mason drafted Virginia’s influential Declaration of Rights in 1776, and
he later opposed ratification of the federal Constitution because there was no Bill of
Rights attached.
Mason is growing up fast. Its physical plant is expanding, thanks largely to a
small but increasing endowment, funding from the State of Virginia, and some
public- private partnerships. Horizon Hall, a six- story, $108 million building housing
the College of Humanities and Social Sciences,
opened a few years ago, part of a spate of con-
struction. Through the university libraries, stu-
dents have access to nearly two million electronic
resources and borrowing privileges of the
Washington Research Library Consortium. The Mason Square campus, 15 miles east
in Arlington, Virginia, is home to the Schar School of Policy and Government, the
School of Business, the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and the
Scalia Law School.
Mason has standard general education requirements, but students who prefer
to find their own way can design a major under the bachelor’s in integrative stud-
ies, which teams small groups of faculty and undergraduates on projects that can
be easily connected to the world outside the campus. Nontraditional students who
enter Mason have the option of creating their own degree in the bachelor of individ-
ualized studies program. All students must complete a capstone or synthesis course
in their major.
Mason has had two Nobel laureates in its libertarian- friendly economics depart-
ment, which is probably its strongest. Not surprisingly, given the school’s location,
the Schar School of Policy and Government also receives accolades. Business- related
Website: www .gmu .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 26,829
Undergraduates: 21,366
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 69%
Pell Grant: 27%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 20,001
Accepted: 90%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 70%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (703) 993- 2400
Email Address: admissions @
gmu .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Government
Business
Information Technology
Computer Science
Psychology
Criminology, Law, and Society
Biology
“I’ve learned about many
different cultures here, and
I don’t ever feel singled
out.”
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270 GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
majors are popular, along with information technology; computer science; account-
ing; criminology, law, and society; biology; and psychology. Other notable majors
include the nation’s first conflict analysis and resolution major, fast- growing com-
puter game design and cybersecurity engineering majors, and forensic science.
Mason also recently established its College of Public Health, the first of its kind in
Virginia. The Mercatus Center, which has been supported with tens of millions of
dollars from billionaire Charles Koch and his late brother David, is nationally recog-
nized for its espousal of free market economic principles.
The academic climate varies by program, students say, and 35 percent of classes
have fewer than 20 students. All faculty members are required to teach, and according
to a global affairs major, the majority are “flexible, accommodating, and helpful.”
Mason’s Center for the Advancement of Well-
Being is a national leader in encouraging stu-
dents, faculty, and staff members to live more
mindful and meaningful lives. “GMU does a particularly good job of providing sup-
port and resources for off- campus, transfer, and adult students,” notes a computer
science major.
Students here are decidedly career focused: 85 percent enter the working world
directly after graduation. A computer science major comments, “A lot of people here
see their degree as a means to an end, and they care more about getting a good job
after graduation than they do about getting perfect grades.” Mason offers its under-
grads over 130 accelerated master’s degree programs for those interested in graduate
study. The Smithsonian- Mason School of Conservation allows students to live
on- site at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, where
they study global conservation issues and civic concerns. All students are welcome
to participate in Mason’s strong undergraduate research program, and an Honors
College is available to top achievers. For those seeking adventure in faraway
places— as about 5 percent of undergraduates do— the Global Education Office offers
over 200 different study abroad programs in more than 60 sites around the world,
including Mason’s own campus in South Korea.
A quarter of incoming students start out at Northern Virginia Community
College or other two- year institutions, and 18 percent of undergraduates are over
the age of 24. As such, many commute. Eighty- four percent are from Virginia, and
5 percent are international; the university boasts
students from all 50 states and more than 130
countries. Black students account for 12 percent
of the undergraduate population, Hispanics/
Latinos 16 percent, Asian Americans 23 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent.
Students point to the campus’s diversity as a highlight of the Mason experience.
“I’ve learned about many different cultures here, and I don’t ever feel singled out,”
reflects a senior. Students are politically aware and, being so close to D.C., have
plenty of opportunities to get involved. Merit scholarships are available to those
who qualify, as are around 300 athletic scholarships.
George Mason’s traditional status as a commuter school is changing. On- campus
housing is guaranteed for the first year; 21 percent of students live on or around
campus in university- sponsored housing, including 55 percent of first- time fresh-
men. “Housing is competitive, but the residence halls are generally nice,” says a
global affairs major. Those who want an active campus social life should definitely
consider a stint in the dorms, but freshmen dorms are dry, and you can get the boot
if you’re caught having a party with alcohol. All freshmen living on campus reside
in Presidents Park and are assigned to one of 15 academic, identity, and lifestyle-
focused living/learning communities, which offer tighter- knit relationships with
classmates. Sophomores and upperclassmen get rooms on a first- come, first- served
“Our student life offices are
very active.”
Patriots Day, Gold
Rush, and Mason
Day are major
bashes, in addition
to homecoming and
International Week.
“Nearly every aspect of
Mason is developing at
breakneck speed.”
Mason has had two
Nobel laureates
in its libertarian-
friendly economics
department.
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THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY 271
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
basis prioritized by class status. Campus dining facilities are plentiful and operate
around the clock but receive mixed reviews. Students report that the campus gener-
ally feels safe. “We have apps that can alert others of your location and when you
expect to arrive home, and police escorts if students ever feel unsafe walking around
campus,” explains a junior.
Mason’s Johnson Center, with its food court, movie theater, computer labs,
student support offices, and study areas, is the center of on- campus social life.
Two student unions, the Student Union Building and the HUB, offer additional
options for socializing and studying. “Our student life offices are very active, and
there are events happening every day on campus,” says a junior. Just 3 percent of
the men and 4 percent of the women go Greek. With barely three generations of
history under its belt, Mason is still developing traditions and annual events:
“Come here and invent one!” a student urges. Patriots Day, Gold Rush, and Mason
Day are major bashes, in addition to homecoming and International Week. On
the weekends, students find a predictable assortment of malls and shopping cen-
ters in Fairfax, but off- campus parties and the sights and sounds of downtown
D.C., Georgetown, and Old Town Alexandria beckon when the sun goes down.
Best of all, these are only a short commute away via a free shuttle bus to the
Metro. Those searching for alternative collegiate scenes take road trips to James
Madison and UVA.
Mason competes in the Division I Atlantic 10 conference, and the basket-
ball team is the marquee program. Any game against Virginia Commonwealth
University draws a big crowd, and the budding Revolutionary Rivalry with George
Washington is gaining momentum. Students are proud of the colorful pep band
the Green Machine, directed by a beloved music professor known as Doc Nix.
Patriots teams that have recently brought home conference titles include men’s
and women’s track and field and men’s swimming and diving. Club sports and
intramurals are growing in popularity, with 12 percent of students participating.
“Nearly every aspect of Mason is developing at breakneck speed. We haven’t hit
our best yet,” says one student. The name of George Mason may not have the cachet
of George Washington, James Madison, or the other luminaries of Virginia history
who have had universities named for them, but with improving academics, an ever-
expanding physical campus, and the rich cultural and economic resources of
Washington, D.C., Mason’s namesake may be set to follow in their footsteps.
Mason recently
established its
College of Public
Health, the first of
its kind in Virginia.
Overlaps
Virginia
Commonwealth,
Arizona State,
Temple, UMBC,
Virginia Tech,
James Madison,
University of
Maryland, Penn
State
If You Apply To ›
Mason: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Additional
materials required for applicants to dance, music, art and visual technology, computer game design, and theater programs.
The George Washington University
Washington, D.C. 20052
Not so long ago, GW was a backup school maligned for its lack of identity. But the
allure of Washington, D.C., coupled with ambitious leadership and an intellectually
stimulating educational environment, has made it increasingly selective. Located
steps away from the State Department. Among the most expensive private schools in
the country, it is also a national leader in internships per capita.
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272 THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Like Washington, D.C., itself, the George Washington University draws students from
all over America— and from 130 countries around the world. Upon arrival, they find a
bustling campus in the heart of D.C., enriched with cultural and intellectual opportu-
nities, including internships with the Smithsonian
Institution, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of
Congress, NASA, and other national treasures.
GW offers a front- row seat to history as top polit-
ical officials and influential leaders serve as frequent guest speakers and visiting
professors— and it is the only school in the country to hold its commencement on
the National Mall. “We are the students who will make change in the world, and we
are at the center of the important things that are going on right now,” says one con-
fident junior.
GW was established in 1821 by an act of Congress as a testament to George
Washington’s dream of a national institution of higher learning in D.C. Today,
as GW enters its third century, undergraduates experience life on primarily two
campuses— the Foggy Bottom campus on Pennsylvania Avenue near the State
Department and the Mount Vernon campus, three miles away in the Foxhall neigh-
borhood. (A few other satellite campuses in the area serve mostly graduate students.)
The Foggy Bottom campus has a mix of renovated federal row houses and modern
buildings and is virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the neighborhood, while
the wooded Mount Vernon campus spans 23 bucolic acres near Georgetown and
includes athletic fields, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool. Students live and take
classes on both campuses and travel between the two on the “Vern Express,” a shut-
tle that runs 24/7 during the academic year. The 500,000- square- foot Science and
Engineering Hall is the largest academic building in D.C. dedicated to STEM fields.
Incoming students may enroll in the School of Engineering and Applied
Science, the School of Business, the Elliott School of International Affairs, the
Milken Institute School of Public Health, and the largest undergraduate division,
the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (which also houses the School of Media
and Public Affairs and the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design). All undergrad-
uates are required to complete a 19- credit core curriculum in the following areas:
writing, natural or physical science, mathematics or statistics, social science, and
the humanities, plus two writing- in- the- disciplines courses. During their first year,
all undergraduates take a University Writing course. Some of the strongest and most
popular majors are international affairs, political science, finance, and biology.
GW’s political communication major, which combines political science, journal-
ism, and communication technologies, is one of the few undergraduate programs
of its kind and benefits from its Washington location. Programs in public health,
geography, biomedical engineering, interaction design, and archaeology are also
well regarded. A number of accelerated undergraduate/graduate degree programs are
available. Students warn that recent budget cuts have impacted several humanities
and arts programs, including women’s studies, music, and dance.
“The academic climate is rigorous but not unbearable,” says a freshman. Fifty-
seven percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students; professors
handle lectures and seminars, and teaching assis-
tants facilitate discussions or labs. Almost half of
GW’s faculty members divide their time between
the halls of academia and real- world positions,
many of them governmental. The professors
“aim to not only teach the course content but to demonstrate how the skills and
information learned [are] used in the specific field,” notes a freshman.
For about 500 highly motivated and capable students in all majors, the University
Honors Program offers special seminars, dedicated advising, independent study, and
“We are the students who
will make change in the
world.”
Website: www .gwu .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 17,540
Undergraduates: 10,225
Male/Female: 37/63
Financial Aid: 69%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 43%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 27,266
Accepted: 49%
Enrolled: 22%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (202) 994- 6040
Email Address: gwadm @
gwu .edu
Strong Programs:
International Affairs
Political Science
Finance
Biology
Political Communication
Public Health
Geography
Biomedical Engineering
“Student initiatives have
led the university to
become more green and
sustainable.”
GW offers a front- row
seat to history as top
political officials and
influential leaders
serve as frequent
guest speakers and
visiting professors.
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THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY 273
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a university symposium on both campuses. Students may study abroad via 300 pro-
grams available in more than 60 countries, including GW- run programs in England,
France, Spain, and Chile. The Center for Career Services hosts job fairs, offers career
coaching, and connects students with more than 12,000 internship opportunities.
“Students intern at Capitol Hill (we call it hill- terning because of how common it is),
the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, and many other local organizations,” reports
a junior. Volunteering is big, too, and 90 percent of students take part in more than
80 GW courses that combine academics with service work in the D.C. community.
Students at GW “are all driven and have unique experiences,” says a political
communication major. Eighty- seven percent of undergraduates come from outside
D.C., including 9 percent who hail from foreign countries. Seven percent are Black,
13 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 14 percent are Asian American, and 5 percent are
multiracial. Many students come from wealthy backgrounds (pricey nights out on
the town are a common diversion), and a senior comments that the campus “remains
fairly segregated according to race and cultural background.” Diversity training is
now mandatory for all incoming students. As you might expect, political issues of
all sorts are important here. “Student initiatives have led the university to become
more green and sustainable,” reports another political communication major. Merit
scholarships are available, averaging $23,800, and athletes vie for 164 awards. GW is
need- aware, not need- blind, in its admissions.
Sixty- two percent of GW undergrads live in campus housing, which is required
for the first two years. The historic Thurston Hall residence was overhauled recently
with a new dining hall, lounges, and a penthouse with views of the city. Still, reports
a senior, “Most dorms are converted apartment
buildings that are old and in need of renova-
tion.” Those who move off campus typically find
group houses in Foggy Bottom or go to fashion-
able nearby neighborhoods like Dupont Circle
and Georgetown, just a short walk from campus.
First- year students living on campus have an unlimited meal plan and can dine at
on- campus cafés or at more than 100 off- campus vendors. More plan options are
available in subsequent years, and the administration reports GW is shifting toward
more traditional meal plan offerings. Given GW’s open, urban campus, safety can be
a concern, but one student says, “There are many services to ensure security,” includ-
ing the university’s police department. A junior adds, “Student organizations like
Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA), Allied in Pride, the Feminist Student Union,
and others work very diligently to increase awareness of sexual assault and provide
students with the tools to protect themselves and others.”
“If you’re bored at GW, you’re doing something wrong,” states one business
administration major. “Whether it’s on campus or off campus, there’s always some-
thing to do.” Nine percent of GW men and 12 percent of the women go Greek, and
there are more than 475 student organizations
on campus. Alcohol consumption is allowed on
campus for those of legal age. Major annual
events include the Fall Fest and Spring Fling car-
nivals, with free food and nationally known musical performers. And every four
years, GW celebrates the beginning of the new U.S. presidential term with a formal
Inaugural Ball of its own in January. Popular weekend trips include the Blue Ridge
Mountains and the beaches of Ocean City, Maryland, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Philadelphia and New York City are easily accessible by bus or train, a boon because
most GW students don’t have cars.
While GW’s official mascot resembles a certain Founding Father, its quirky, unof-
ficial one is the hippopotamus. The university has dropped its longtime Colonials
The historic Thurston
Hall residence was
overhauled recently
with a new dining
hall, lounges, and
a penthouse with
views of the city.
“[The professors] aim . . .
to demonstrate how the
skills and information
learned [are] used in the
specific field.”
“If you’re bored at GW,
you’re doing something
wrong.”
The university has
dropped its longtime
Colonials moniker and
teams now do battle
as the Revolutionaries.
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moniker following student protests over its association with colonialism, and teams
now do battle as the Revolutionaries. GW doesn’t field a football team, but its 20
varsity teams are competitive in Division I Atlantic 10 Conference play. Men’s and
women’s basketball make regular NCAA tournament appearances, and recent con-
ference champions include men’s and women’s swimming and diving, women’s
cross- country, rowing, and softball. Twenty- two percent of undergraduates partici-
pate in 39 club sports and 11 intramural activities throughout the year.
Perhaps it’s fitting that a university located in the nation’s seat of government
would generate complaints about red tape: “Stop with the bureaucracy,” grumbles
one student. “The simplest of problems for students could be fixed if we didn’t have
to go through so many hoops to just get an answer.” Still, despite the bureaucratic
annoyances, GW continues to build its reputation by putting its location to good
use. “The opportunities are endless,” says a student. “Picking and choosing what
you want to do is the hardest part.” For students interested in urban living in the
heart of the nation’s political establishment, GW may fit the bill. But that bill will
be hefty.
Overlaps
Boston
University, NYU,
Northeastern,
University of Miami
(FL), University of
Southern California,
American
University,
Georgetown,
University of
Maryland
If You Apply To ›
GW: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application. Art and design
applicants must submit portfolio.
Georgetown University
37th and O Streets NW, Washington, D.C. 20057
For anyone who wants to be a master of the political universe, this is the place. Strong
international and multicultural environment. Georgetown is the most academically
prestigious of the Jesuit schools in the U.S. and one of the most tolerant of religious
diversity. A national leader in actively confronting its historical links to slavery.
Occupies a tree- lined neighborhood that is home to many of the nation’s most
powerful people.
As the oldest and most selective of the nation’s Roman Catholic schools, Georgetown
University offers students unparalleled access to the corridors of power of Washing-
ton, D.C. Aspiring politicos benefit from the university’s emphasis on public policy,
international business, and foreign service. The national spotlight shines brightly
on this elite institution, drawing dynamic students and athletes from around the
world. A senior says, “Georgetown balances academics, social life, and faith in an all-
encompassing college experience based on ‘care of the whole person.’”
From its scenic location just blocks from the Potomac River, Georgetown affords
its students an excellent vantage point from which to survey— and shape— the
world. Established in 1789, the 104- acre campus reflects the history and growth of
the first university in the nation to be founded
by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The Federal style
of Old North, which once housed guests such as
George Washington and Lafayette and is now
home to the McCourt School of Public Policy, contrasts with the towers of the
Flemish Romanesque- style Healy Hall, a post– Civil War landmark on the National
Register of Historic Places.
Website: www .georgetown
.edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 15,316
Undergraduates: 7,143
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 33%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 34%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 26,638
Accepted: 12%
Enrolled: 48%
Grad in 6 Years: 96%
“The courses are
challenging, but it certainly
isn’t impossible to do well.”
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Although Georgetown is a Catholic university, the religious atmosphere is by no
means heavy- handed, and the student body tends to be diverse and open- minded.
Roughly half of the undergraduates are Catholic, but all major faiths are respected
and practiced on campus. That’s partially due to the pronounced international
influence here. The school’s hefty endowment is the largest among the nation’s
Jesuit colleges and universities. Georgetown has worked to confront its historical
ties to slavery by offering preferential admissions status to descendants of 272 slaves
who were sold in 1838 to keep its doors open. In addition to offering a formal apol-
ogy, it has created an African American studies department and in 2021 formally
established the Institute for Racial Justice to understand and address systemic racial
inequities. But critics say fund- raising has lagged on a pledge to raise $100 million
to atone for the university’s participation in the slave trade.
Through its broad liberal arts curriculum, GU focuses on developing the intel-
lectual prowess and moral rigor its students will need in future national and interna-
tional leadership roles. All students must complete requirements in humanities,
philosophy, theology, engaging diversity, and
writing; other requirements are specific to each
school. Optional Ignatius Seminars, which focus
on educating the “mind, body, and spirit,” give
first- years the chance to form close relationships with professors and reflect on their
work. Would- be Hoyas may apply to one of four undergraduate schools: Georgetown
College for liberal arts, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, McDonough
School of Business, and the Walsh School of Foreign Service. Prospective freshmen
must declare intended majors on their applications, and their secondary school
records are judged accordingly. This means, among other things, intense competi-
tion within the college for the limited number of spaces in Georgetown’s popular
premed program.
International affairs, international history, international economics, and regional
and comparative studies are among the hottest programs, as evidenced by the late
secretary of state Madeleine Albright’s nearly 40- year tenure at the Walsh School of
Foreign Service (SFS). For future diplomats, journalists, and others, SFS offers several
five- year undergraduate and graduate degree programs in conjunction with the
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Georgetown’s most popular majors include
international affairs, government, international politics, finance, and nursing. Of
course, the theology department is also strong. The business school balances liberal
arts with professional training, which translates into strong offerings in international
business as well as an emphasis on ethical and public policy issues. Curiously, given
its location in D.C., Georgetown does not offer
an undergraduate public policy major. The School
of Nursing and Health Studies runs an integrated
program combining the liberal arts and human-
ities with professional nursing theory and practice. The Faculty of Languages and
Linguistics, the only undergraduate program of its kind nationwide, grants degrees in
nine languages, as well as degrees in linguistics and comparative literature.
“Students take their coursework very seriously,” says a senior. “The courses are
challenging, but it certainly isn’t impossible to do well.” Sixty percent of classes have
fewer than 20 students. Georgetown likes to boast about its faculty, and it should.
“The professors are outstanding and the teaching is first- rate,” says an American stud-
ies major, and TAs are used only to lead discussion sections and recitations. The
Office of Global Education offers more than 210 programs in 57 countries.
A senior says GU students are not the stereotypical “pastel polo and pearl- clad
preppies from Long Island.” Eighty- four percent come from states outside D.C.,
and another 14 percent are international. Black students make up 5 percent of
(continued)
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (202) 687- 3600
Email Address: guadmiss @
georgetown .edu
Strong Programs:
International Affairs
International History
International Economics
Regional and Comparative
Studies
Theology
International Business
Government
Nursing
“[GU students are not the]
pastel polo and pearl- clad
preppies from Long Island.”
“Washington is an ideal
place to spend your college
years.”
Georgetown offers
no academic merit
scholarships, but
it does guarantee
to meet the full
demonstrated need
of every admit.
Popular annual
formals such as the
Diplomatic and the
Blue/Gray Ball inspire
students to dress
up and pair off.
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undergrads, Hispanics/Latinos 7 percent, Asian Americans 14 percent, and multi-
racial students 6 percent. A student committee works with the vice president for
student affairs to improve race relations and develop strategies for improving inclu-
siveness and sensitivity to issues of multiculturalism. Georgetown offers no aca-
demic merit scholarships, but it does guarantee to meet the full demonstrated need
of every admit, and more than 350 athletic scholarships draw athletes of all stripes.
The Georgetown Scholarship Program offers financial and academic support to eli-
gible low- income students.
University- owned dorms, townhouses, and apartments accommodate 77 per-
cent of undergrads, and “housing is extremely nice,” says a senior. All dorms are
co- ed, and some have more activities and a stronger community feel than others.
Two dining halls serve “steadily improving” but expensive fare. GU students feel
relatively safe on campus, thanks to the school’s ever- present Department of Public
Safety and its walking and riding after- dark escort services.
Jesuits know something about secret societies and thus frown on fraternities and
sororities at their colleges. The lack of a Greek system and the university’s strict
enforcement of the 21- year- old drinking age has led to a somewhat decentralized
social life, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Alcohol is forbidden in undergrad
dorms, and all parties must be registered. The dozens of bars, nightclubs, and restau-
rants in Georgetown— Martin’s Tavern and the Tombs are always popular— are a big
draw, but they can get pricey. Bulldog Tavern, a campus pub in the spectacular stu-
dent activity center, is a more affordable alterna-
tive. Popular annual formals such as the
Diplomatic and the Blue/Gray Ball inspire stu-
dents to dress up and pair off. “Social life is a
major part of campus,” says a student. “Kids can
easily find their niche.” Georgetown has a repu-
tation as a gay- friendly campus, and regular events include OUTober, a month of
LGBTQ pride and awareness events held in October.
With everything from the museums of the Smithsonian to the Kennedy Center,
“Washington is an ideal place to spend your college years,” says a student. “The city
has everything students could want, including culture, shopping, museums, mon-
uments, social life, and the clean and convenient Metro for transportation.” Given
the absence of on- campus parking, a car is probably more trouble than it’s worth.
Road trips are said to be infrequent.
Should you notice the hills begin to tremble with a deep, resounding, primitive
chant— “Hoya Saxa Hoya Saxa”— don’t worry; it’s probably just another Georgetown
basketball game. Hoya is derived from the Greek and Latin phrase hoya saxa, which
means “What rocks!” Some say it originated in a cheer referring to the stones that
formed the school’s outer walls. Recent Division I Big East champions include men’s
and women’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, and women’s cross- country.
For anyone interested in discovering the world, Georgetown offers an outstand-
ing menu of choices in one of the nation’s most dynamic cities. Professors truly pay
attention to their undergrads and the diverse students, who are “hardworking, dili-
gent, caring individuals,” says one sophomore. “Georgetown is a place where stu-
dents of all backgrounds, all traditions, and all faiths come together for a common
purpose of educating each other and making an impact on the world.”
The school’s hefty
endowment is the
largest among the
nation’s Jesuit colleges
and universities.
“Georgetown is a place
where students of all
backgrounds, all traditions,
and all faiths come
together.”
Overlaps
Boston College,
Notre Dame,
University of
Virginia, George
Washington,
UC Berkeley,
University of
Pennsylvania,
UCLA, Cornell
University
If You Apply To ›
Georgetown: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: required. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to
particular schools or programs.
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UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA 277
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University of Georgia
212 Terrell Hall, Athens, GA 30602- 1633
BEST
BUY
With early action applications at an all- time high, students in Georgia and elsewhere
frequently choose UGA over highly selective private institutions. The HOPE
Scholarship program provides free admission for top in- state students. Business,
journalism, social and natural sciences, and engineering head the list of strong and
sought- after programs. The college town of Athens boasts a great nightlife and is
within easy reach of Atlanta. Undergraduates also have access to rich research
opportunities.
A school that was previously known primarily for its dynamite football team and
raucous parties, the University of Georgia has enjoyed a recent transformation into
a widely respected research university. Top students who in the past would have
looked to more prestigious universities are opting instead for UGA, which is now
much tougher to get into. The state of Georgia uses lottery receipts to fund the
HOPE Scholarship program, which covers 100 percent of tuition at UGA for all four
years for in- state students who finish high school in the state with a B average and
maintain that average in college. But the school has widened its appeal beyond the
state’s borders. Today, “Georgia offers the most complete ‘Southern college experi-
ence’ in the South,” raves a senior.
Founded in 1785 with the help of three Yale graduates, Georgia was the nation’s
first state- chartered university. (UNC was chartered later but wins bragging rights
as the first public university to open its doors.)
Its attractive 762- acre main campus is dotted
with greenery and wooded walks. The older
north campus houses the Morehead Honors
College, the Terry College of Business, the School
of Public and International Affairs, and the law
school, and features 19th- century architecture
and landscaping. The southern end of campus
has more modern buildings, STEM facilities, and residence halls. The $140 million,
six- building Business Learning Community complex features such high- tech
resources as a trading room, a music business lab, and a business innovation lab.
UGA’s core curriculum includes courses in world languages and culture, human-
ities, the arts, life sciences, and physical sciences, as well as quantitative reasoning
and social sciences. First- Year Odyssey Seminars allow new students to study under a
senior faculty member in a small, personalized setting while earning an hour of aca-
demic credit. All students must take part in a hands- on learning opportunity, such
as research, study abroad, service learning, and internships, before they graduate.
“The experiential learning requirement has made me explore things outside of what
I am predisposed to and has expanded my horizons to more professional opportu-
nities,” enthuses a psychology major. UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass
Communication is home to the prestigious Peabody Awards for broadcasting excel-
lence, and the Terry College of Business is also noteworthy. A new School of Comput-
ing and Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture were added in 2022. Ecology,
agricultural sciences, public relations, international affairs, engineering, and computer
science are also strengths; health- related programs are rapidly expanding. The most
popular majors are biology, finance, marketing, and psychology. The Double Dawgs
program enables students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years
or less; students may choose from some 265 combinations of degrees.
Website: www .uga .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 36,218
Undergraduates: 28,757
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 34%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 36%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 39,354
Accepted: 43%
Enrolled: 37%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (706) 542- 8776
Email Address: adm -info @
uga .edu
Strong Programs:
Journalism
Business
Engineering
Ecology
Agricultural Sciences
Public Relations
International Affairs
Computer Science
“Professors maintain high
standards for academic
excellence and encourage
students to engage in
critical thinking, research,
collaboration, and
innovation.”
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278 UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
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A junior describes UGA’s academics as “a mixture of individual and collabora-
tive work that encourages both teamwork and competition.” Large lecture classes are
common, but after recent hires and new course sections, about 49 percent of classes
have fewer than 20 students. “Professors maintain high standards for academic excel-
lence and encourage students to engage in critical thinking, research, collaboration,
and innovation,” says a marketing major. Students find ample assistance with secur-
ing internships and jobs from the hands- on counselors in the Career Center.
The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities allows students to con-
duct a research or service project, write a thesis, or develop a creative work with close
faculty supervision, awarding 500 stipends per semester of $1,000 each. The
University of Georgia is highly ranked among research universities for the propor-
tion of students who study abroad each year. In addition to courses at its campuses
in Cortona, Italy, and Oxford, England, UGA offers nearly 200 study abroad pro-
grams in 88 countries, exchange programs with partner universities, and indepen-
dent research and internship opportunities. The 2,500 students in UGA’s highly
regarded Morehead Honors College enjoy small classes taught by top professors, as
well as special opportunities like Lunchbox Lectures and summer internships in
Savannah, Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Seventy- eight percent of UGA undergrads are Georgians, and 5 percent are inter-
national. A junior calls UGA students “friendly, approachable, and inclusive.” Black
students account for 7 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 13 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 5 percent. A junior points out that “Athens
is a liberal town located in a conservative state,”
which balances out to a “reasonably moderate”
political atmosphere on campus. Merit scholar-
ships are available, and UGA also doles out 412
athletic scholarships in 12 sports. As many as 100 top undergraduates are named
Foundation Fellows, netting a full scholarship plus stipends for international travel
and research.
Thirty- five percent of Bulldogs live in the 33 residence halls, and freshmen
are required to do so. “Each dorm caters to different personality types, bathroom
preferences, and social environments,” explains a public relations major. There are
five campus dining halls— each with its own specialty cuisine— and students drool
over the delicious options; many choose to keep their meal plans even after moving
off campus. “You don’t feel like you’re in a dining hall— it’s that good,” insists a
junior. Snack and fast- food spots, including Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels,
also abound.
When the weekend comes, students know how to have a good time. “Downtown
Athens has been known to get a little crazy on the weekends,” says a sophomore.
Fraternities and sororities attract 23 percent of the men and 36 percent of the women,
respectively. Alcohol is prohibited in the dorms, but as at most schools, the determined
manage to imbibe anyway. There are also more than 800 student organizations for
students to choose from. A favorite campus tradition is ringing the Chapel bell for ath-
letic victories as well as personal accomplishments. “Hearing the Chapel bell ring is a
heartwarming sound because you know that regardless of what’s going on in your day,
there’s a Bulldog out there who has something worth celebrating,” cheers one happy
Dawg. Students might also ring the bell for the college’s expanded resources and pro-
gramming to support well- being, which get high marks.
The funky mix of shops, restaurants, clubs, and various music and cultural
events found in downtown Athens is only a 10- minute walk from most residence
halls. A junior enthuses, “Athens boasts a dynamic culinary scene, with a wide range
of restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and farmers markets.” Students enjoy getting
All students must
take part in a
hands- on learning
opportunity, such
as research, study
abroad, service
learning, and
internships, before
they graduate.
“Athens boasts a dynamic
culinary scene, with a wide
range of restaurants, cafes,
food trucks, and farmers’
markets.”
There are five campus
dining halls— each
with its own specialty
cuisine— and students
drool over the
delicious options.
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involved in mentorship and volunteer programs in the Athens community, and
philanthropic organizations like UGA Miracle, UGA HEROs, and Relay for Life are
some of the largest student groups on campus. Popular road trips include the Florida
and Carolina beaches, and anywhere the Bulldogs are playing on a fall Saturday.
It’s no stretch to claim that Athens residents worship UGA’s perennially fierce
football team, who won national championships in 2021 and 2022. “On a Saturday
in the fall, fans from all over the country are losing
their voices and risking sunburn to cheer on the
team,” notes an economics major. The Georgia–
Florida rivalry is the stuff of lore. The Bulldogs
(remember that early Yale connection?) compete in
the tough Southeastern Conference, and tennis,
track and field, swimming and diving, softball, and
equestrian are especially competitive. Georgia’s Debate Union enjoys consistent
national success as well. Recreational sports are taken seriously, too, with more than
30 clubs and intramural sports available.
UGA’s sheer size means you could coast through four years here as nothing
more than a number. But with a little effort, that doesn’t have to happen. Freshmen
seminars, research projects, study abroad, and a strong culture of student mentoring
offer the opportunity to graduate with a solid background in any number of areas
and fond memories of Saturdays spent cheering on the Bulldogs— along with 92,000
of your closest friends. “The special culture of UGA is that it is top tier in both aca-
demics and football,” says an agricultural and applied economics major. “UGA is
really unlike any other place in terms of school spirit and sheer love for our school.”
“On a Saturday in the
fall, fans from all over
the country are losing
their voices and risking
sunburn to cheer on the
[football] team.”
Overlaps
UNC at Chapel
Hill, UW– Madison,
University of
Florida, University
of Minnesota, UC
Davis, Georgia
Tech, Clemson,
Florida State
If You Apply To ›
Georgia: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: required. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA 30332
As the South’s premier technically oriented university, Ma Tech does not coddle
her young. Students must contend with the sometimes mean streets of downtown
Atlanta and fight through a wall of graduate students to talk with their professors.
Big- time sports offer respite from the engineering focus. Tech’s 60/40 male/female
ratio is tempered by women from all- female Agnes Scott.
If you’re looking for lazy days on the college green and hard- partying weekends,
sorry! You won’t find those at Georgia Institute of Technology, the South’s premier
tech university. What you will find are challenging courses that prepare you for a
high- paying job as an engineer, architect, or computer scientist. “Tech is tough,”
reasons one student. “You have to want to be here.” Even those who want to be
there are happy to finally arrive at graduation day. What makes Tech a special place?
“The fact that I survived it and got out with a degree,” says a computer science
major, only partially joking (we think).
Georgia Tech was founded in 1885 to promote industry in the post– Civil War South.
Located just off the interstate in Georgia’s capital city, Tech’s 450- acre campus embraces
40 undergraduate residence halls, an aquatic center, a sports performance complex,
Website: www .gatech .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 23,813
Undergraduates: 16,110
Male/Female: 60/40
Financial Aid: 82%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 32%
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280 GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
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and an amphitheater. Taking in the campus architecture is like traveling through time:
building styles include the Georgian Revival and collegiate Gothic of the historic Hill
District (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) and surrounding area, the
International Style buildings constructed from the 1940s into the 1960s, the modernist
structures of the 1970s and ’80s, the postmodern facilities of the ’90s, and the newly
built high- tech facilities. All these styles coexist comfortably on a tree- filled, landscaped
campus that serves as a green oasis in the midst of a dense urban environment.
Regardless of major, students must complete credit hours in social sciences, sci-
ence, English and humanities, math, U.S. or Georgia history, U.S. and global perspec-
tives, and wellness. Strong programs include math and computer science, as well as
most types of engineering, especially industrial,
biomedical, aerospace, civil, and mechanical. The
school of architecture has done pioneering work
in historic preservation and energy conservation. The architecture program’s alumni
include Michael Arad, designer of the September 11 memorial in lower Manhattan.
Students in several disciplines complete a Capstone Design course, in which they
work in teams to design, build, and test prototypes of products with real- world appli-
cations. Aside from the technical fare, Tech’s business college is increasingly popular.
The prelaw certificate is a boon to aspiring patent attorneys, as is the minor in law,
science, and technology. Tech has plenty of liberal arts courses, but students say his-
tory, philosophy, and literature aren’t the reasons why most students enroll.
Courses at Tech are “extremely rigorous,” says a senior, at least in the sciences
and engineering. “Grading on a curve creates hypercompetitive situations because
your absolute grade is largely irrelevant— you just have to do better than most of the
others.” Classes tend to be big; 29 percent enroll more than 50 students. A computer
science major warns that Tech is “absolutely horrible for things like freshman math
classes. You’re typically taught by TAs. Things get better as you progress and get
to know professors.” Faculty members have real- world experience; some are Nobel
Prize winners or former NASA astronauts.
Tech’s demanding workload means it’s common to spend five years getting your
degree. Students say the course selection process can be frustrating, and getting into
required courses can be an issue. One positive factor contributing to delayed graduation
dates is the popular co- op program, through which more than 3,000 students earn money
for their education while gaining on- the- job experience with more than 700 organiza-
tions worldwide. The university offers more than 90 exchange programs and 30 faculty-
led study abroad programs; 56 percent of students have some sort of international study
or internship experience by the time they graduate. Georgia Tech’s innovative Vertically
Integrated Projects program allows students to join student/faculty teams to work on
large- scale, long- term, multidisciplinary research projects, earning academic credit over
the course of multiple semesters. An honors program is available for the super motivated,
and the Center for the Study of Women, Science, and Technology offers a living/learning
community and research opportunities for women in STEM fields.
Most Georgia Tech students are too focused on school or their co- op jobs to care
much about politics or social issues, although improving campus resources for mental
health and the LGBTQ community has been a hot topic of late. According to a senior,
“There are a lot of left- brain types here— high on
the introspection and thinking, low on the social
skills.” And though they may be united in their
pursuit of technical expertise, the campus is hardly
homogeneous: Black students account for 8 percent
of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans 30 percent, and mul-
tiracial students 4 percent. Sixty- six percent of undergraduates hail from Georgia, and
there are large contingents from California, Florida, and Texas; 10 percent come from
(continued)
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 50,610
Accepted: 17%
Enrolled: 42%
Grad in 6 Years: 93%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (404) 894- 4154
Email Address: admission @
gatech .edu
Strong Programs:
Industrial Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Mathematics
Architecture
“Tech is tough. You have to
want to be here.”
“There are a lot of left- brain
types here— high on the
introspection and thinking,
low on the social skills.”
The Center for the
Study of Women,
Science, and
Technology offers
a living/learning
community and
research opportunities
for women in
STEM fields.
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GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 281
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
abroad. To limit burgeoning enrollment, out- of- state applicants must meet somewhat
higher criteria than their Georgia counterparts. Georgia residents who graduated high
school with a B average benefit from the state’s HOPE Scholarship, which covers about
94 percent of their tuition over four years, assuming they keep up their grades in college.
In addition, Tech has eliminated loans for Georgia residents with family incomes below
$33,300 a year. Merit scholarships are available, as are around 300 athletic scholarships.
Forty- four percent of undergrads live in the dorms, where freshmen are guaran-
teed a room. A senior says the quality of residence halls varies widely: “Some dorms
are new, apartment- style, and nice. Others are foul dungeons.” The campus dining
halls offer “little variety and less quality,” according to another student. Off- campus
housing is generally comfortable, but parts of the surrounding neighborhood are
sketchy. “Far too many cars are broken into or stolen,” says one student. Campus
police are said to be quick to respond to incidents. VOICE is a campuswide initiative
working to address the issue of campus sexual assault.
Being located smack- dab in the middle of “Hot- Lanta” does have its upside: an end-
less supply of clubs, bars, movie theaters, restaurants, shopping, and museums, both in
midtown Atlanta and the Buckhead district.
“Atlanta is not a college town,” reasons a computer
science major. “However, it is the best thing going
in Georgia,” with friendly, young residents, good
cultural activities, beautiful green spaces, and a
booming economy. The city also offers plenty of community service opportunities.
Fraternities draw 5 percent of Tech’s men, sororities attract 8 percent of the women, and
members may live in their chapter houses. Alcohol flows freely at frat parties, but oth-
erwise, students say, Tech’s policies against open containers and underage drinking are
strictly enforced. “There’s not much in the way of social life here outside of the frats,”
says a senior. “You have your group of friends and you do your own thing.” The best
road trips include Florida’s beaches, which are a half day’s drive, and Athens, Georgia,
for basketball or football games against the University of Georgia.
Tech’s Division I varsity sports teams (the Yellowjackets) have become as big- time
as any in the South, and when the weekend comes, students throw off their lab coats
and become wild members of the “Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech.” The men’s
golf team has won multiple Atlantic Coast Conference championships in recent years;
men’s and women’s track and field and women’s basketball are also competitive.
About 40 percent of students participate in the university’s 43 club and 20 intramural
sports. Among Tech’s many other traditions is “stealing the T,” in which students try
to remove the huge yellow letter T from the tower on the administration building and
return it to the school by presenting it to a member of the faculty or administration.
The addition of alarms, motion sensors, and heat sensors on the T has made the task
more difficult but “certainly not impossible for a Georgia Tech engineer,” says an
electrical engineering major. And then there’s the Mini 500, a 15- lap tricycle race
around a parking garage with three pit stops, a tire change, and a driver rotation.
Forget fitting the mold; the engineers of Georgia Tech are proud to say they
create it. Self- direction, ambition, and motivation will take you far here, as will a
fondness for highly complex software algorithms. And despite their complaints
about the workload, the social life (or lack thereof), and the safety of their surround-
ing neighborhood, Tech students do have a soft spot for their school. Says one stu-
dent, “I love a good challenge, and Tech is perfect for that.”
Students can earn
money for their
education while
gaining on- the- job
experience with more
than 700 organizations
worldwide through
the co- op program.
“Atlanta is not a college
town. However, it is
the best thing going in
Georgia.”
One tradition is the
Mini 500, a 15- lap
tricycle race around
a parking garage
with three pit stops,
a tire change, and
a driver rotation.
Overlaps
Carnegie Mellon,
MIT, Purdue, UC
Berkeley, UT
Austin, University
of Georgia, U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
University of
Florida
If You Apply To ›
Georgia Tech: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: required. Accepts the Common Application.
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Gettysburg College
300 North Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325
The “college by the battlefield” is strong in U.S. history— that’s a given. The natural
sciences and English are also noteworthy, and political science majors enjoy good
connections in D.C. and Baltimore. Participation in undergraduate research and
study abroad is notably high.
Whether the reference is to the Pennsylvania town steeped in Civil War history or
the small, high- caliber college located in the famed battlefield’s backyard, a certain
pride and reverence are immediately evident when the name “Gettysburg” is uttered.
This feeling is not lost on students at Gettysburg College, who come to southeastern
Pennsylvania to acquaint themselves with American history while gearing up for the
future. “Gettysburg is rooted in fun and exciting traditions that make our campus
special and our time here that much more meaningful,” says a junior.
Gettysburg was founded in 1832 on land donated by famed abolitionist
Thaddeus Stevens. Situated in the midst of gently rolling hills, the college’s 200- acre
campus is “a historical treasure,” an eclectic assemblage of Georgian, Greek,
Romanesque, Gothic Revival, and modern archi-
tecture, plus several styles not easily categorized.
One campus building— Penn Hall— was used as a
hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. Major
renovations to the College Union Building and an addition to the Dining Center are
among the latest construction projects.
Curricular requirements cover typical liberal arts and sciences disciplines and
goals, and students in all majors must complete a capstone requirement, such as
a research project or senior seminar course. The English department is among the
school’s strongest; the college’s acclaimed literary journal, the Gettysburg Review,
offers internships to a few lucky students. The excellent history department is bol-
stered by the school’s nationally recognized and prestigious Civil War Institute and
its minor in Civil War era studies. Also strong are the natural sciences, especially
biology and health sciences, which are well endowed with state- of- the- art equip-
ment. Political science; business, organizations and management; and economics
are among the most popular majors. Students may choose from three degrees within
the Sunderman Conservatory of Music, and a cooperative dual- degree program in
engineering is available.
“Gettysburg College has a rigorous academic climate,” notes an economics
major, “however, there is a strong support system.” Seventy percent of classes enroll
fewer than 20 students, and the small class sizes make for close student/faculty rela-
tionships. “Many students will take multiple classes with the same professor just
because of how good of a classroom experience they had,” reports a mathematical
economics major. Popular first- year seminars explore topics such as Death and the
Meaning of Life and Shop Class as Soulcraft; participants live in the same residence
hall and belong to the same first- year residential college program.
Undergraduate research is taken seriously at Gettysburg, with 57 percent of stu-
dents participating across all disciplines. The annual Celebration colloquium in the
spring allows students to present and showcase their work. For students in the natural
sciences, the Cross- Disciplinary Science Institute offers a seminar series and oppor-
tunities for hands- on research in the lab. Seventy- one percent of students complete
at least one internship before they graduate. Participation in study abroad programs
is also high, with students choosing from more than 100 programs worldwide for
Website: www .gettysburg .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,232
Undergraduates: 2,232
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 95%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 62%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 5,796
Accepted: 56%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 82%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (717) 337- 6100
Email Address: admiss @
gettysburg .edu
Strong Programs:
English
History
Biology
Health Sciences
Political Science
Organization and Management
Studies
Economics
Civil War Era Studies
“Many students will take
multiple classes with the
same professor.”
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the same price they pay for regular tuition back home. Gettysburg sponsors a United
Nations semester through Drew University and a Washington semester.
Gettysburg students are “kindhearted, passionate, respectful, and open- minded,”
according to a health sciences major. Just 27 percent are native Pennsylvanians, and
8 percent are international. Black students represent 5 percent of the student body,
Asian Americans 3 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 11 percent, and multiracial students
3 percent. Both sides of the political aisle are well represented, and while tensions occa-
sionally arise, a public policy major reports that “most members of the campus commu-
nity can engage in productive, civil debate.” No athletic scholarships are available, but
merit- based academic scholarships range from $27,000 to $43,000 per year.
All Gettysburg students are required to live on campus, with limited exceptions
for those who live at home with parents or guardians. First- years reside in traditional
dorms; after that, options include suite- and apartment- style housing, fraternity
houses, and theme houses, “which is a special way to foster community on campus,”
enthuses a senior who lived in the Blue Note Jazz House for three years. Dining
options in the Dining Center (a.k.a. Servo), Bullet Hole, and Dive receive enthusias-
tic reviews. Concerning safety, a senior says, “Campus security is very good and very
visible,” while the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center holds numerous programs
to support and increase awareness for the LGBTQ+ community.
Most social life happens on campus, and it largely involves the Greek system
and 120 other student groups. Twenty- six percent of the men and 32 percent of the
women go Greek; rush does not occur until sophomore year. Students 21 and older
are allowed to have alcohol on campus, and
Greek parties are open to all students. “Fraternity
parties are a massive part of the social life and
nightlife,” comments a senior, although students
insist they’re not the only source of fun on
campus. The college sponsors alternative social events, including concerts, comedi-
ans, movies, and campus coffeehouses, as well as bus trips to destinations like
Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Gettysburg’s town square “is full of different shops and restaurants that are
within walking distance for students,” says a senior. The orchards and rolling coun-
tryside surrounding the campus are peaceful and scenic, and there is a small ski
slope nearby. “The Center for Public Service provides a lot of opportunities to make
positive change in our community through volunteer work, immersion trips, and
service projects,” says an economics major; 82 percent of students actively volun-
teer. A prominent campus tradition is the First- Year Walk during orientation, where
all first- year students walk through town to the National Cemetery following
the same route that students took in 1863 to hear Abraham Lincoln deliver the
Gettysburg Address. Today, an honored guest delivers the Gettysburg Address with
remarks to the incoming class. Servo Thanksgiving, where faculty and staff serve
students a holiday feast, the International Food Festival, and Springfest are other
treasured traditions. Those who want to escape can do so— the campus is within an
hour and a half of both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
Gettysburg sponsors 24 varsity sports— 12 for men and 12 for women— that com-
pete at the Division III level as the Bullets. Men’s and women’s lacrosse, women’s bas-
ketball, and women’s golf have performed well in the Centennial Conference. The
annual football game against Dickinson draws a good turnout, and the Little Brown
Bucket, mahogany with silver handles, is passed to the team that wins. Intramural
leagues and campus recreation events are hugely popular, and Gettysburg also offers
nine club sports.
At Gettysburg, students stay true to their slogan: “Do Great Work.” A junior
says, “Gettysburg students have a network of friends and faculty supporting their
One treasured
tradition is Servo
Thanksgiving, where
faculty and staff
serve students a
holiday feast.
“Most members of the
campus community can
engage in productive, civil
debate.”
Seventy- one percent
of students complete
at least one internship
before they graduate.
Overlaps
Dickinson, Franklin
& Marshall,
Lafayette, Bucknell,
Muhlenberg,
American
University,
University of
Richmond, Colgate
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284 GONZAGA UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
every decision.” Students wanting personal attention from professors, solid academ-
ics, and an area rich with history might consider getting their education with a
Gettysburg address.
If You Apply To ›
Gettysburg: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
University of Glasgow: See page 372.
Gonzaga University
502 East Boone Avenue, Spokane, WA 99258- 0102
Best known for holding its own on the basketball court, Gonzaga is a medium- sized
private university with a picturesque residential campus in an urban setting. Offers
classic Jesuit education with rigorous core and emphasis on service, though less
than half of undergrads are Roman Catholic. Less selective than Santa Clara or USD,
comparable to USF, Spokane is not as cosmopolitan as Seattle or San Francisco.
Good bet for those who relish school spirit.
Gonzaga University (“Gone- ZAG- uh”) burst into the nation’s frontal lobes in 1999
when its men’s basketball team fought its way to the quarterfinals of the Division
I tournament. Consistent success in the tournament since then has softened the
Zag’s image as a midsized David doing battle with Goliaths like UNC at Chapel
Hill. What has lingered, though, is the image of a solid regional liberal arts univer-
sity committed to the Jesuit ideal of educating the whole person: mind, body, and
spirit. According to a senior, Gonzaga supports an “empathetic, service- oriented,
basketball- loving, adventure- seeking culture.”
Founded in 1887 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) as a mission, the school takes
its name from St. Aloysius Gonzaga, a 16th- century Italian aristocrat who joined the
Jesuits and died while serving victims of an epidemic. The campus occupies 152
picturesque acres along the Spokane River, only a
15- minute walk from downtown Spokane. The
Centennial Trail, a 37- mile paved bike path, bor-
ders the campus and river. Architectural styles
range from the Romanesque College Hall to the
sleek PACCAR Center for Applied Science. The
university’s Crosby Collection contains recordings, photographs, and other memo-
rabilia pertaining to Gonzaga’s most famous alumnus, crooner Bing. The LEED
Gold– certified Hemmingson Center boasts ample space for the student body associ-
ation, student clubs and organizations, and the main dining hall. The Integrated
Science & Engineering facility opened in 2021, and the $60 million Health Sciences
Center was completed in 2022.
Consistent with its Jesuit liberal arts tradition, Gonzaga requires undergraduates
to complete an extensive core curriculum, beginning with a First- Year Seminar and
ending with a Core Integration Seminar. Centered around the question of how stu-
dents may “educate themselves to become people for a more just and humane global
Website: www .gonzaga .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 7,253
Undergraduates: 5,093
Male/Female: 52/47
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 9,886
Accepted: 70%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 322- 2584
Email Address: admissions @
gonzaga .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Nursing
“[Gonzaga students]
educate themselves to
become people for a more
just and humane global
community.”
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community,” the core includes courses in English composition, communication and
speech, and critical reasoning, with doses of philosophy and religious studies, litera-
ture, scientific inquiry, and mathematics. Writing, social justice, and global studies are
emphasized throughout the core. Although Gonzaga is a Jesuit school and sponsors
16 spiritual retreats annually, there are no requirements to attend mass or chapel.
Gonzaga offers more than 50 undergraduate majors through the College of Arts
and Sciences and the Schools of Business Administration, Education, Engineering
and Applied Science, and Nursing and Human
Physiology. Students say some of the strongest
programs are engineering, nursing, accounting,
integrated media studies, special education, and
business. Biology majors have the option of adding a research concentration to their
degree, while psych students may focus on specialized areas of interest such as child
psychology and clinical research. Recently established programs include a minor in
health equity.
While the workload can get challenging, “study groups are abundant and helpful,”
says a mechanical engineering major, and a senior notes professors “practically beg
their students to get to know them through visiting office hours.” Forty- two percent of
undergraduate courses have fewer than 20 students, and the support resources, includ-
ing the Career and Professional Development staff, earn high praise.
Top students may apply for the four- year Honors Program, and other special
offerings include the three- year Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, open to
high- achieving first- year students, and the Comprehensive Leadership Program,
which provides a minor in leadership studies. Gonzaga’s Army ROTC program
(Bulldog Battalion) ranks as one of the best anywhere. The Gonzaga- in- Florence
program, which a junior calls “transformative,” allows students of any major to
study at Gonzaga’s campus in Florence, Italy, without delaying their four- year path
to graduation. Overall, the university offers more than 60 international programs, in
which 63 percent of students participate.
“Gonzaga students are excited, passionate, service- driven, and open- minded,”
according to one history major. Four percent of Zags are from other countries, with
the rest almost equally divided between Washingtonians and out- of- staters. Black
students make up just 1 percent of the student
body, while Hispanics/Latinos represent 13 per-
cent, Asian Americans 7 percent, and multiracial
students 7 percent. “There are a lot of white and
affluent students here, which can be a bit of an
adjustment if you are not both white and affluent,” remarks a junior. Thirty- five
percent of students identify as Catholic. Social activism on this left- leaning campus
tends to revolve around issues of race, sexual orientation, and religion. The school
awards merit scholarships averaging $18,200 and 200- plus athletic scholarships.
Fifty- three percent of undergraduates reside in campus housing. First- and
second- year students are required to live on campus and purchase a meal plan, but
space for upperclassmen is limited, so most juniors and seniors find their own hous-
ing in the surrounding neighborhood. On- campus residence halls offer a variety of
living styles, including both co- ed and single- gender corridors and floors and several
living/learning communities. A senior explains that residence halls “range in how
old they are and how nice some of the facilities are. Regardless of this, you will find
devout fans of each residence hall.” Campus meals are primarily served in the COG
dining hall, and a secondary education major says, “The dining facilities are amaz-
ing and the meals are occasionally great as well.” Students report feeling safe on
campus, and a senior says, “Campus security is helpful and quick to respond.”
There are no fraternities or sororities at Gonzaga, but students say their absence
(continued)
Accounting
Integrated Media Studies
Special Education
Business
Biology
Psychology
“The dining facilities are
amazing and the meals are
occasionally great as well.”
Although Gonzaga
is a Jesuit school
and sponsors 16
spiritual retreats
annually, there are
no requirements to
attend mass or chapel.
“Being involved in the
community is a specific
Jesuit trait that we all try to
live out.”
Gonzaga’s Army
ROTC program
(Bulldog Battalion)
ranks as one of the
best anywhere.
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286 GORDON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
has hardly put a damper on social life, either on or off campus. Students agree that
while “there is a noticeable party scene off campus in the houses of upperclassmen,”
they don’t feel pressured to drink. Underage students found in possession of drugs or
alcohol may be required to take an awareness and safety program. The Hemmingson
Center hosts a variety of social activities, including late- night programming on the
weekends and the Coffeehouse Concert Series. With 230,000 residents, Spokane is
the second- largest city in Washington but has the feel of a much smaller city. “The
downtown Spokane area is full of spunk and character,” says a public relations major,
and it provides plenty of restaurants, outdoor recreation, and community activities.
The culture of Gonzaga places strong emphasis on issues of social justice and
service. The school offers more than 50 community engagement courses, and
roughly half of all undergraduates participate in some form of community service.
“Being involved in the community is a specific Jesuit trait that we all try to live out,”
says one student. During winter, spring, and summer breaks, nearly 200 students
travel to sites across the nation to participate in community service projects, and the
university produces a large number of Peace Corps volunteers.
GU’s 14 intercollegiate teams, known as the Zags or Bulldogs, compete in the
Division I West Coast Conference. In the absence of football (shut down in 1941),
basketball is both king and queen. The men’s team was a recent national finalist.
Men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and women’s rowing are recent conference
champs. Intramurals and 30- plus club sports, which range from flag football and
pickleball to climbing and soccer, sign up students in droves. Outdoorsy types can
take advantage of five ski areas within a 90- mile radius, and GU Outdoors sponsors
adventures like rafting, hiking, and skiing excursions.
School spirit is a big deal at Gonzaga— mainly when it comes to sports and
especially when the opponent is St. Mary’s College of California. Since Gonzaga’s
mascot is the Bulldog, the student cheering section is naturally known as the Kennel.
Students go through an elaborate process for tickets to big home basketball games
that involves strategic tweeting and camping out in tents days before the opening
tip. “It’s insanity,” confesses one sophomore, “but it’s so much fun.” A junior adds,
“Every Zag should experience this at least once.”
At Gonzaga, “spirit” takes on multiple meanings. Basketball may inspire the
most vocal outpourings of school spirit, but students say the religious and humanis-
tic values to which the university has long been committed run deep. “Community
is a word tossed around quite frequently at all college campuses,” says a psychology
major, “but at GU, community is almost a belief.”
Since Gonzaga’s
mascot is the Bulldog,
the student cheering
section is naturally
known as the Kennel.
Overlaps
Santa Clara, Loyola
Marymount,
Seattle University,
University of San
Diego, University of
Portland, University
of Washington,
Washington State,
Cal Poly– San Luis
Obispo
If You Apply To ›
Gonzaga: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Gordon College
255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA 01984
Gordon is the most prominent Christian college in New England and competes
nationally with Wheaton (IL) and Messiah, though it lacks the prestige of the
former. Not quite in Boston but close enough to be within easy reach. Extensive core
curriculum shapes the undergraduate experience. Emphasis on integrating faith and
learning.
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Evangelical Christian values are at the heart of almost all aspects of life at this
New England college, where faith sets the tone for campus life inside and outside
the classroom. Gordon College is unique in that it is the only Christian college of
its type that has no formal denominational ties. Founded in 1889 as a missionary
training school “to prepare the people of God to do the work of God,” the college
now sees its mission as promoting intellectual maturity and Christian character.
Always evolving, Gordon is sharpening its offerings across the board, from interna-
tional education to accelerated learning and leadership programs, and looking to
increase its diversity. “Gordon is a place where asking genuine questions is encour-
aged and the goal is to stretch your mind and learn the material well,” says a social
welfare major.
Gordon is located on Massachusetts’s scenic North Shore, three miles from the
Atlantic Coast and 25 miles from Boston. The campus sits on more than 480 for-
ested acres, landscaped with flowers and boasting four large ponds. Most campus
structures are Georgian- influenced traditional redbrick, except for the administra-
tion building, Frost Hall, an old stone structure modeled after a European castle that
provides an eye- catching contrast. The Olsen Science Center, an 83,500- square- foot
science and technology center at the heart of the campus, is home to a fabrication
lab, a vivarium, an aquarium, a human cadaver lab, and a biology greenhouse space.
Religious commitment at Gordon is seen as the foundation of serious academic
learning rather than a threat to free inquiry. Gordon’s core curriculum includes dis-
tribution requirements in biblical studies and theology, the fine arts, humanities,
social sciences, historical perspectives, natural
sciences, math, and computer science. More
than 30 programs were redesigned in 2023 to
enhance career- focused academics. Freshmen
complete an outdoor education requirement, choosing between a 12- day expedition
in the Adirondacks and a seven- week, campus- based course. They also take the Great
Conversation, a writing- intensive first- year seminar that helps them learn how to
integrate faith into their academic experience.
“The academics are also quite rigorous with the intent of having us learning how
to use our education to serve the world,” says a sophomore. Gordon’s most popular
majors are business management, psychology, biology, and communication arts.
Biblical studies, music, education, kinesiology, and visual arts are also strong pro-
grams, although they may draw fewer students. Finance is available as a major— a
rarity at small Christian colleges— as are a 3– 2 engineering program and dual- degree
nursing and international business programs. Sixty- seven percent of classes have
fewer than 20 students, and students say professors have high expectations but
are helpful. “The personal attention I’ve gotten from my professors is remarkable—
even among institutions of our size,” says a sophomore.
The Global Honors Institute encompasses three distinct four- year scholars pro-
grams, each providing hefty tuition support for high- achieving students: Global
Honors Scholars, which offers honors seminars and travel experiences; A. J. Gordon
Scholars, a personalized program culminating in a senior thesis or project; and
Clarendon Scholars, which focuses on urban leadership development. Additional
honors opportunities include a yearlong great books seminar known as the Jerusalem
and Athens Forum and the Pike Honors Program, which allows students to design
their own majors. The college operates signature study abroad programs in Orvieto,
Italy, and the Balkans. Gordon also partners with other programs to offer nearly 40
approved study locations; a quarter of students participate. The Career and
Connection Institute is working to expand opportunities for internships, mentor-
ship, and preparation for graduate school and the workplace, while the Center for
Entrepreneurial Leadership helps students launch their own start- ups.
Website: www .gordon .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,335
Undergraduates: 1,238
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 67%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 1,395
Accepted: 92%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 68%
Returning Freshmen: 84%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (866) 464- 6736
Email Address: admissions @
gordon .edu
Strong Programs:
Biblical Studies
Music
Education
Kinesiology
Visual Arts
Biology
Business Management
Psychology
“Gordon is a place where . . .
the goal is to stretch
your mind.”
Gordon is sharpening
its offerings, from
international
education to
accelerated learning
and leadership
programs.
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288 GORDON COLLEGE
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Gordon is one of two top evangelical schools that require undergraduate appli-
cants to describe how their faith impacts their lives and to affirm that they recognize
the Bible as “the Word of God and hence fully authoritative in matters of faith and
conduct” (see also Wheaton College in Illinois).
Gordon’s trustees have reaffirmed the college’s
policy forbidding “homosexual practice.” While
observation of the Sabbath is expected, Gordon
gives students a bit more latitude than some Christian colleges in determining how
they will “separate themselves from worldliness.”
Gordon students are interested in “outdoor adventure, spiritual discovery, and
overcommitment to both academics and extracurricular activities,” says a psychol-
ogy major. Thirty- seven percent of students are Massachusetts residents, and 11 per-
cent are international. Asian Americans account for 3 percent of the student body,
Black students 6 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 12 percent, and multiracial students
3 percent. Racial affinity groups on campus, including ALANA, ASIA, Afro Hamwe,
and La Raza, are expanding, and a biology major says, “The events that they put on
are huge learning opportunities.” Students report that LGBTQ rights are a hot-
button issue, although one student notes, “Because it’s a Christian school, even the
liberals aren’t too liberal.” Merit scholarships are offered to qualified undergrads, but
athletic scholarships are not.
Eighty- eight percent of Gordon students live in the residence halls, which are
clustered either around the central quad or on an area of campus known as the Hill.
Men and women live in separate wings of the same buildings— separated by a lobby,
a lounge, and a laundry room. Persons of the opposite sex may traverse these barriers
only at specified times. Permission to move off campus may be granted by petition,
but the requirements for doing so are stringent. Students report that meals in the
main dining hall, which overlooks a pond and doubles as a study area at night, are
usually satisfying. Campus safety receives good ratings, and a junior adds that, with
respect to campus sexual assault, Gordon is “taking the issue much more seriously.”
Gordon’s student- led Campus Events Council organizes activities like movie
showings, dances, and coffeehouses held in Chester’s Place, a student- run coffee
shop with a pub atmosphere, named after a cat. Beyond that, “the party culture on
campus is very slim to none,” opines a freshman.
The school doesn’t have, in the words of one
senior, “a pure student center with activities or
other things to help students congregate and
enjoy each other’s company.” There is also no
Greek system. Still, students highly anticipate annual events like Christmas Gala
and the Gordon Globes student film festival, during which students dress up and
walk a red carpet. The “always hilarious” Golden Goose talent show, which pits all
four classes against each other, is another favorite tradition. Drinking and smoking
are forbidden on campus (and may result in suspension or expulsion); those who are
21 or older may drink off campus but are expected to do so responsibly. The town of
Wenham offers “cute shops and restaurants along with other oddities— like used
book stores, jewelry shops, and fresh markets.”
For those who love the outdoors, Gordon’s setting on rugged Cape Ann, a local
tourist attraction, is ideal. The campus has cross- country ski trails and ponds for
swimming, canoeing, and skating. The ocean is a quick bike ride away, nice beaches
are available on Cape Cod and in Maine, and students frequently ski New Hampshire’s
nearby White Mountains. Volunteering through a prison ministry and in soup
kitchens and local churches is popular, and domestic and international mission trips
take students all over, including West Virginia, Northern Ireland, and India. Boston
is 25 miles away by a five- minute drive to the T, the city’s public transit system, so
“The personal attention I’ve
gotten from my professors
is remarkable.”
Gordon requires
undergraduate
applicants to describe
how their faith
impacts their lives.
“Spirituality partnered with
the liberal setting of New
England makes Gordon a
cool place.”
The campus has cross-
country ski trails and
ponds for swimming,
canoeing, and skating.
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access to weekend diversions (and excellent internship opportunities) is relatively
easy. Gordon students enjoy free entry to the city’s Museum of Fine Arts and can
also attend Harvard lectures for free.
Gordon’s Fighting Scots compete in Division III athletics, and “a good portion
of the student body comes out to the games” when the opponent is rival Endicott
College, says a history major. Men’s and women’s soccer and women’s track and
field are recent Commonwealth Coast Conference champions, and men’s basket-
ball and women’s volleyball are also competitive. Thirty- seven percent of the stu-
dent body participates in club and intramural sports. Everyone looks forward to
the annual Highland Games, a day of games and traditional Scottish competitions
between dorms.
For many students, Gordon’s combination of Christian values, strong academ-
ics, and a relatively relaxed atmosphere is a winning one. “Gordon doesn’t feel like
a cookie- cutter conservative Christian school that’s out of touch with the wider
world,” says a sociology major. “Spirituality partnered with the liberal setting of
New England makes Gordon a cool place where faith intersects with real- life issues.”
Overlaps
Wheaton
(IL), Messiah,
Westmont, Calvin,
Houghton, Grove
City, Liberty,
UMass Boston
If You Apply To ›
Gordon: Early action I and II, regular decision I and II. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with sup-
plement. Applicants to music or art programs must audition or submit portfolio.
Goucher College
Baltimore, MD 21204
Strategically located near Baltimore and not far from D.C., Goucher offers an excellent
internship program, a diverse student body, and plenty of personal attention. Strong
in the sciences and communication. Distinctive requirement that all students spend
time studying or working abroad makes for a globally oriented community.
Goucher is the kind of place where inquisitive students take part in stellar programs
ranging from chemistry to dance. The school’s mission is to prepare students for a
life of inquiry, creativity, and critical and analytical thinking. There’s a decidedly
international bent to the Goucher experience, grounded in a robust study abroad
program that sends students to far- flung locales around the globe. Says a senior,
“Individuals who truly want to expand their mind and perspective through immer-
sion in different cultures should seriously consider Goucher.”
Formerly a staid women’s college that was founded in 1885 and went co- ed in
1987, Goucher has a long- standing history of excellence. (The name comes from
donors of its original campus in downtown Baltimore.) Phi Beta Kappa established a
chapter on campus only 20 years after the college
was founded, and Goucher ranks high among
liberal arts colleges in turning out students des-
tined for Ph.D.s in the sciences. Set on 287 land-
scaped acres in the suburbs of Baltimore,
Goucher’s wooded campus features lush lawns,
stately fieldstone buildings (the fieldstone is mined from local quarries), and an
equestrian field. The Athenaeum is the central gathering place, housing the library,
an open forum for performances, exercise spaces, a café, and other vital college
Website: www .goucher .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,004
Undergraduates: 954
Male/Female: 35/65
Financial Aid: 87%
Pell Grant: 29%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 70%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 2,928
Accepted: 81%
Enrolled: 11%
Grad in 6 Years: 60%
Returning Freshmen: 77%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
“The typical student is
engaged with social justice,
has a bit of an interesting
fashion sense, and is pretty
laid back.”
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290 GOUCHER COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
facilities. Recent campus additions include the First- Year Village, featuring three
new residence halls.
The Goucher Commons curriculum is designed to expose students to complex
problem- solving through a multidisciplinary lens. All students must demonstrate
proficiency in writing, data analytics, and a foreign language and take coursework
focusing on environmental sustainability and race, power, and perspective. First-
year students begin with a First- Year Seminar course, juniors study abroad, and
seniors synthesize and reflect on their educational experiences by completing a cap-
stone experience or research project.
Of Goucher’s offerings, the science departments (especially biology and chem-
istry) are arguably the strongest, bolstered by resources like a nuclear magnetic
resonance spectrometer and an observatory with a six- inch refractor telescope.
Communication and media studies and computer science are other traditional
strengths, and the dance department is recognized as one of the best at a liberal
arts school. The psychology, communication and media studies, environmental sci-
ence, and business management majors draw the highest enrollment. Newer majors
include data science, creative and professional writing, and engineering science.
Unique minors include Arabic studies, historic preservation, and equine studies.
According to a psychology major, Goucher academics focus on “growth, mean-
ing that everyone receives individualized suggestions and attention specific to [their]
strengths and improvement points.” Faculty members here devote most of their
time and energy to undergraduate teaching and have a good rapport with students.
“Professors are exceptionally accessible to students, whether for homework help,
understanding key concepts, or just getting to know one another,” explains a politi-
cal science major. Each first- year has a dedicated student success team to assist with
academic advising, career skills, and the overall adjustment to college life, which is
made easier by Goucher’s trademark small classes and individual instruction. Students
roundly praise the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), which offers academic sup-
port services like study- skills workshops and supplemental instruction. Says a senior,
“ACE contains some of the most calming, enlightened souls you’ll encounter.”
Goucher was the first college in the nation to require all of its undergraduates to
study abroad at least once before graduation, “which totally changes the perspectives
that are brought into the classroom,” says an international studies major. Over 60
programs are available in more than 30 countries.
Most students head for foreign lands during their
junior year, and the experience is expected to
complement their major field of study. About
half of students embark on semester- long pro-
grams, while the other half engage in three- week
intensive courses offered during January term or summer. Students may apply their
Goucher financial aid packages to study abroad. Many students opt to complete an
internship or off- campus experience related to their major. Popular choices include
congressional offices, museums, law firms, and media companies.
“The typical student is engaged with social justice, has a bit of an interesting
fashion sense, and is pretty laid back,” describes a senior. Forty- four percent of
Goucher’s students are homegrown and 3 percent are international; most of the rest
hail from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and California. Women still outnum-
ber men 2 to 1. Black students make up 26 percent of the student body, Hispanics/
Latinos 5 percent, Asian Americans 5 percent, and multiracial students 2 percent. The
Center for Race, Equity, and Identity supports marginalized populations on campus
and creates programming that encourages cross- cultural understanding. Students
agree that progressive social activism is prevalent on campus. “People are consis-
tently tabling, signing petitions, voicing their opinions, and getting involved,”
(continued)
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (410) 337- 6100
Email Address: admissions @
goucher .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Chemistry
Communication and Media
Studies
Computer Science
Dance
Psychology
Environmental Science
Business
Creative and Professional
Writing
“[Get into Goucher Day is]
a huge festival held every
spring [with] great food,
live music, and all kinds of
other cool stuff.”
Goucher ranks high
among liberal arts
colleges in turning out
students destined for
Ph.D.s in the sciences.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
confirms a women, gender, and sexuality studies major. Goucher offers merit schol-
arships averaging $30,200 for those who qualify but no athletic scholarships.
Seventy- three percent of students live on campus. Options range from new,
hotel- like residences for first- years to senior apartments. Upperclassmen select
housing through lotteries, and a sophomore says, “Housekeeping is friendly, and
most students get the rooms that they want. It’s a very family- like atmosphere.”
Campus dining options, which include vegan and vegetarian fare, receive enthusi-
astic reviews. Says a senior, “We are dining pretty lavishly here.” One student notes,
“Sexual assault is not a taboo topic at Goucher, and many people feel comfortable
talking about it,” which helps bring attention to “opportunities for improvement.”
Goucher has no sororities or fraternities, but the housing units hold periodic
events, and the college hosts concerts, lectures, weekend movies, and more than 60
student clubs. Parties tend to be low- key affairs (“small gatherings with less than 15
people,” says a psych major); neighboring Towson University offers a more tradi-
tional party scene. Alcohol is ever- present but not the hub of Goucher’s social life.
Major annual events include Gala, Winter Carnival, and Get into Goucher Day,
which is “a huge festival held every spring [with] inflatables, great food, live music,
and all kinds of other cool stuff,” explains a senior. Students frequent the restaurants
and bars in Towson, the small but bustling college town, and a car is useful for vis-
iting Baltimore. Roughly half of students volunteer, many through community-
based learning programs that tie hands- on service experience in the local area with
academic coursework. Students get involved in local politics, too, says a senior: “The
Goucher Poll is a pretty unique activity that monitors public perception of social
issues and decisions via telephone poll.”
The Gophers field 20 varsity teams that compete in the Division III Landmark
Conference. The co- ed equestrian team is nationally competitive, and men’s tennis,
men’s golf, and women’s track and field have been conference playoff contenders.
Twenty percent of students play on club and intramural teams, with ultimate Frisbee
and men’s volleyball being the most active. Students here can get creative with their
recreational pursuits: the Humans vs. Zombies game originated at Goucher in 2005.
Far from a stagnant place, Goucher is constantly rethinking its mission and
redirecting its resources to broaden student experiences in a hands- on, global way.
“Goucher will force you to engage with challenging topics like sexism, racism, and
classism,” says a senior, but in a close- knit, supportive environment focused on per-
sonal growth for all kinds of learners.
Goucher has
no sororities or
fraternities, but the
housing units hold
periodic events.
Overlaps
Connecticut
College, Kalamazoo,
Towson, Bard,
Muhlenberg,
McDaniel, Hobart
and William Smith,
University of
Maryland
If You Apply To ›
Goucher: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA 50112
Iowa cornfields provide a surreal backdrop for Grinnell’s funky, progressive, and
talented student body. With just over 1,700 students, Grinnell is two- thirds the size of
Oberlin. That translates into tiny classes and tutorials. Second only to Carleton as the
best liberal arts college in the Midwest. Grinnell’s biggest challenge is simply getting
prospective students to the campus. The cornfields make for a tight- knit campus
community with lots of future Ph.D.s.
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292 GRINNELL COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“Go West, young man, go West,” Horace Greeley said to Josiah B. Grinnell in 1846.
The result of Grinnell’s wanderings into the rural cornfields, about an hour from
Des Moines and Iowa City, is the remarkable college that bears his name. Despite
its physical isolation, Grinnell is an academic powerhouse on the national scene.
Its billion- dollar endowment, largely built on the stock- picking advice of erstwhile
trustee Warren Buffett, is one of the largest of any liberal arts college.
Ever progressive, Grinnell was the first college west of the Mississippi to admit
Black students and women and the first in the country to establish an undergraduate
political science department. It was once a stop on the Underground Railroad, and
its graduates include Harry Hopkins, architect of the New Deal, and Robert Noyce,
inventor of the integrated circuit, two people who did as much as anyone to change
the face of American society in the 20th century. The school’s 120- acre campus
is an attractive blend of collegiate Gothic and modern Bauhaus academic build-
ings and Prairie- style houses. (Architecture buffs should take note of the dazzling
Louis Sullivan bank facade just off campus.) Recent additions include the $112 mil-
lion Humanities and Social Studies Complex, which facilitates multidisciplinary col-
laboration and research.
True to its liberal arts focus, Grinnell mandates a first- semester writing tutorial,
modeled after Oxford University’s program, but doesn’t require anything else. The
roughly 35 tutorials, limited to about 12 students each, help enhance critical think-
ing, research, writing, and discussion skills and
allow first- year students to work individually with
professors. Recent offerings include Pandemics
and Society, The Empire Writes Back, and Go the
F**k to Sleep. “Tutorials are fun, interesting, and a
great introduction to the academic possibilities
that Grinnell has to offer,” one student says. When it comes to declaring a major,
students determine their own course of study with help from faculty. In an effort to
show the practical relevance of the liberal arts, Grinnell assigns an “explanatory advi-
sor” to every first- year student to help them develop a sense of direction. They can
then join any of seven “career communities,” such as Education Professions and
Business and Finance.
Departments in the social and natural sciences are strong, the latter bolstered by
an influx of research grants. “Due to the college’s enormous endowment, the sci-
ences are top- notch, with the best equipment and graduate- level research at the
undergraduate level,” offers one student. Economics, political science, computer sci-
ence, theater and dance, and foreign languages (including German and Russian) are
among the strongest majors; computer science, economics, biology, political sci-
ence, and psychology enroll the most students. Grinnell’s admissions standards are
high, and nearly one- third of graduates move on directly to graduate and profes-
sional schools. Students who don’t mind studying, even on weekends, will be hap-
piest here. Although the workload can be intense, a political science major says,
“Virtually no one has the cutthroat attitude I’ve heard about at other schools.”
Sixty- four percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Teaching is the top prior-
ity for Grinnell faculty members, and because the college awards no graduate
degrees, there are no teaching assistants hanging around. “In general, profs are here
to teach and have generous office hours,” a sophomore says.
When the urge to travel arises, students may study abroad in the Grinnell- in-
London program or in more than 100 other approved programs. Fifty- five percent
of students spend some time away from campus, and financial aid extends to study
abroad. The Grinnell- in- Washington program combines coursework with an intern-
ship in the nation’s capital. Forty- five percent of students participate in undergrad-
uate research, including the Mentored Advanced Project program, which enables
Website: www .grinnell .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,703
Undergraduates: 1,703
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 81%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 55%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 9,997
Accepted: 11%
Enrolled: 41%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (641) 269- 3600
Email Address: admission @
grinnell .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Political Science
Computer Science
Theater and Dance
Foreign Languages
Biology
Psychology
“Tutorials are fun,
interesting, and a great
introduction to the
academic possibilities that
Grinnell has to offer.”
Grinnell’s billion-
dollar endowment
is one of the largest
of any liberal
arts college.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
them to work closely with a faculty member on scholarly research or the creation of
a work of art. Co- ops in architecture, business, law, medicine, and 3– 2 engineering
programs are also available.
Grinnell is a bit of Greenwich Village in corn country. Despite the rural environ-
ment, the college attracts an urban clientele, especially from the Chicago area. Only
7 percent of Grinnellians are from Iowa, while 20 percent are international. “We’re
quirky, often hippie and liberal, though increasingly diverse,” a student observes.
The student body is 8 percent Hispanic/Latino, 8 percent Asian American, 4 percent
Black, and 5 percent multiracial. Student groups such as the Intersectional Feminism
Alliance, Social Entrepreneurs of Grinnell, and Grinnell Advocates (offering support
for survivors of gender- based violence) help set the tone on campus. Admissions are
need- blind, and the college meets 100 percent of admitted students’ demonstrated
need with loan- free financial aid packages. Merit awards averaging $19,700 are
handed out annually, but there are no athletic awards. Grinnell policy dictates that
at least 15 percent of every first- year class will be students whose parents did not go
to college.
Grinnell guarantees four years of campus housing, and 88 percent of students
take advantage of the residence halls, which are clustered into three areas: “East
Campus is lovely but can be isolated and quiet, while South Campus is a sprawling
warren usually known for being the hub of
campus nightlife, and North Campus is a bit of a
happy medium,” explains a sophomore. All but
two residence halls are co- ed, and after their first
year, students participate in a sometimes stressful room draw. Meals in the dining
hall are usually satisfactory, students say, although the options and hours can be
limited. Safety on this rural campus is reported to be strong.
With no fraternities or sororities, all- campus parties revolve mainly around
sports teams and the residence halls. “I liken the experience to that of a cruise ship,”
says one student, “in that the students all stay in one place and entertainment is
brought to campus.” Each dorm periodically sponsors a party using wordplay from
its name in the title. For instance, James Hall puts on the Mary- Be- James party, for
which everyone comes in drag. As for alcohol, a senior reports, “Grinnell is not a dry
campus, but there are no bars on campus and there is no peer pressure to drink or
culture of problematic drinking.” Grinnell’s social groups and activities range from
the SciFi Association and the Queer Rainbow Super Team to improvisational work-
shops, poetry readings, symposia, concerts, and movies. Highlights of the campus
calendar include semiformal Winter and Spring Waltzes, where “most people wear
formals and look very nice, not a common occurrence at a school where comfort is
the usual standard and women rarely wear makeup,” notes one student. Titular
Head is a festival of five- minute student films. During finals week, the library spon-
sors study breaks that have been known to feature free milk and cookies, choir sing-
alongs, librarians reading their favorite picture books aloud, bubble- wrap- popping
sessions, and other stress- relieving activities.
Grinnell (population 9,500) is “a small farming community with a nice down-
town.” The college’s Service and Social Innovation Program works to bridge the
town/ gown gap by connecting students with more than 80 area nonprofit and com-
munity partners for service opportunities. Nearby
Rock Creek State Park lends itself to biking, run-
ning, camping, kayaking, and cross- country
skiing, and the Grinnell Outdoor Recreation
Program sponsors a variety of pursuits, including off- campus trips and open rock-
climbing sessions. There are a few bars and pizza joints downtown, but for those
craving bright lights, Iowa City and Des Moines are within an hour’s drive, and the
Nearly one- third
of graduates
move on directly
to graduate and
professional schools.
“In general, profs are here
to teach and have generous
office hours.”
Highlights of the
campus calendar
include semiformal
Winter and Spring
Waltzes.
“We like being in the middle
of Iowa, we like that you’ve
probably never heard of us.”
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294 GUILFORD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
college runs a shuttle service to them. Chicago and Minneapolis are each about four
hours distant.
The Grinnell Pioneers compete in Division III athletics, and the men’s basket-
ball team has won national attention for an unusual run- and- gun offense that uses
waves of five players like hockey shifts in an effort to wear down opponents. Recent
conference champions include men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s
swimming. About a third of students play intramural sports, which offer competi-
tive and noncompetitive options.
Grinnell prides itself on its eccentricities. “We like being in the middle of Iowa,
we like that you’ve probably never heard of us, we love that you won’t come here
because you want a big name.” But there’s no denying that Grinnell— a first- rate
liberal arts college in an unlikely location— is a real gem of a school, and one that is
still relatively accessible.
Overlaps
Macalester, St. Olaf,
Kenyon, Carleton,
Colorado College,
Beloit, Oberlin,
Vassar
If You Apply To ›
Grinnell: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Guilford College
5800 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410
A rare school with Quaker heritage in the South, Guilford emphasizes a collaborative
approach and is among the most liberal institutions below the Mason- Dixon line. A
kindred spirit to Earlham in Indiana. With a notably high Black population and strong
socioeconomic diversity, Guilford’s signature program is community and justice
studies. Presence of a cluster of older students enriches the campus culture.
If your idea of a rousing road trip is protesting in Washington, D.C., you’ll likely
find plenty of like- minded compatriots at Guilford College. Founded in 1837
by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), this left- leaning campus loves to
debate just about any issue and get involved in the world around it. The student
body is becoming more diverse in every respect, and campus inclusiveness is
enhanced by a long- standing adult education program. “I’m proud to be part of
a school that is very accepting and open,” comments a sports management and
marketing major.
Located on 350 wooded acres in northwest Greensboro, Guilford’s redbrick
buildings are mainly in the Georgian style. The school is the only liberal arts col-
lege in the Southeast with Quaker roots; it’s the oldest coeducational institution in
the South and the third oldest in the nation.
During the Civil War, Guilford was one of a few
Southern colleges that remained open— perhaps
because it was also an embarkation point on the
Underground Railroad. All of the first- year resi-
dence halls have recently been renovated, and 200 solar panels have made the
campus more environmentally friendly.
Guilford’s general education program for traditional students, the Guilford
Edge, emphasizes team- based, interdisciplinary projects. Guilford follows a 14- week
Fall term followed by a 14- 3 Spring term allowing for intensive course or off- campus
experience. In addition to selecting a traditional, primary major, students identify a
Website: www .guilford .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,060
Undergraduates: 1,022
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 84%
Pell Grant: 39%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 61%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 3,348
Accepted: 84%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 49%
Returning Freshmen: 65%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (336) 316- 2100
Email Address: admission @
guilford .edu
“The college is centered
on the Quaker values
of community, diversity,
equality, excellence.”
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passion or issue that they explore in- depth, in the spirit of Quaker queries or ques-
tions. Guilford Edge also builds in comprehensive academic and career advising,
campuswide events aimed at enhancing community spirit, and training in ethi-
cal leadership development that the college hopes will, among other things, boost
applications and retention rates.
“The college is centered on the Quaker values of community, diversity, equal-
ity, excellence, integrity, justice, and stewardship,” explains a senior. Students say
Guilford’s most popular programs are also some of its best: business administra-
tion, psychology, exercise and sport sciences,
biology, and sport management. Forensic biol-
ogy and religious studies are notable as well, as
are the peace and conflict studies and sustain-
able food systems majors. Business analytics is Guilford’s newest major. The signa-
ture justice and policy studies department offers majors in community and justice
studies and criminal justice. A unique, issues- based minor in principled problem-
solving experience (PPSE) combines interdisciplinary coursework with hands- on
learning that addresses a complex social issue. The PPSE topic changes regularly;
one recent topic, Every Campus a Refuge, focused on how to mobilize college cam-
puses to provide housing and other support to refugees during their initial resettle-
ment. Classes at Guilford are small, with 72 percent enrolling fewer than 20
students, helping to create a more personal environment. A student says, “As long
as students are willing to be challenged, they will be forming strong student and
professor relationships.”
Guilford believes that experiential learning adds immeasurably to classroom
work, so faculty- mentored research and travel are important emphases. “In most
classes, you will be doing some kind of hands- on learning, applying the knowledge
you’re learning to real- life situations,” says a health sciences and chemistry double
major. All first- year students are required to participate in an Integrative Experience,
which begins with a seminar that helps hone their skills in time management, com-
munication, and more. In addition to standard laboratory equipment, science stu-
dents have access to a lake, an organic farm, and 220 acres of woodland property on
campus, which provide a rich resource for fieldwork in environmental and sustain-
ability studies. Guilford has several endowed funds that support student scientific
research and travel, including an award for Women in Physical Science. The college
offers study abroad in 75 nations; 25 percent of students participate.
In the words of a sophomore, Guilford students are “hardworking, brave, smart,
and outgoing.” They come from across the globe and a range of socioeconomic
backgrounds; most are liberal and about 1 percent identify with the Quaker religious
tradition. Seventy- five percent of students are in-
staters, and 1 percent are international. Black
students represent 30 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos 16 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 5 percent; 39 percent of freshmen are eligible for Pell Grants. Guilford has
made a point of enriching its student body by enrolling a sizable number of older
students. About 10 percent of full- time undergraduates are 23 or older and benefit
from a large selection of evening classes and their own adult education orientation
and counseling services. A junior says the population of adult students “adds a lot to
classes because of their different life experiences.” In an effort to promote affordabil-
ity, Guilford now promises to award every first- time applicant an automatic scholar-
ship of at least $15,000 (and up to $27,000, depending on high school GPA) and
guarantees that tuition will not increase over a student’s four years. In addition,
every student who lives on campus receives a $4,000 housing grant. As a Division III
school, Guilford does not offer athletic scholarships.
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Community and Justice
Studies
Criminal Justice
Business Administration
Psychology
Exercise and Sport Sciences
Biology
Sport Management
Religious Studies
“In most classes, you will
be doing some kind of
hands- on learning.”
The student body
is becoming more
diverse, and campus
inclusiveness is
enhanced by a
long- standing adult
education program.
“The dining options on
campus are fantastic.”
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All traditional students under the age of 23 are required to live on campus;
Guilford’s many older students are generally commuters and less involved in campus
social life. On- campus apartments for juniors and seniors are comparable in price
to off- campus digs. “The dining options on campus are fantastic,” cheers a student.
Campus safety gets good ratings too.
Guilford’s social life revolves around student clubs and organizations, of which
there are more than 50. “When the weather is nice, a lot of events happen outside,
and it is easy to find people just lounging in the grass or down by the lake,” says one
student. Greek life is nonexistent, and alcohol is not allowed at college functions;
nonetheless, there is a moderate party scene that students describe as “not toxic”
and “very safe.” Serendipity, a weeklong celebration of spring with student perfor-
mances, games, lots of free food, big- name musicians, and a formal dance, is a
beloved tradition. Beyond the campus gates, students find all of the essentials— Target,
Starbucks, some clubs in downtown Greensboro (only 10 minutes away), the ethnic
restaurants of Tate Street, and the college’s Quaker Village. About a third of the stu-
dents regularly volunteer in the community. Popular road trips include UNC at
Chapel Hill (one hour), Asheville and the mountains (three and a half hours), and
the famous Outer Banks beaches (four and a half hours).
Guilford’s Division III athletic teams compete as the Fighting Quakers, and
students cherish the oxymoron, as in their cheer: “Fight, fight, inner light! Kill,
Quakers, kill!” Students root for the football team in the annual Soup Bowl against
Greensboro College, while the men’s golf team has brought home a slew of confer-
ence titles in recent years. The men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, baseball, and
softball teams have also been successful. Intramural and club sports draw 20 percent
of the students. Because of Guilford’s emphasis on developing the whole person,
physically, mentally, and spiritually, students are encouraged to participate in
school- sponsored outdoor adventures, such as a ropes course, sailing, and white-
water rafting.
A popular Guilford mantra is: “How are you going to change the world?” And
with students who’d rather get involved than sit back and watch, you can expect
some pretty passionate answers to that question. It all goes back to Guilford’s tradi-
tional Quaker goal of “educating individuals not only to live, but to live well.” As
one student explains it, “You will be pushed outside of your comfort zone in a lot of
ways, but Guilford is also a place for growth.”
Guilford now promises
to award every first-
time applicant an
automatic scholarship
of at least $15,000.
Overlaps
Lipscomb,
Lynchburg,
Roanoke, UNC
Greensboro,
Wofford,
Appalachian State,
Albright, Elmhurst
If You Apply To ›
Guilford: Early decision, early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082
A touch of Scandinavia in southern Minnesota, GA is a guardian of the tried
and true in Lutheran education. With Minnesotans comprising 83 percent of the
students, GA is less national than cross- state rival St. Olaf. Extensive distribution
requirements include exploring values and moral reasoning. Minnesota location
makes for a friendly and homogeneous student body. And not many places have
Hello Walk.
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Gustavus Adolphus College is named for Sweden’s King Gustav II Adolph
(1594– 1632), who is credited with making Sweden a major European power and
defending Lutheranism against the Roman Catholics. While the king’s military
victories earned him the title Lion of the North, he was also an advocate of edu-
cation and culture. Save for the women now attending classes, King Gustav would
probably feel at home at the college that bears his name, where a not- so- subtle
Swedish influence pervades everything from the buildings to the curriculum.
The college, founded in 1862, is the “epitome of Minnesota nice,” says one sopho-
more admiringly.
The 340- acre GA campus is about 65 miles southwest of the Twin Cities. Not
surprisingly, the prevailing architectural theme is Scandinavian, with mostly modern
and semimodern brown brick buildings. Highlights include the 147- year- old Old
Main and the centrally located Christ Chapel,
with spires and shafts resembling a crown. Thirty
bronze works by sculptor and alumnus Paul
Granlund are strategically placed, and the 135-
acre Linnaeus Arboretum and Interpretive Center offers plant study and retreats.
The sidewalk running through the middle of campus is nicknamed the Hello Walk,
because it’s a tradition for students to greet one another as they pass— whether they
know each other or not. A $70 million renovation and expansion of the Nobel Hall
of Science nearly doubled the size of the school’s natural sciences facilities.
To fulfill core requirements, Gustavus students have two options. The first,
the Liberal Arts Perspective Curriculum, involves fulfilling standard distribution
requirements in nine liberal arts areas, plus the First- Term Seminar, which covers
critical thinking, writing, speaking, and recognizing and exploring values. The
second option, known as the Three Crowns Curriculum, is an integrated 12- course
sequence focused on classic works and ideas of the Western tradition, emphasizing
connections between different disciplines. Three Crowns is limited to 60 students
per entering class, filled on a first- come, first- served basis. In addition to the core
courses, students must satisfy a writing- across- the- curriculum requirement, with
three courses that have a substantial amount of writing.
In the classroom, students find an academic smorgasbord, as GA aims to offer
an education both “interdisciplinary and international in perspective.” There are
interdisciplinary programs in Scandinavian studies; gender, women, and sexual-
ity studies; and environmental studies, to name a few, and if neither those nor
traditional departments suffice, students may design their own courses of study.
While biology, psychology, economics, and communication studies are among the
most popular majors, nursing, physics, and classics are also strengths, and students
give high marks to GA’s premed advising program and its offerings in music. For
the professionally minded, Gustavus offers 3– 2 engineering programs with the
University of Minnesota and Minnesota State in Mankato. Overall, academics at
Gustavus are rigorous, but students say small classes make it easy to form depend-
able study groups, and classmates don’t compete for grades. “The courses require
a lot of work both inside and outside the classroom,” says one junior. “Professors
expect you to give your best every day, and in return they give you their best.”
Students find faculty members not just knowledgeable but also friendly, especially
when they’re serving up a free meal for students during Midnight Express, which
precedes final exams.
During the January term, when winter winds force almost everyone indoors,
Gustavus students (appropriately known as Gusties) may take concentrated courses
on campus or pursue travel and co- op opportunities. The school sponsors study
abroad programs at five colleges and universities in— surprise, surprise— Sweden, as
well as others in non- Scandinavian haunts such as India, Malaysia, Australia, Russia,
Website: www .gustavus .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,028
Undergraduates: 2,028
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 25%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 70%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 3,781
Accepted: 74%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions:
1- 800- GUSTAVUS
Email Address:
admission @ gustavus .edu
Strong Programs:
Nursing
Physics
Classics
Music
Biology
Psychology
Economics
Communication Studies
“The courses require a lot
of work both inside and
outside the classroom.”
The Three Crowns
Curriculum, is an
integrated 12- course
sequence focused
on classic works
and ideas of the
Western tradition.
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and Scotland, and 46 percent of students participate. The Nobel Conference brings
Nobel laureates and other experts to campus for two days each October. Undergraduate
research is a hallmark, and Gustavus Adolphus consistently ranks in the top 10 for
papers presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
An elementary education major describes Gusties as “friendly, easy to talk to,
energetic, and hardworking.” For all its good points, though, this liberal arts col-
lege is hardly a model of diversity: 80 percent of students are white, 84 percent are
Minnesotan, and 52 percent are Lutheran. The
school is working hard to increase diversity, but
that continues to be a challenge in its region.
Black students currently account for 3 percent
of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 5 per-
cent, Asian Americans 3 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent; international
students add another 4 percent. Politically, the campus leans liberal but has its fair
share of conservatives, and students report that environmental issues and wom-
en’s and LGBTQ rights are frequent topics of discussion. Merit- based scholarships
averaging $26,200 annually are available, but there are no athletic scholarships.
On- campus living is required for all four years, and only about 8 percent of stu-
dents receive permission to live off campus as seniors, which can be a source of
frustration for upperclassmen. One student says the dorms “stay full on the week-
ends and are well maintained.” Single rooms and apartment- style suites, and some
college- owned houses, are reserved for upperclassmen. The Crossroads International
House is an option for students interested in languages and contemporary global
issues. Students rave about the à la carte meal plan and especially about the
Marketplace dining hall. In response to recommendations from a student task force,
the administration has updated its sexual misconduct policies.
Eleven percent of the men and 16 percent of the women go Greek, but GA’s
social life does not revolve around fraternities and sororities. “Saturday Night Lights
puts on events like poker night, dances, game nights, etc., which always seem to be
really fun and always include free food,” says a
junior. Because students 21 and older may drink
in their rooms— with the door closed— underage
students can get alcohol if they want it, but stu-
dents say drinking isn’t a popular pastime here. GA’s many musical ensembles all
perform together at the Christmas in Christ Chapel concert. The chapel holds 1,500
people and performances usually sell out. Sixty- eight percent of students participate
in service projects, volunteering 15,000 hours each semester. Projects include work-
ing with children, the elderly, and the local animal shelter, as well as with Habitat
for Humanity. The town of St. Peter has coffee shops and bowling, and the college
offers periodic trips to Mankato, 10 miles away, and to the Twin Cities, for “real”
shopping at the Mall of America or for a professional baseball, basketball, or hockey
game.
When it comes to athletics, “Any time, any sport— if St. Olaf is in town, the
event is packed,” says a lusty Gustie fan. GA competes in Division III, and the men’s
and women’s tennis teams are perennial contenders for the national championship
title. Men’s and women’s golf and swimming and women’s ice hockey and vol-
leyball have also been successful in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
play. The college’s forensics team is nationally competitive. A majority of Gusties
participate in intramural and club sports, including rugby and cross- country skiing.
The Gustavus Adolphus campus may be gorgeous in the spring and fall and too
cold in the winter, but it’s warmhearted all year long. Small classes, one- on- one aca-
demic attention, a plethora of research opportunities, and an active campus social
life go a long way toward making St. Peter, Minnesota, seem a lot less isolated. Says
“Saturday Night Lights puts
on events . . . which always
seem to be really fun and
always include free food.”
The Nobel Conference
brings Nobel laureates
and other experts
to campus for two
days each October.
“Any time, any sport— if
St. Olaf is in town, the event
is packed.”
Overlaps
Augustana (IL),
Luther, Illinois
Wesleyan, College
of St. Benedict
and St. John’s
University,
St. Olaf, University
of St. Thomas,
Hamline, College of
Wooster
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one senior, “Our core values of community, service, faith, justice, and excellence
prevail both in and out of the classroom, and students commit themselves and their
time here to such values.”
If You Apply To ›
Gustavus Adolphus: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
Hamilton College
198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323
Hamilton is part of the network of elite, rural, Northeastern liberal arts colleges that
extends from Colby in Maine through Middlebury and Williams to Colgate, about
half an hour’s drive to Hamilton’s south. Hamilton is on the small side of this group
and emphasizes collaboration with faculty. Need- blind admissions with no merit
scholarships. Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Founded in 1793, Hamilton College took its name from Alexander Hamilton,
who was an early trustee, and for much of its early life offered its male students a
staunchly traditional education rooted in a classical curriculum. In 1978 Hamilton
merged with adjacent Kirkland College, the artsy, experimental women’s college
founded under its auspices a decade before. Hamilton is marked by its close sense
of community and its commitment to the liberal arts. Particularly dedicated to
transforming students into excellent communicators, the college has also increased
opportunities for experiential learning and internships and is adding programs to
develop students’ digital fluency. “One thing [students] have in common is a pas-
sion for learning that is unparalleled,” raves a government major.
The original Hamilton campus features collegiate Victorian architecture ren-
dered in rich, warm brownstone. In fact, the only facility interrupting the rhyth-
mic beauty of the campus is the eyesore that houses the library. By contrast, the
original Kirkland campus consists mostly of
boxy concrete structures of a 1960s “brutalist”
vintage, otherwise described as “faux I. M. Pei.”
Straddling the ravine that divides the campuses
and joining them literally and figuratively is a
student activities building with a diner, lounges, and areas for student and faculty
relaxation. Surrounding the campuses are more than 1,300 college- owned acres of
woodlands, open fields, and glens, with trails for hiking or cross- country skiing.
The college has invested more than $370 million over the past 15 years in new and
renovated facilities, including a studio art building, a theater, and the Johnson
Center for Health and Wellness.
In the classroom, Hamilton is pure liberal arts. The open curriculum has no
distribution requirements, but all students must pass at least three writing- intensive
courses and a quantitative and symbolic reasoning course. The development of writ-
ing skills is a key area of focus in all majors, and more than 100 courses each year
require oral presentations. In an effort to reinforce its commitment to inclusion, the
college requires that all majors feature relevant, mandatory coursework on diver-
sity. First- year orientation combines on- campus programming with adventure and
Website: www .hamilton .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,070
Undergraduates: 2,070
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 51%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 45%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 9,899
Accepted: 12%
Enrolled: 41%
Grad in 6 Years: 92%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 843- 2655
Email Address: admission @
hamilton .edu
Strong Programs:
Public Policy
Natural Sciences
Economics
Mathematics
Psychology
Government
World Politics
Creative Writing
“One thing [students]
have in common is a
passion for learning that is
unparalleled.”
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service trips; more than 65 options are typically available, from participating in local
arts events to working with refugee communities to kayaking Lake Champlain. First-
year students may also participate in an optional series of proseminars— classes of
no more than 16 that require intensive interaction through writing, speaking, and
discussion. Hamilton requires all students to undertake a senior project in their area
of concentration, which may take the form of a research project, a seminar with a
presentation and research paper component, or a comprehensive exam.
Public policy and the natural sciences are among the strongest programs. Hamilton’s
Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center, named for the former New York State comptroller, is
a working think tank where undergraduates focus
on leadership and social innovation. Economics,
biology, government, mathematics, and psychol-
ogy enroll the most students; world politics, neuro-
science, environmental studies, Hispanic studies,
and creative writing are also popular. New offerings include data science and Middle
East/Islamicate worlds studies. Hamilton has “a rigorous, challenge- by- choice academic
climate,” explains an Africana studies and public policy major, adding, “The school
does a good job of providing resources for different courses, such as soundproof
booths, camera equipment, 3-D printers, labs, etc.” Most classes are intimate in
size— 72 percent enroll fewer than 20 students— and students say professors are
friendly and dedicated to helping them succeed. “I’ve eaten dinner at a professor’s
house before,” reports a junior. “Some students will occasionally get lunches or coffee
with their professors.”
Every incoming student is assigned a faculty advisor, a career advisor, and an
ALEX (Advise, Learn, and EXperience) advisor who can assist them with course plan-
ning, off- campus learning opportunities, career exploration, and personal growth.
Hamilton awards stipends to roughly 180 students each year for summer research,
and another 160 students receive stipends to pursue unpaid summer internships.
When the village of Clinton (population 2,000) gets claustrophobic, about 60 per-
cent of students spend a semester or a year abroad through more than 100 approved
programs or through Hamilton’s programs in France, China, and Spain. Students
can also study off campus for a term in Washington, D.C., or New York City.
“It’s cool to be passionate about things here,” says a psychology major. “Students
are so involved in a range of different activities; it’s kind of lame if you only go to
class and don’t have a whole bunch of extracurriculars.” Twenty- six percent of
Hamilton students are New York residents, and
8 percent are international. Black students con-
stitute 3 percent of the student body, Hispanics/
Latinos 10 percent, Asian Americans 9 percent,
and multiracial students 5 percent. Although the
campus is no political hotbed, students report
that current issues (both local and global) receive ample attention from student
activists. Consistent with Hamilton’s commitment to socioeconomic diversity and
its Division III status, there are no merit or athletic scholarships, but the college has
a need- blind admissions policy and guarantees to meet 100 percent of admitted
domestic students’ demonstrated financial need.
All students reside on campus. Options range from stately old mansions and
former fraternity houses converted into dorms to newer apartments that accommo-
date three to four students each. While one senior calls the lottery system “a little bit
of a crapshoot until after sophomore year,” the two sides of campus, Hamilton and
Kirkland, feature distinct student cultures and a rivalry that students call “playful”
and “endearing.” Hamilton (nicknamed “the Light Side”) is known for partying and
is said to house many “preppy, sporty” students, while Kirkland (nicknamed “the
“Some students will
occasionally get lunches
or coffee with their
professors.”
First- year students
may also participate
in an optional series of
proseminars— classes
of no more than 16
that require intensive
interaction through
writing, speaking,
and discussion.
“Students will commonly
host bonfires, casual
parties, fancy dinners, and
fun nights into town with
their friend groups.”
The college has
increased opportunities
for experiential
learning and internships
and is adding programs
to develop students’
digital fluency.
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Dark Side”) has a more mellow reputation and tends to attract artsy free spirits.
Campus dining options receive average reviews. Students say campus security is
effective. “There is strong anti- assault awareness on campus,” notes a student.
Social life at Hamilton ranges from the campus pub, which occupies an old
barn, to programming arranged by the campus activities board, such as comedy
shows, a casino night, and concerts. There’s also the Greek system, which draws
20 percent of the men and 13 percent of the women. Much of the social life does
revolve around alcohol, students say, although stiff punishments are meted out to
underage imbibers. Additionally, “Students will commonly host bonfires, casual
parties, fancy dinners, and fun nights into town with their friend groups,” one
junior shares.
Clinton is “by no means a convenient place to live,” admits a studio arts
major. But it’s “a picturesque village good for pizza and coffee,” adds a sopho-
more. The nearest small city, Utica, is only 10 minutes away by car. The college
maintains a jitney service for student transportation. “On the weekend, people
will sometimes go to the Adirondacks because they are so close and beautiful,” a
student says. Given the long, snowy winters, such outings are often best enjoyed
by skiers and other winter- sports enthusiasts. Other popular road trips include
Syracuse and New York City, while Boston, Toronto, and Montreal are each less
than five hours away.
In athletics, Hamilton offers 29 varsity sports teams (the Continentals) and is a
member of the highbrow New England Small College Athletic Conference. Women’s
rowing, women’s hockey, and men’s basketball have been competitive in recent
years. The extensive intramural and club sports programs draw high participation,
especially in soccer, basketball, and dodgeball. Even some school traditions are ath-
letically minded. Feb Fest features snowshoeing, an ice- sculpture contest, and other
winter activities, while HamTrek is a triathlon open to students and faculty. “Many
students will attend for the spectacle,” says a junior.
Hamilton students are, by necessity, hearty. They’re used to the cold and the
snow— and some may say that’s what leads to the strong sense of community evi-
dent on campus. Many students agree that students and professors alike are moti-
vated and driven to succeed but not at the expense of the warm friendships they
build here. “Hamilton fully embraces individuality,” lauds a junior, “and students
are celebrated for their unique traits and differences, rather than being forced to fit
a certain mold. This is a very welcoming place.”
The extensive
intramural and club
sports programs draw
high participation,
especially in soccer,
basketball, and
dodgeball.
Overlaps
Amherst, Bates,
Bowdoin, Vassar,
Colby, Colgate,
Middlebury,
Wesleyan, Williams
If You Apply To ›
Hamilton: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Hamilton’s website for
the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test scores.
Hampden– Sydney College
P.O. Box 667, Hampden– Sydney, VA 23943
The last bastion of the Southern gentleman and one of three all- male colleges in
the nation. Feeder school to the economic establishment in Richmond. Picturesque
rural setting evokes the old South. While some would argue that it is out of step with
today’s world, H– SC holds to its mission of asking what it means to be a “good man”
in today’s society.
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Hampden– Sydney College was founded by Scotch- Irish Presbyterians in 1775 with
the University of Edinburgh as its model and took its name from two 17th- century
English patriots (John Hampden and Algernon Sydney). Seemingly a bit of an anach-
ronism in a society increasingly focused on diversity, the all- male school still aims
to expose its small student body to a broad liberal arts education, which is entirely
focused on undergraduates. H– SC is one of only three all- male colleges in the nation
and one of only two without a coordinate women’s college (see also Wabash). The
environment supports “a special sense of brotherhood and community,” says one
student. Tradition reigns here, and students like to call themselves “Southern gen-
tlemen.” Of course, says another, there’s plenty of not- always- gentlemanly fun to be
had when you have 850 guys together.
Hampden– Sydney’s 1,340- acre campus, surrounded by farmland and woods,
features mainly redbrick buildings in the Federal style. The Pannill Center for
Rhetoric and Communication houses the college’s Rhetoric Program, writing and
speaking centers, and student publications. The
$40 million Pauley Science Center features
state- of- the- art labs, classrooms, and interactive
spaces. The nearby town of Farmville, popula-
tion 7,500 and home to Longwood University,
offers restaurants, stores, and a movie theater; it’s
just five miles from H– SC, but one student describes the town as “a black hole inside
a time warp.”
To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in rhetoric and a foreign
language, complete coursework in a range of liberal arts areas, and take at least
three experiential learning courses, one of which must have a significant off- campus
component, such as fieldwork, an internship, or travel abroad. All freshmen partic-
ipate in a special advising program, and 30 percent take freshman seminars linked
to living/learning communities. Most majors require a capstone course involving a
20- page research paper. The most popular department is economics and business,
which may help explain why more than half of the school’s alumni have pursued
business careers. The department offers three majors: economics and business, gen-
eral economics, and mathematical economics. History, biology, and government
are also popular, and physics is strong. The Wilson Center for Leadership in the
Public Interest puts a public service focus on the study of political science, preparing
students for government work and garnering high marks in return. The school’s
small size offers many opportunities to work closely with professors but has some
academic drawbacks, including limited resources in some departments and fewer
than 30 majors.
Students at Hampden– Sydney say there are no free passes when it comes to
classwork, and the atmosphere can get competitive. “You really have to work
hard,” says a junior, “but most students are willing to put in that work in order to
become better writers and thinkers.” Classes are small; 79 percent have fewer than
20 students and none exceed 50. Most H– SC professors live on campus and make
themselves very available to students. Some even make house calls to find out
why a student missed class. “Professors encourage us to contact them whenever
we have a question, even if that means at nine o’clock on a Wednesday night,”
says a junior.
Additional educational opportunities include the honors program, the summer
research program (which is particularly popular among students in the sciences),
and the Tigerfund, which allows students to manage an equity fund. More than 100
study abroad options are available in 30 countries and revered institutions around
the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics;
20 percent of students spread their wings in this way. Career services are said to be
Website: www .hsc .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 851
Undergraduates: 851
Male/Female: 100/0
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 66%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 2,911
Accepted: 37%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 65%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (434) 223- 6120
Email Address: admissions @
hsc .edu
Strong Programs:
Rhetoric
Economics and Business
Economics
Mathematical Economics
History
Biology
Government
Physics
“Professors encourage us
to contact them whenever
we have a question, even if
that means at nine o’clock
on a Wednesday night.”
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HAMPDEN– SYDNEY COLLEGE 303
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
effective, particularly when it comes to connecting students with alumni for job
opportunities.
“The prototypical Hampden– Sydney student is a Southern, white, Christian
gentleman with conservative political values,” says a junior. Nearly 60 percent of
students are state residents, and less than 1 percent come from foreign countries.
Black students make up 7 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos constitute 6 percent,
Asian Americans add 1 percent, and multiracial
students represent 5 percent. The Office of
Inclusion and Intercultural Affairs works to
increase tolerance for diversity, which students
say is among the hot- button political issues on
campus. As a Division III school, Hampden– Sydney offers no athletic scholarships.
There are, however, academic awards averaging roughly $34,000 for qualified
students.
Ninety- eight percent of students live on campus in traditional and apartment-
style residence halls, and housing is guaranteed for four years. “Freshmen are
usually grouped in the larger housing areas in order for them to get the college
roommate experience,” says one student, and a dozen living/learning communi-
ties are available to choose from as well. The spacious dining facilities supply
hungry students with “decent,” all- you- can- eat fare. Student support services
receive good reviews, although one religion major notes, “There is a bit of a stigma
[against] using the counseling service, as we all aim to be macho at this boys’
school.”
Students praise the close- knit atmosphere fostered by Hampden– Sydney’s all-
male status. “Our code of etiquette requires that we acknowledge people we pass on
the sidewalk and reserve our phone calls and headphones for less populated areas,
so we get to know each other on a personal
level,” explains a junior. Hampden– Sydney’s
social nexus is the Circle, the site of the school’s
fraternities, which claim 30 percent of the stu-
dents. “The party culture is huge. Greek organizations absolutely set the tone for the
vast majority of our social environment,” says one student, who adds, “Alcohol poli-
cies are not effective.” The annual spring Greek Week brings out the Animal House
instincts of Hampden– Sydney’s budding gentlemen— but students warn that campus
security will crack down on underage drinkers if parties get too wild. Student clubs
offer another important outlet for socializing, and homecoming and various music
festivals are also eagerly anticipated. Nearby women’s colleges— Hollins, Sweet Briar,
and Mary Baldwin— help mix up the social scene.
Despite its lack of bright lights (“You come here for the school, not the
town,” one student points out), nearby Farmville does provide numerous com-
munity service and outreach opportunities. A campus volunteer group called
Good Men, Good Citizens spearheads projects such as tutoring, highway cleanup,
and Habitat for Humanity home building; 75 percent of students perform com-
munity service. When rural Virginia gets too insular, H– SC students can be found
on road trips to the University of Virginia and James Madison University,
Virginia’s beaches, or Washington, D.C. The ski slopes of Wintergreen are within
a two- hour drive.
Perhaps because of all that testosterone on campus, Hampden– Sydney men are
competitive, and that spells excellence in athletics. Tiger football is big; students
attend games in coat and tie, and alumni come out in droves for tailgating. H– SC’s
football rivalry with Randolph– Macon (not the former women’s college!) is one of
the oldest in the South. At the annual pregame bonfire, the college rallies to sing
“The prototypical
Hampden– Sydney student
is a Southern, white,
Christian gentleman with
conservative political
values.”
The most popular
department is
economics and
business; more than
half of the school’s
alumni have pursued
business careers.
“You come here for the
school, not the town [of
Farmville].”
Nearby women’s
colleges— Hollins,
Sweet Briar, and Mary
Baldwin— help mix
up the social scene.
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304 HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
songs and hear student and faculty leaders vilify the enemy and extol “the garnet
and gray.” The golf and lacrosse teams are nationally ranked. Sixty percent of stu-
dents participate in intramural and recreational sports ranging from basketball and
flag football to clay- target club and rugby.
Hampden– Sydney likes to tell new students that when they enter the campus
gates, they’re “joining a brotherhood older than America itself.” The school’s legacy as
the 10th- oldest college in the United States may make it largely conservative and rather
homogeneous. But 248 years of tradition, an unwavering commitment to the liberal
arts, and a tight- knit student body also make for a rich— and unique— undergraduate
experience.
Overlaps
Wabash, Augustana
(IL), Austin College,
Randolph– Macon,
Roanoke,
Transylvania, James
Madison, Sewanee
If You Apply To ›
Hampden– Sydney: Early decision, early action I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Please consult Hampden– Sydney’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Hampshire College
P.O. Box 5001, Amherst, MA 01002
Long a leader in progressive and student- focused higher education, Hampshire is on
the rebound from a bruising financial and enrollment crisis that forced administrators
to pause freshman enrollment in 2019. Bolstered by a $60 million fund- raising
campaign led by filmmaker and alumnus Ken Burns, Hampshire has increased its
total enrollment to over 500 undergraduates and plans to restore full enrollment by
2025. This nonconformist college has been marching to its own academic drummer
for more than 50 years.
Passion reigns at Hampshire College. It’s found in just about everything students
do— from devising their own courses to starting new clubs to debating the most cur-
rent social issues. There’s no one way to do things at Hampshire, and the students
revel in the freedom they have to direct the path of their education. “We love what
we are studying because we get to choose what we are studying,” says a junior focus-
ing on sustainable agricultural methods. Without the yoke of traditional majors and
the nail- biting stress of regular grades, Hampshire offers a virtually boundary- free
exercise in intellectual nirvana.
Located in the Connecticut River Valley of western Massachusetts, Hampshire’s
800- acre campus sits amid former orchards, farmland, and forest. Buildings are
eclectic and contemporary, and the school is proud of its bioshelter, arts village,
and multisports and multimedia centers. Two
nationally known museums— the Yiddish Book
Center and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture
Book Art— are located right on campus. The
innovative Kern Center is the campus’s “living
building.” Constructed entirely with local and regional nontoxic materials, the
17,000- square- foot building generates its own electricity and collects its own water.
It’s the latest in a series of sustainability efforts that also include converting the
campus to 100 percent solar electricity.
Hampshire was created in 1965 by four nearby colleges— Amherst, UMass Amherst,
Mount Holyoke, and Smith— that now make up the Five College Consortium. The
Website: www .hampshire .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 508
Undergraduates: 508
Male/Female: 34/46
Financial Aid: 71%
Pell Grant: 37%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 48%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 2,090
Accepted: 69%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 62%
Returning Freshmen: 68%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (413) 559- 5471
Email Address: admissions @
hampshire .edu
“We love what we are
studying because we get
to choose what we are
studying.”
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HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE 305
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
goal was to reimagine liberal arts education. Instead of grades, Hampshire profes-
sors hand out “narrative evaluations,” which consist of written evaluations and cri-
tiques. The Community- Engaged Learning program requires all students to commit
to 40 hours of service or a semester- long equivalent. Degrees are obtained by passing
a series of examinations— not tests but portfolios of academic work, evaluations, and
students’ self- reflections on their academic development.
The first milestone, known as Division I, begins with transdisciplinary semi-
nars in two of four “learning collaboratives”— communities of faculty, staff, and
students— centered on the themes of environments and change, justice and injustice,
media and technology, and time and narrative. The second milestone, Division II,
is each student’s “concentration.” Unlike a major elsewhere, the requirements of a
concentration are unique to each student, emerging from regular discussions with
two faculty members, and include courses, independent study, and fieldwork or
internships. Division III, or “advanced study,” begins in the fourth year, when stu-
dents complete a sizable independent study project centered on a specific topic,
question, or idea, much like a master’s thesis. In recent years, students have created
smartphone software to monitor blood sugar and examined U.S. military interven-
tions in global conflicts.
Because of the division system, there are as many curricula at Hampshire as
there are students. The common denominators are a rigorous workload, an empha-
sis on self- initiated study, close contact with faculty advisors, and the assumption
that students will eventually function as graduate students do at other institu-
tions. “The academic climate is not competitive because no two students study the
exact same thing,” explains a student. The importance of qualified, attentive fac-
ulty is not to be underestimated in an environment like this, and students heap
praise on their professors. One says, “Professors at Hampshire are truly invested in
their students.”
Hampshire’s flexibility is ideal for artists, and programs in film, video, and
photography are dazzling, which is also the reason they are overcrowded.
Communications, creative writing, psychology, social sciences, and environmen-
tal studies are also good bets, and Hampshire
was the first college in the nation to offer an
undergraduate program in cognitive science.
The Integrated Sciences first- year program gives new students a chance to work
together on innovative projects in an interdisciplinary science environment. The
college’s Farm Center serves as a living laboratory for learning about sustainabil-
ity, social justice, and community building. Students also have access to selected
courses at sister schools in the Five College Consortium, which are connected by
a free bus service; Hampshire students take 1,200 classes per year at the other
schools. Internships and other real- world experiences are highly encouraged.
Hampshire offers its own study abroad programs in China, Cuba, and Germany,
and students may also participate in programs through more than 150 institu-
tions in nearly 50 countries. Thirty- five percent of students typically study abroad.
Befitting Hampshire’s entrepreneurial nature, when it comes time for “Div Free”
(as students call life after Hampshire), one in four students begin their own busi-
nesses, and a large percentage go on to graduate school.
“We are not cookie- cutter students,” says a sophomore. “We are students who
passionately teach ourselves in a school that is deliberately unique and experimen-
tal.” Just as Hampshire eschews letter grades, it also refuses to consider SAT or ACT
scores in the admissions process. Sixty- eight percent of students come from
Massachusetts, and 7 percent come from abroad. Enrollment of students of color is
growing— 7 percent are Black, 15 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 2 percent are Asian
American, and 8 percent are multiracial— and most students would like to see these
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Film, Video, and Photography
Communications
Creative Writing
Psychology
Social Sciences
Environmental Studies
Cognitive Science
The Community-
Engaged Learning
program requires all
students to commit
to 40 hours of service
or a semester-
long equivalent.
“We are not cookie- cutter
students.”
In recent years,
students have created
smartphone software
to monitor blood sugar
and examined U.S.
military interventions
in global conflicts.
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306 HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
numbers continue to rise. A hefty 37 percent of incoming students qualify for Pell
Grants. Hampshire’s LGBTQ community is visible and vocal. According to a philos-
ophy student, “Political correctness doesn’t even begin to describe” the social atmo-
sphere. Take as examples the school’s gender- neutral bathrooms and identity- based
housing, which allows members of historically marginalized groups to live together.
Aside from need- based aid, merit scholarships worth an average of $28,800 are avail-
able to qualified students.
Ninety percent of undergraduates live on campus. First- year students live in
dorms, while older students may move to one of more than 100 “mods”—
apartments in which groups of four to 10 students share the responsibility for
cleaning, cooking, and maintaining their space. Campus meals are diverse and
include “many great vegan and vegetarian options,” says one nanotechnology stu-
dent, not to mention great ice cream from local cows. Students can also get healthy
options from Mixed Nuts, a student- run food co- op that is Hampshire’s longest-
running student group. Campus safety is good, students say, and sexual assault is
addressed up front. “We have a loud and well- known consent culture on campus,”
says a student concentrating in geology and sustainability. “Students learn about
appropriate consent during orientation and it is reinforced consistently throughout
all four years.”
Not surprisingly, Hampshire has no fraternities or sororities, and on weekends,
some students head for Boston, New York, Hartford, or, in season, the ski trails of
Vermont and New Hampshire. But there are plenty of cultural resources within the
Five College area, and the free buses to Amherst,
Northampton, and South Hadley (all within 10
miles) are always crowded. From edgy record
stores to ethnic restaurants and boutiques, the
area abounds with diversions. The annual Spring Jam brings live bands to campus,
and throughout the year, there’s almost always a party going on, including the drag
ball and the much- anticipated Halloween bash— an intense, all- campus blowout
complete with fireworks. A tradition called “Div Free Bell” celebrates the completion
of Division III requirements— and graduation— with soon- to- be alumni ringing a
bell outside the library, surrounded by friends.
Hampshire is no place for competitive jocks, since many sports are co- ed and
primarily for entertainment (there never was a football team here). Hampshire is
affiliated with the United States Collegiate Athletic Association and is also a member
of the Yankee Small College Conference. Students organize their own intramural
teams and sports clubs (men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, and fencing are the
biggies, and there’s also the competitive Red Scare Ultimate Frisbee Team). The out-
doors program offers mountain biking, cross- country skiing, and kayaking; equip-
ment may be borrowed for free. The school also has its own climbing wall and cave,
a gym with a solar- heated pool, and a co- ed sauna.
Hampshire’s six- year graduation rate is low in comparison to other pricey, pri-
vate liberal arts colleges, though not necessarily for bad reasons. Some students find
the culture of individual study unnerving, if not stressful, or miss traditional college
life more than they thought they would. Others, however, having taken full advan-
tage of Hampshire’s freedom to explore, discover a passion that might be their life’s
work, and move on to pursue it at a larger school with more resources. At Hampshire
that’s called success.
Hampshire is no place
for competitive jocks,
since many sports are
co- ed and primarily
for entertainment.
“We have a loud and well-
known consent culture on
campus.”
Overlaps
Bennington, Bard,
Sarah Lawrence,
Reed, Evergreen
State, Prescott,
University of
Redlands, Mount
Holyoke
If You Apply To ›
Hampshire: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Accepts the Common Application.
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HARTWICK COLLEGE 307
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Hartwick College
Oneonta, NY 13820
Hartwick is known for its cozy atmosphere and ability to take good care of students.
Combines liberal arts education with experiential learning opportunities. A general
education program emphasizes hands- on learning, and a Three- Year Bachelor’s
Degree Program is an option. Offers deep tuition discounts to students who attended
high school in neighboring counties of upstate New York. Bring your mountain
climbing shoes.
Hartwick College emphasizes community- centered learning, crystallizing the
school’s philosophy that learning isn’t about memorization, it’s about creating expe-
riential knowledge and developing skills. In recent years, Hartwick has focused on
expanding its liberal arts offerings and making itself more affordable for its mostly
homegrown student body. Students say they enjoy the comfortable atmosphere
on this close- knit campus. “You will feel like you instantly become an active and
important member of the community,” assures one denizen.
Hartwick was founded way back in 1797 under the will of Lutheran pastor John
Christopher Hartwick, and its campus has a New England feel with its ivy- covered,
redbrick buildings and white cupolas, gables, and trim. The campus setting on
Oyaron Hill, overlooking the city of Oneonta and the Susquehanna Valley, provides
a breathtaking view, though the steepness of the campus may have some students
wishing for the legs of a mountain goat. Facilities include a greenhouse, an herbar-
ium, a biotechnology “clean lab,” a graphics imaging lab, and a high- tech nurs-
ing simulation lab. The Wright Observatory, the LEED- certified Golisano Hall, the
state- of- the- art Campbell Fitness Center, and the Yager Museum of Art and Culture
are other notable campus features.
Hartwick operates on a 4– 1– 4 academic calendar, with two 14- week semesters
and a four- week January term, or J term, in between. The Promise Core Curriculum
features an extensive first- year experience program that includes a seven- day summer
orientation, a first- year seminar, a college writing
course, an off- campus First- Year Discovery trip
during J term, and three 21st Century Modules—
four- week mini courses in the spring focused on
developing skills in political and cultural fluency,
applying data, and understanding the importance and limitations of science and tech-
nology. Sophomores attend a mandatory Success Summit to learn skills like network-
ing and interviewing, and all Hartwick students are guaranteed a career- related work
experience, such as an internship, research project, or fellowship. The culminating
SOAR Capstone requires students to reflect on their experiences and create a personal
statement in both written and oral or video format.
The most popular majors are business administration, nursing, biology, psy-
chology, and sociology. The English, political science, music, and art programs
receive high marks too. The course catalog is necessarily limited by Hartwick’s
small size, but the Individual Student Program enables students to create their own
major dealing with a particular interest, and several majors have recently been
introduced, including criminal justice, global studies, and public health. Students
may also broaden their options by taking courses at nearby SUNY Oneonta. The
Three- Year Bachelor’s Degree Program allows students in nearly 30 majors to take
on a larger courseload to earn a degree within three years— and save significantly
on the cost.
Website: www .hartwick .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,075
Undergraduates: 1,071
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 81%
Pell Grant: 35%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 81%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 3,553
Accepted: 60%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 53%
Returning Freshmen: 69%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (888)- HARTWICK
Email Address: admissions @
hartwick .edu
Strong Programs:
English
Music
Art
Business Administration
Nursing
Biology
Psychology
Sociology
“You will feel like you
instantly become an active
and important member of
the community.”
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308 HARTWICK COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Hartwick’s academic environment is described as collaborative and relaxed.
“Not only are students encouraged to discuss ideas among each other and work
together to learn, but students are also welcomed to work alongside their profes-
sors,” explains a political science major. “It makes one feel like everyone is on the
same team working toward the same goal.” Small class sizes are the norm, and a
business administration major says, “The professors here are kind and spend a lot of
time with students who really need them.” Individual tutoring and help sessions are
offered, along with an innovative freshman early- warning program that identifies
struggling students early and offers counseling.
Hartwick’s emphasis on learning through real- world experiences is evident in
the wide- ranging activities its students have pursued, often during J term, such as
working in a Jamaican hospital and interning with the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The newly reimagined Griffiths Center for Collaboration and Innovation provides
workspaces, labs, and classrooms where students can pursue cross- disciplinary inno-
vation, entrepreneurship, and research opportunities. Seventy percent of students
take community- based service- learning classes, which combine academic course-
work with service opportunities in the Oneonta area. Participants in the Honors
Program carry out four self- selected academic challenges, such as honors seminars,
a second major, or independent research. Fifty- two percent of students take part in
study abroad courses available in 25 nations around the globe.
Hartwick has improved its academic rigor in recent years, thanks to a focused
recruitment program. “The students here are hardworking, well- rounded, driven,
and accepting,” says a junior. Seventy- three percent are from New York State, espe-
cially upstate, and most of the rest come from
New England or the Mid- Atlantic states; 2 per-
cent are international. Black students make up
14 percent of the student body, Hispanics/
Latinos 10 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent,
and multiracial students 3 percent. Thirty- five percent of first- year students are eli-
gible for Pell Grants. Students tend to be liberal but not particularly politically
engaged; a senior says, “We try not to let outside issues affect our studies.” Hartwick
awards merit scholarships averaging $19,000 but no athletic scholarships. Under
the HartLand Promise program, incoming students who attended high school in
one of eight counties surrounding the college are charged a significantly lower tui-
tion rate that is comparable to the cost of most public four- year institutions in New
York State.
All students except commuters reside on campus, most in traditional dorms,
although suite- style options are available. Says a sophomore, “The dorms are all a
comfortable size and are maintained properly.” Upperclassmen may move into one
of the fraternity or special- interest houses or into the coveted apartment community
or townhouses. Hartwick’s 256- acre Pine Lake Environmental Campus, located eight
miles from the main campus, has cabins that are heated by pellet stoves and a lodge
where environmentally conscious students can live in rustic style. Students give on-
campus dining fair marks but praise campus safety officers; says one student, “It’s
obvious through their actions that they really care about the well- being of the stu-
dents at this college.”
Hartwick’s social scene is found both on and off campus, according to students,
and tends to be as mellow or rowdy as one chooses. From campus, it’s only a short
walk, bike ride, or bus ride downhill into the small city of Oneonta, with its tanta-
lizing profusion of bars and restaurants. Students say the administration is tough
about enforcing alcohol policies on campus. Five fraternities and four sororities
attract 7 percent of the men and 12 percent of the women. The school sponsors
events like movies, comedians, and lectures every Friday and Saturday night. Popular
Popular campuswide
traditions include
Wicklympics, a
schoolwide sports
competition held
in spring.
“Professors here are kind
and spend a lot of time with
students who really need
them.”
Sophomores attend
a mandatory Success
Summit to learn
skills like networking
and interviewing.
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HARVARD UNIVERSITY 309
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
campuswide traditions include First Walk for first- year students and Last Walk for
seniors, and Wicklympics, a schoolwide sports competition held in spring. There’s
also the Breakfast of Champions before final exams, when professors and adminis-
trators serve students breakfast between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Walking to class each
day provides great hill workouts for your ski legs, and skiing is popular throughout
the region. Oneonta is a “quaint, peaceful town,” according to one student. “There
aren’t very many things to do, but my friends and I haven’t gotten bored yet.”
As for sports, the Hartwick Hawks deliver plenty of excitement. The school’s
19 varsity teams compete in the Division III Empire 8 Conference; women’s bas-
ketball and field hockey are among the more successful teams. Intramurals are
popular as well, especially soccer, basketball, and flag football— 20 percent of stu-
dents take part.
Change is good, the sages say, and the folks at Hartwick would definitely agree.
By focusing its efforts on recruiting strong students and emphasizing top- notch
experiential learning, Hartwick is bolstering its image as a solid liberal arts college.
Even some of the T-shirts sold on campus broadcast the students’ attitudes about
their education: one simply says “Smartwick.”
Overlaps
Ithaca, Juniata,
Hobart and William
Smith, Alfred,
SUNY– Oneonta,
Elmira, Moravian,
Lycoming
If You Apply To ›
Hartwick: Early decision, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional (required for nursing majors). Accepts the Common
Application with supplement. Music applicants must audition. Art applicants must submit portfolio of original work.
Harvard University
86 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
An acceptance here is the gold standard of American education. Reflecting its huge
endowment, vast resources, and nearly four centuries of accumulated traditions,
Harvard’s very name has become synonymous with excellence in higher education.
It takes moxie to keep your self- image under control in the midst of all those
overachievers, but most Harvard students can do it. (“I go to school in Boston.”)
For nearly four centuries, the name Harvard has been synonymous with academic
excellence, prestige, and achievement. The nation’s first institution of higher learn-
ing (founded in 1636), Harvard University was named for clergyman John Harvard
following his bequest of 400 books and half his estate. Harvard is still the benchmark
against which all other colleges are compared. Seeking to “educate citizens and cit-
izen leaders,” it attracts the best students, the most academically accomplished fac-
ulty, and the most lavish donors of any institution of higher education nationwide.
Sure, some academic departments at “Hah- vahd” may be smaller than others, but all
have faculty members who have made a name for themselves and have written the
standard works in their fields. Olympic athletes, concert pianists, and Rhodes schol-
ars blend in easily here, ready to embrace the challenges and rewards only Harvard’s
quintessential Ivy League milieu can offer.
Spiritually as well as geographically, the campus centers on the famed Harvard
Yard, a classic quadrangle of Georgian brick buildings whose walls seem to echo
with the voices of William James, Henry Adams, Alain Locke, and other intellec-
tual greats who trod its shaded paths in centuries past. Beyond the yard’s wrought-
iron gates, the campus is an architectural mix, ranging from the modern ziggurat of
Website: www .college .harvard
.edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 20,482
Undergraduates: 7,178
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 55%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 15%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 61,221
Accepted: 3%
Enrolled: 83%
Grad in 6 Years: 98%
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310 HARVARD UNIVERSITY
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the science center to the white towers of college- owned houses along the Charles
River. The Loker Commons student center provides a place for students to meet
and philosophize over gourmet coffee or burritos of epic proportions. The massive,
$1 billion Science and Engineering Complex across the river in Allston opened a few
years back.
Under its “star” system, Harvard grants tenure only to scholars who have already
made it— usually somewhere else— and then gives them free rein for research. (Critics
say this system is short- sighted in that it rewards past and current academic accom-
plishment rather than nurturing future Nobel
Prize winners and emerging academic fields.) “You
can have unlimited contact with professors,” notes
a biology major, “but it must be on your initiative.
This is not a small liberal arts college where people will reach out to you.” Most profes-
sors teach at least one undergraduate course per year, and even the luminaries occa-
sionally conduct small undergraduate seminars (including those reserved for freshmen,
which can be taken pass/fail). Harvard also sponsors faculty dining programs, such
as Professors & Pastries and Classroom to Table, encouraging professors to chew on
ideas and éclairs with students at residential houses and local eateries.
Harvard takes its undergraduate General Education (GenEd) or Core courses
seriously, and senior faculty members are recruited to teach them. GenEd require-
ments include one course from each of four perspectives: aesthetics and culture;
ethics and civics; histories, societies, and individuals; and science and technology
in society. Additionally, students take one quantitative reasoning course and one
departmental course from each of the three main divisions of the Faculty of Arts and
Sciences: Arts and Humanities; Social Sciences; and Natural Sciences and the School
of Engineering and Applied Science.
Harvard’s best- known departments tend to be its largest; economics, govern-
ment, computer science, applied mathematics, history, biological sciences, and psy-
chology account for a large chunk of majors. But many smaller departments are
gems as well: East Asian studies is easily top in
the nation. Engineering and applied science are
curricular late- comers. The School of Science and
Applied Sciences (SEAS) was formed in 2007 after
Harvard recognized that in the 21st century a
great university needs to have a great engineer-
ing school. SEAS, whose stated goal is to turn out “Renaissance Engineers,” now
claims about one in five undergraduate concentrators. Its introductory course,
Introduction to Computer Science (CS50), was described by The Harvard Crimson as
“as much a campus cultural phenomenon as a class.” Under the leadership of Henry
Louis Gates Jr., the African and African American studies department has assembled
the most high- powered group of Black intellectuals in American higher education.
Smaller, interdisciplinary honors majors, to which students apply for admission,
boast solid instruction and happy undergraduates too. These programs— social stud-
ies, history and science, history and literature, and folklore and mythology— are the
only majors that require a senior thesis, although many students in other depart-
ments elect to do one. Harvard’s visual and environmental studies department
serves filmmakers, studio artists, and urban planners, and a major in theater, dance,
and media is quickly growing in popularity. Students can also petition for individu-
alized majors, typically during the sophomore year. And should you not find a class
you are looking for, Harvard offers cross- registration with several of its graduate
schools and MIT.
Freshmen are encouraged to explore a range of disciplines during their first year
on campus. Seventy- one percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, but
(continued)
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (617) 495- 1551
Email Address: college @
fas .harvard .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Government
Computer Science
Applied Mathematics
History
Biological Sciences
East Asian Studies
African and African American
Studies
Engineering
“[Teaching fellows] can
give good advice, having
just been in our position.”
“You can have unlimited
contact with professors,
but . . . this is not a small
liberal arts college where
people will reach out to you.”
The School of Science
and Applied Sciences
was formed in
2007 after Harvard
recognized that in
the 21st century
a great university
needs to have a great
engineering school.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
students uniformly complain about the overuse of teaching fellows (graduate stu-
dents) for introductory courses in mathematics and the languages. TFs aren’t all
bad, though, says a junior: “They can give good advice, having just been in our
position.” Besides, it’s easier to ask “dumb questions” of mere mortals than of the
demigod professors. For many students, the most rewarding form of instruction is
the sophomore and junior tutorial, a small- group directed study in a student’s field
of concentration that is required in most departments within the humanities and
social sciences. Teaching of the tutorials is split between professors and graduate
students, and the weight of each party’s responsibility varies with the subject and
the professor. With more than 200 study abroad programs available to choose from,
80 percent of Harvard undergrads indulge in some sort of international experience
before they graduate.
The oft- made claim that “the hardest thing about Harvard is getting in” is right
on target. Flunking out takes serious and sustained effort. Then again, Harvard can
feel indifferent and antisocial. Brilliant overachievers who desire the occasional ego
stroke might be better off at a top- notch small liberal arts college. All incoming
freshmen participate in a weeklong orientation, and optional preorientation groups,
such as the urban, outdoor, and arts programs, help students acquaint themselves
with one another and the Boston area. Although most students feel little competi-
tion, the academic climate is still intense. “The courses are difficult, particularly in
the beginning as students make the transition
from high school to college,” says one student.
Stressed- out students can count on help from a
variety of quarters, including the various deans’
offices, the Bureau of Study Counsel, the Office
of Career Services (“dedicated to working with Harvard students and alums for the
rest of their lives,” claims a senior), and counselors associated with each residential
house. The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, which has evolved from the
former Radcliffe women’s college, affords undergrads access to a network of profes-
sional women, alumnae, and research fellows (both female and male). Sooner or
later, all roads lead to Widener Library, where seemingly unlimited facilities lie in
wait (and where snow- covered steps make prime sledding runs in the winter).
Harvard does have one thing its $50 billion endowment can’t buy: a diverse,
high- powered, ambitious, and exciting student body. You will meet smooth- talking
government majors who appear to have begun their senatorial campaigns in kinder-
garten and flamboyant fine arts majors who have cultivated an affected accent all
their own. You will sample the intensity of Harvard’s extracurricular scene, where
7,100 undergrads compete for leadership positions in a galaxy of extracurricular
opportunities.
No one can tell you exactly what it takes to gain admission to Harvard (and if
anyone tries, apply a large grain of sodium chloride), but here’s a hint: super-
achiever academic records are the norm. And, of course, there are old- money types
who probably spit up their baby food on a Harvard sweatshirt. (Many enter as soph-
omores when no one is looking.) As it is at other elite colleges, the practice of legacy
admission preferences is now part of a national debate. Undergraduates come from
all 50 states— 71 percent are out- of- staters— although the student body is weighted
toward the Northeast. Twelve percent are international, representing 70 different
countries. Fifty- seven percent went to public high school. Just over half of Harvard
undergrads identify as students of color: Black students account for 9 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, Asian Americans 23 percent, and multiracial students
8 percent. There are no merit or athletic scholarships to ease the pain of Harvard’s
hefty tuition, but the university does practice need- blind admissions and it meets
the full demonstrated need of accepted students. For students from low- income
Harvard Stadium,
built in 1903, is
the oldest in the
country, and its layout
helped determine
the field size and
rules of modern
American football.
“The courses are difficult,
particularly . . . as students
make the transition from
high school.”
Harvard grants tenure
only to scholars
who have already
made it— usually
somewhere else— and
then gives them free
rein for research.
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312 HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
families who make the cut, Harvard is the ultimate bargain in U.S. higher educa-
tion. Families with annual household incomes below $75,000 are not expected to
contribute to the cost of tuition. Harvard also limits the family contribution for
families with incomes between $75,000 and $150,000 to fixed percentages of their
incomes, ranging between 0 and 10 percent.
Virtually all undergraduates reside on campus, and every first- year class lives as
a single unit in Harvard Yard, dining together at the beautifully renovated Annenberg
Hall. The older dorms provide spacious wood- paneled rooms, working fireplaces,
and gentle reminders of Harvard’s rich traditions. For their last three years, students
live in one of 12 co- ed residential houses, built around their own courtyards with
their own dining halls, libraries, and special facilities— from art studios to squash
courts. Designed as learning communities, each house holds between 300 and 500
students, plus resident tutors and affiliated faculty members. Each house has a stu-
dent council that plans social activities. Students are randomly assigned (with up to
15 friends) to a house. “The housing is one of the best parts of Harvard!” raves one
student. Nine houses lie along the Charles River, while the other three sit a half mile
away at the Radcliffe Quad. Some students consider the latter equivalent to a Siberian
exile, especially during harsh Cambridge winters— although a shuttle does run reg-
ularly to the main campus.
Socializing at Harvard tends to occur on campus and in small groups. “It’s cer-
tainly normal to spend Friday and Saturday nights studying,” says a philosophy
major. With the exception of the annual all-
school Freshman Mixer and the annual theme
festivals each house throws, parties tend to be
private affairs in individual dorm rooms. Students report that the legal drinking age
is well enforced on campus.
The most distinctive and increasingly controversial aspect of social life at Harvard
is the role of the so- called “final clubs.” These are exclusive and upscale social clubs
that, while occupying their own buildings and in other ways completely separate from
the university, play a significant role in the campus social life for the small minority of
students who are “punched” for membership. The clubs have been engaged in a recur-
ring struggle with Harvard’s administration, which has condemned them as being
out of place on the university’s increasingly diverse campus. For many, the key to
happiness in Harvard’s high- powered environment is finding a niche, a comfortable
academic or extracurricular circle around which to build your life. Outside activities
include about 80 plays performed annually, two newspapers and several journals, and
plenty of community service projects coordinated through the Phillips Brooks House
Association student group.
The possibilities of Harvard’s social life are increased exponentially by
Cambridge and Boston, where there are many places to have fun. Harvard Square
itself is a legendary gathering place for tourists, shoppers, bearded intellectuals, and
coffeehouse denizens. “Cambridge’s Harvard Square is the perfect college town,” a
student cheers. “There are tons of shops, restaurants, and bars.” The American
Repertory Theater, transplanted from Yale in the mid- 1980s, offers a season of pro-
fessional productions and nearly as many professional student shows. Cambridge
also enjoys an exceptional selection of new and used bookstores, including, of
course, the Harvard Bookstore and the mammoth Harvard Co- op, known univer-
sally as “the Coop.” Boston boasts Faneuil Hall, the Red Sox, the Bruins, and more
than 40 other colleges.
Harvard has 42 varsity sports, which is the most of any Division I school and the
most women’s sports. The athletic facilities are across the river from the campus.
Both the men’s and women’s squash and crew teams are perennial national powers,
and men’s ice hockey and women’s lacrosse are also strong. Men’s basketball has
As it is at other
elite colleges, the
practice of legacy
admission preferences
is now part of a
national debate.
“The housing is one of the
best parts of Harvard!”
For many students,
the most rewarding
form of instruction
is the sophomore
and junior tutorial.
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prospered in recent years under coach Tommy Amaker, a former Duke star. As for
football, the team has been doing better in recent years, but the season always boils
down to the Yale game, memorable as much for the antics of the spectators and
marching band as for the fumbles of the players. Harvard Stadium, built in 1903, is
the oldest in the country, and its layout helped
determine the field size and rules of modern
American football. Intramural sports teams are
divided up by house, and each fall, league
champs play teams from Yale the weekend of the game. Another fall highlight is
the annual Head of the Charles crew race, the largest event of its kind in the world,
where as many as 200,000 people gather to watch the racing shells glide by.
Nowhere but Harvard does the identity of a school— its history, its presence, its
pretense— intrude so much into the details of undergraduate life. Admission here
opens the door to a world of intellectual wonder, academic challenges, and faculty
minds unmatched in the United States— but then drops students on the threshold.
“I have quickly gained exposure to major theories in literature, psychology, anthro-
pology, social sciences, and evolutionary biology,” says a junior. That’s the way
Harvard is; what other kind of place could produce statesmen John Quincy Adams
and John F. Kennedy, pioneers W. E. B. DuBois and Helen Keller, and artists T. S.
Eliot and Leonard Bernstein? Even its dropouts are movers and shakers (witness Bill
Gates and Mark Zuckerberg). But caveat emptor: It is only the most motivated and
dedicated student who can take full advantage of the Harvard experience.
“Cambridge’s Harvard
Square is the perfect
college town.”
Overlaps
MIT, Princeton,
Stanford, Yale
If You Apply To ›
Harvard: Single choice early action, regular decision. Please consult Harvard’s website for the most up- to- date information
regarding standardized test requirements. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Harvey Mudd College: See page 149.
Haverford College
Haverford, PA 19041
Quietly prestigious college of Quaker heritage. With an enrollment of about 1,400,
Haverford is half the size of some competitors but benefits from its relationship
with neighbor Bryn Mawr. Close cousin to nearby Swarthmore but not as far left
politically. Exceptionally strong sense of community, with parklike campus amid the
bustle of suburban Philadelphia. Honor code drives campus culture. A rare option if
you want to play varsity cricket.
An overarching honor code covering everything from the classroom to the dorm
room defines student life at Haverford College. Students schedule their own final
exams, take unproctored tests, and police underage drinking on their own. “The
honor code, in some respects, is a self- selecting system which draws many students
to Haverford. For this reason, nearly all students who come here share common
values of trust, concern, and respect for others as well as academic integrity,”
says a junior econ major. Haverford may be smaller and less well- known than
Website: www .haverford .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,417
Undergraduates: 1,417
Male/Female: 46/54
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314 HAVERFORD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
some of its peers, but it holds its own against the finest liberal arts colleges in
the country.
Founded under the auspices of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in
1833, Haverford functions much like a family. The campus consists of 216 acres just
off Philadelphia’s Main Line, an affluent area named after an erstwhile railroad, and
resembles a peaceful, well- ordered summer camp.
The densely wooded campus has an arboretum,
duck pond, nature trails, and more than 400 spe-
cies of shrubs and trees. Architectural styles range
from 19th- and early 20th- century stone build-
ings to a sprinkling of modern structures here and there. The combination enhances
the sense of a balanced community, bringing together two traditional Quaker
philosophies: development of the intellect and appreciation of nature. A new addi-
tion to Roberts Hall houses the music program and a 100- seat recital hall.
Haverford’s curriculum reflects commitment to the liberal arts. General edu-
cation requirements call for passing a freshman writing seminar and taking three
courses in each of three divisions: social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.
Every Haverford student completes a senior thesis, project, or performance, partner-
ing with a faculty mentor to do what amounts to graduate- level research in their
major. Biology, psychology, political science, and computer science are among the
most popular majors, and the physics and mathematics programs are also strong.
There are more than a dozen areas of concentration— which are different from
minors— that are attached to certain majors, including peace, justice, and human
rights; biophysics; and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.
The bicollege system with Bryn Mawr College, the nearby women’s school,
allows Haverford students to major in subjects such as art history, growth and struc-
ture of cities, and environmental studies. The unique relationship between Bryn
Mawr and Haverford dates to the days when Haverford was all- male, and it enables
students at each institution to take courses, use facilities, eat, and even live in the
dormitories of the other. Haverford and Bryn Mawr students cooperate on a weekly
newspaper, radio station, orchestra, and other clubs and sports, and a free shuttle
bus connects the campuses. About half of Haverford students take at least one course
at Bryn Mawr. Cross- registration is also available at Swarthmore and the University
of Pennsylvania, and joint- degree programs are available with a number of institu-
tions, including Penn, Caltech, Claremont McKenna, and Georgetown.
The academic workload at Haverford may be sizable, but students say the atmo-
sphere is supportive. “We do not talk about grades on campus, and we don’t have a
dean’s list or any sort of academic honors program,” explains a history major. “All of
this helps to foster an academic environment that
isn’t competitive.” Classes are small and advising
is ever- present: freshmen are matched with profes-
sors who work with them from their arrival until
they declare majors two years later, while upper- class “Customs people” are resources
and mentors for living/learning groups of eight to 16 first- year students. Haverford’s
biggest strength may be its faculty members, who are unusually accessible— 40 percent
of them live on campus. “The professors are only here for us. They really enjoy teach-
ing as well as involving us in research.” Haverford’s Center for Peace and Global
Citizenship— appropriate for a Quaker school— offers summer internships that empha-
size the study and promotion of social justice and global issues. Nearly 70 study abroad
programs around the globe attract 49 percent of the students.
Haverford’s distinctive honor code governs all aspects of campus life. “I can take
my final exam at 3 a.m. on Founder’s Green,” says a junior as an example. The code,
administered by students and debated and reratified each year at a meeting called
(continued)
Financial Aid: 44%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 24%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 5,657
Accepted: 14%
Enrolled: 45%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (610) 896- 1350
Email Address: admission @
haverford .edu
Strong Programs:
Physics
Mathematics
Biology
Psychology
Political Science
Computer Science
Peace, Justice, and Human
Rights
“Students are challenged
to meet an ideal set before
them of creating the best
community possible.”
Every Haverford
student completes a
senior thesis, project,
or performance,
partnering with a
faculty mentor.
“[The professors] really
enjoy teaching as well as
involving us in research.”
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Plenary, helps instill the values of “integrity, honesty, and concern for others.” In
good Quaker tradition, decisions are made by consensus rather than formal voting,
and students play a large role in shaping college policy. While the social honor code
encourages students to “voice virtually any opinion so long as it is expressed ratio-
nally,” this can also mean self- censorship, says a philosophy major. “Sometimes you
feel like you are walking on eggshells to avoid offending anyone.”
Only 14 percent of Haverford’s students hail from Pennsylvania, but many are
East Coasters nonetheless; 11 percent are international. Twelve percent of students
are Asian American, 13 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 5 percent are Black, and 9 per-
cent are multiracial. Though the college is nonsectarian, the Quaker influence lives
on in the form of an optional silent meeting each week. Students tend to be inter-
ested in progressive political and social ideas, and a senior says, “There are not very
many conservative voices on campus.” Haverford meets the full demonstrated
financial need of every admitted student and, for students from families with annual
incomes below $60,000, has replaced loans with grants in its financial aid packages.
Merit- based academic and athletic scholarships are not available.
Haverford’s residence halls are spacious and well maintained, and most rooms
are singles— even for freshmen— so it’s no surprise that 96 percent of all students
live on campus. “Some of the dorms are incredible. The apartments are the best
freshman housing anywhere,” cheers an eco-
nomics major. All dorms are co- ed, but students
may request single- sex floors. The school- owned
Haverford College Apartments sit on the edge of campus and feature coveted one-
and two- bedroom units, each with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. “Under
the Quaker ethos, we all eat under the same roof in the Dining Center,” says a
senior; special diets are easily accommodated, and meals receive average reviews.
Campus security is good, owing in part to the school’s location in the upscale
Philadelphia suburbs, but the school is working to educate the campus community
about gender- based violence and safe relationships. “I think the most effective
resource is the Women’s Center, which creates programming to make the issue of
sexual assault and survivors’ experiences more visible,” comments a senior.
Social life is mainly campus- based, although students do find opportunities to
explore the surrounding area. “We have a group on campus called Fords Against
Boredom (FAB) that does trivia nights, bingo games, and other events on campus, but
they also take students to the museums in Philly, to apple orchards in the fall, and to
the King of Prussia Mall,” explains a sophomore. The alcohol policy is connected to the
honor code, and without fraternities and sororities, students describe the party scene as
“super chill” and pressure- free. Haverford and Bryn Mawr occasionally hold joint
campus parties. Traditional events include the weekend- long, pre- exams Haverfest— a
carnival- like, themed festival with music, food, and games. Life in the close- knit, intro-
spective environment that is Haverford can get stifling at times, but there are easy
escapes. Downtown Philadelphia is just 20 minutes away by train. New York City,
Washington, D.C., the New Jersey beaches, Pocono ski areas, and Atlantic City are only
a couple hours away by car or train. About half of the students participate in volunteer
projects coordinated by the Allen Office of Service and Community Collaboration.
Haverford’s rich athletic history dates back more than a century to 1905, when
the school played Harvard in the first ever intercollegiate soccer game in the United
States; Haverford has since racked up more soccer
wins than any other school. A popular T-shirt
brags that the football team has been “Undefeated
Since 1972”— a reference to the year the sport
was abolished. The men’s cross- country team is a perennial Division III national
contender, and women’s cross- country, volleyball, and lacrosse are competitive in
Haverford was one
of the first colleges
in the country to play
cricket, and the school
still boasts one of the
top collegiate teams.
“I can take my final exam at
3 a.m. on Founder’s Green.”
Haverford’s distinctive
honor code governs all
aspects of campus life.
“The apartments are the
best freshman housing
anywhere!”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
316 UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I AT M
Ā
NOA
the Centennial Conference. Back in the 1850s, Haverford became one of the first
colleges in the country to play cricket, and the school still boasts one of the top col-
legiate teams. Despite a lively rivalry with Swarthmore, these Quakers have struggled
to reconcile their peace- loving heritage with the desire to bash opponents’ frontal
lobes out on the court or the field. For now, students root for their Black Squirrels
and chant, “Fight, fight, inner light— kill, Quakers, kill!” Intramural and club sports
are popular, too, especially because participation counts toward the required six
quarters of athletic credit.
Haverford students may be committed to the college’s honor code and founding
values, but the downside, according to one student, is that “students are challenged
to meet an ideal set before them of creating the best community possible. For this
reason, students are constantly criticizing themselves and the community as a whole
to find ways of solving the problems facing them.” See? Mom was right. With free-
dom comes responsibility.
Overlaps
Carleton, Wesleyan,
Hamilton,
Swarthmore,
Davidson, Williams,
Bowdoin, Bryn
Mawr
If You Apply To ›
Haverford: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
2600 Campus Road, Room 001, Honolulu, HI 96822
One of the most accessible of the public flagships in the U.S.— at least when it comes
to admissions— the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa pursues research and teaching
in a uniquely cosmopolitan setting. A majority of undergrads are Asian Americans,
Native Hawaiians, or other Pacific Islanders, and over half are in- staters. Astronomy,
marine biology, and environmental studies are strong. Proximity to some of the
world’s best surfing an obvious plus.
One of the goals of the University of Hawai‘i at M
ā
noa, which was founded in 1907,
is to “serve as a bridge between East and West.” UH M
ā
noa is one of the most eth-
nically diverse institutions in the country. Budget cuts triggered by the state’s eco-
nomic troubles have been an issue in recent years, and students complain of bulging
classrooms and outdated facilities in need of upgrades and repairs. Despite these
challenges, a plant and environmental protection science major says, “Students,
faculty, and community members are friendly and give off the Aloha Spirit.”
The UH M
ā
noa campus occupies 320 acres in the M
ā
noa Valley, a residential
Honolulu neighborhood. The architecture is regionally eclectic, mirroring historical
and modern Pacific- Asian motifs, and is enhanced by extensive subtropical land-
scaping. The campus doubles as an arboretum
with more than 4,000 trees and 500 species from
all over the world. Situated within a few miles
of the state capital and the city’s major business
district, the university provides excellent opportunities for students to interact with
thought leaders, including mentorships and internships.
Core requirements are extensive: all students must take courses in math, human-
ities, social sciences, natural sciences, world civilization, and a foreign language
or ‘
Ō
lelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian). The First- Year program supports freshmen in their
Website: www .manoa .hawaii
.edu
Location: City Outskirts
Public
Total Enrollment: 13,860
Undergraduates: 11,329
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 59%
Pell Grant: 23%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 42%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 18,974
Accepted: 73%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 62%
Returning Freshmen: 79%
Academics:
- -
“Many students are very
driven, but others are here
to appreciate the island life.”
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UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I AT M
Ā
NOA 317
transition to the university by gathering diverse groups with similar interests to
work and study together in Access to College Excellence academic learning commu-
nities made up of no more than 15 students. The M
ā
noa Writing Program, founded
in 1987, is one of the oldest writing- across- the- curriculum programs in the country.
Students are required to take five writing- intensive (W) courses in order to graduate,
but many take more.
UH M
ā
noa offers nearly 100 bachelor’s degrees; among the best are astronomy,
Pacific and Asian area studies, languages and the arts, ethnomusicology, and tropi-
cal agriculture. Astronomy and astrophysics benefit from the clear Hawaiian skies.
It should come as no surprise that ocean- ,
climate- , and environment- related programs are
also first- rate, with world- class facilities. The
university takes pride in its programs in engi-
neering, geology and geophysics, marine biol-
ogy, international business, political science, travel industry management, and the
School of Hawaiian Knowledge— the only college of indigenous knowledge at a
major research university in the United States. The most popular majors, by enroll-
ment, are biology, marine biology, kinesiology and rehabilitation science, com-
puter science, and psychology. “The courses can be challenging based on what you
take and the major you declare,” says a senior. Forty- nine percent of undergraduate
classes have fewer than 20 students. Desirable classes and times are said to be diffi-
cult for freshmen and sophomores to get into, although departmental academic
advisors keep close tabs on whether students are on schedule to complete their
degrees in four years. The Student Success Center offers academic advising, tutor-
ing, and other support services. Professors receive generally favorable reviews. Says
a biology and music double major, “Most [professors] are thoughtful and interested
in the success of their students.”
The two- tier Honors Program offers qualified freshmen and sophomores the
opportunity for general education courses in small, intensive classes, along with
personalized academic advising and peer mentorship. Upper- class honors students
are guided by faculty through independent, sustained research or creative work and
must complete a final Honors thesis. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Program connects students in all disciplines with opportunities to engage in faculty-
mentored research or creative projects. Participants present their work at a semester-
end symposium. Students who tire of Hawai‘i’s endless beaches and beautiful sunsets
can study abroad in locations around the world, including Asia, Australia, Europe,
and South America.
“Many students are very driven, but others are here to appreciate the island
life,” says a student. Fifty- six percent of undergraduates are in- staters, and 4 percent
are from other countries. Hawai‘i stands out among major American universities in
that 35 percent of its undergraduates are Asian
American and another 16 percent are of Native
Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander descent. Black
and Hispanic/Latino students each represent
2 percent of the student body, and 16 percent identify as multiracial. “The climate
and diversity in Hawai‘i allow for a greater and more open dialogue about race and
culture,” observes an English and history major. Political and social issues often take
a back seat to academics and play, but among the more prominent concerns are the
environment and Native Hawaiian rights. Especially promising students can com-
pete for merit scholarships, which average $12,800 annually. The university also
disburses roughly 250 athletic scholarships in 21 sports. The M
ā
noa Service Award
offers $1,000 scholarships to current full- time students who complete 50 hours of
volunteer work each semester.
(continued)
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (808) 956- 8975
Email Address: manoa
.admissions @ hawaii .edu
Strong Programs:
Astronomy
Pacific and Asian Studies
Ethnomusicology
Tropical Agriculture
Environmental Studies
Engineering
Geology
Marine Biology
Kinesiology & Rehab Science
“Students, faculty, and
community members are
friendly and give off the
Aloha Spirit.”
The school’s
writing program,
founded in 1987,
is one of the oldest
writing- across- the-
curriculum programs
in the country.
“You’re only young
once— might as well be 20
in Hawai‘i.”
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Twenty percent of students live in campus housing, and those who apply by the
May deadline are guaranteed a spot. Students recommend the Hale Aloha residence
hall, consisting of four towers, ‘Ilima, Lehua, Lokelani, and Mokihana; the rooms
are compact but the hallways are happening. If you’re thinking about off- campus
housing, take note: housing in Honolulu is scarce and expensive. Residential dining
is located throughout the campus and serves diverse and adequate fare. “The
Department of Public Safety has advertised more campus apps to help with safety
so students can avoid getting into vulnerable situations,” reports a history and eco-
nomics double major.
Because many students are commuters, UH M
ā
noa is pretty sedate after dark,
especially on weekends. Most social activity revolves around student clubs and, as one
student explains, “simply being around the Campus Center, where you can find many
students studying, socializing, or hitting the gym.” Only 1 percent of the men and
1 percent of the women join the tiny Greek system. Drinking is not allowed in the
residence halls. A couple of local hangouts provide an escape, and M
ā
noa Gardens, an
on- campus bar, is also an option. Many students head off campus to enjoy “more
beaches and hikes than one can handle,” according to a sophomore. Lest anyone
forget, some of the world’s most beautiful resorts are less than a 20- minute drive away.
Waik
ī
k
ī
Beach? Within two miles’ reach. And round- trip airfare to the neighboring
islands— including Maui, Kaua‘i, and the Hawai‘i Island— is reasonable. Favorite
annual traditions include the homecoming fair and football game as well as the Aloha
Bash, a big concert held every April featuring popular local bands.
UH M
ā
noa’s athletic teams compete in Division I. The men’s teams are known
as the Rainbow Warriors, while the women’s teams are the Rainbow Wahine, and
legend has it that if a rainbow appears during a game, UH M
ā
noa will win. Twenty
minutes before kickoff at every home football game, the team performs the Warrior
Ha‘a— their version of a traditional M
ā
ori dance. Men’s and women’s volleyball,
men’s and women’s swimming, football, and eSports are among the other top
draws. Intramural and recreational activities range from soccer and basketball to tai
chi and snorkeling.
Students seeking warm weather and great surfing won’t be disappointed, and
those pursuing UH M
ā
noa’s strong specialized programs undoubtedly benefit from
the university’s one- of- a- kind setting. But it’s up to you, one student says, to get the
best out of UH M
ā
noa. “The location allows mainland students to get a different
cultural experience,” adds another. “You’re only young once— might as well be 20
in Hawai‘i.”
Favorite annual
traditions include
the Aloha Bash, a
big concert held
every April featuring
popular local bands.
Overlaps
UCLA, Hawaii
Pacific, University
of Hawai‘i at Hilo,
University of
Southern California,
University of
Washington
If You Apply To ›
UH Mānoa: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Does not accept the Common Application.
Hendrix College
1600 Washington Avenue, Conway, AR 72032
Hendrix is in the same class of Southern liberal arts colleges as Millsaps and Rhodes.
The most progressive of the three, Hendrix places a strong emphasis on international
awareness and boasts colorful campus traditions. Arkansas is a tough sell, and the
college accepts seven of every 10 students who apply. About 60 percent of Hendrix
students are from Arkansas, and most of the rest are Southerners.
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For a school in the heart of the Bible Belt and Walton- land, Hendrix College, whose
roots date to 1876, is surprisingly free- wheeling. In fact, it’s among the South’s most
progressive liberal arts colleges. Academics are demanding but the atmosphere is
laid- back. Students tend to be liberal— even radical— in their political and social
views. Ironically, healthy dialogue about tough issues such as LGBTQ rights, the
environment, and racial equity draws students together. “People here are passion-
ate, intelligent, and fun,” says a freshman. “They really want to change the world.”
Hendrix’s compact and comfortable campus stretches for 180 acres between the
Ouachita and Ozark mountains. College land boasts more than 80 varieties of trees
and shrubs and more than 10,000 budding flowers each spring. The main
campus— with its own lily pool, fountain, and
gazebo— occupies about one- fourth of the total
acreage. The redbrick buildings are a mix of old
and new, and a pedestrian overpass connects the
main campus to the college’s athletic facilities
and a wooded fitness trail. The Miller Creative Quad combines arts facilities, includ-
ing music practice rooms, a screening auditorium for the film studies program, and
an art museum, with residential space on the upper floors housing 106 students.
Under Hendrix’s general education program, known as the Collegiate Center,
freshmen take two required courses, The Engaged Citizen and Explorations: Liberal
Arts for Life. The Capacities component involves requirements in writing, foreign
language, quantitative skills, and physical activity, while the Learning Domains
component requires coursework in seven broad liberal arts areas. The Odyssey
Program requires students to complete three experiences— which may be course-
work, internships, or independent projects— selected from six categories: artistic
creativity, global awareness, professional and leadership development, service to
the world, special projects, and undergraduate research. “They give out tens of
thousands of dollars a year to fund a lot of trips or learning experiences,” raves a
computer science and religious studies double major. All seniors must complete a
capstone experience. Hendrix freshmen also participate in a weeklong orientation
program, which includes a two- day, off- campus trip featuring outdoor experiences,
urban exposure, or volunteer service.
Hendrix is strong in many areas, but natural and social sciences are definitely
the school’s forte. Popular majors include psychology, health science, accounting,
biochemistry and molecular biology, and English. The neuroscience and politics
programs are also notable. The Murphy Scholars
Program draws participants from a broad range
of majors, including the sciences, who are inter-
ested in deeper study of literature and language,
awarding funding to support independent proj-
ects. Doing well at Hendrix means keeping up with the intense workload. Thankfully,
students are usually willing to work together, and with 68 percent of classes enroll-
ing fewer than 20 students, personal attention from faculty is the norm. “The pro-
fessors at Hendrix stand out because they are not only experts in conveying
information about their field, but they are also able to ignite a sense of curiosity and
excitement for learning,” says a biochemistry and molecular biology major. The
school also offers dual- degree programs with Columbia and Washington University
in St. Louis for aspiring engineers.
At Hendrix, undergraduate research is a priority, especially within the sciences,
with nearly two- thirds of all students taking part; many get the chance to present
original papers at regional and national symposia. Students also earn course credit
for internships at U.S. embassies and organizations such as the National Institutes
of Health and the U.S. Agency for International Development. About a quarter of
Website: www .hendrix .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,130
Undergraduates: 1,119
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 23%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 44%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 2,729
Accepted: 60%
Enrolled: 7%
Grad in 6 Years: 69%
Returning Freshmen: 78%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (501) 450- 1362
Email Address: adm @ hendrix
.edu
Strong Programs:
Neuroscience
Politics
Psychology
Health Science
Economics and Business
Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology
English
“The professors at
Hendrix . . . are . . . able to
ignite a sense of curiosity
and excitement for learning.”
“Most students are liberal
and eclectic, but all are
respectful of political and
social beliefs.”
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320 HENDRIX COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
students participate in a wide variety of opportunities to work, study, and serve
abroad through Hendrix- sponsored programs in Austria, England, Costa Rica, Spain,
France, Germany, and Cyprus, and students have access to more than 300 partner
exchange programs as well. For career preparation, Hendrix requires all sophomores
to participate in a three- day Career Term during winter break, in which students
learn practical skills like interviewing and networking.
“Most students are liberal and eclectic, but all are respectful of political and
social beliefs,” says one student. Fifty- four percent of Hendrix students are from
Arkansas, and 3 percent come from abroad. Black students represent 7 percent of the
student body, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans 3 percent, and multira-
cial students 5 percent. The Office for Diversity and Inclusion seeks to enhance
campus diversity. Hendrix offers a variety of merit scholarships, averaging $31,400,
to academically qualified students, but there are no athletic scholarships. Through
the Tuition Advantage Program, Hendrix will match the published in- state tuition
at the flagship university in their home state for qualified students.
All students are required to live on campus, and only a few are granted excep-
tions each year, which students say adds to the sense of community. Residence halls
offer “a classic dorm experience,” says a senior, but the quality is “very hit or miss”;
the college is in the process of gradually renovat-
ing older dorms. Most upperclassmen take up
quarters in on- campus apartments. As for dining,
an English major asserts, “Hendrix has the best cafeteria food in the state,” and stu-
dents report that plenty of choices are available for those with special dietary needs.
Students also report feeling safe on campus, due in part to a visible security program
and the close- knit nature of the campus.
“Hendrix has such a vibrant social life,” says a junior. Greek life— a staple of
most Southern schools— is conspicuously absent at Hendrix, and students are proud
of their independence. The student- run Social Committee (SoCo) organizes campus-
wide events like concerts, dances, and parties, including the annual SoCo 54 disco-
inspired party. The school has an amnesty policy for reporting emergency situations
involving alcohol. Ample alternative programming is offered for those who don’t
wish to party. The annual Campus Kitty charity fund- raiser is highlighted by the
always memorable Miss Hendrix drag competition. Last but not least is the Shirttail
Serenade, a 100- year- old tradition that has evolved into a friendly dance- off held
early in the fall semester. Donning white button- down shirts and dorm- specific par-
aphernalia (different colored shorts, crazy socks, glitter, etc.), teams of freshmen
from each residence hall perform dance routines while upperclassmen cheer them
on. The winning team jumps in the fountain.
Home to three colleges, Conway (population 65,000) is undergoing a revital-
ization and offers a growing number of shops and restaurants, as well as Toad Suck
Daze, a rollicking annual carnival downtown featuring bluegrass music. Little Rock,
a 30- minute drive, provides more options. Popular road trips are Memphis (two
hours by car) and Dallas and Oklahoma City (each a five- hour drive) for concerts
and the like. For those who stay in town, the Volunteer Action Center coordinates
participation in projects on Service Saturdays.
The Division III Hendrix Warriors field a number of competitive teams in the
Southern Athletic Association; football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, track
and field, and esports have been successful in recent years. Rhodes College is the
chief rival. Hendrix College’s Recreation and Wellness Department also provides
opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to enhance their health and well- being
through intramural programs, initiatives, and activities.
“Hendrix is tight- knit with a place for everyone,” says one student. Musician
Jimi Hendrix— whose mug inevitably adorns a new campus T-shirt each year— once
Shirttail Serenade
is a 100- year- old
tradition that has
evolved into a friendly
dance- off held early
in the fall semester.
“Hendrix has such a vibrant
social life.”
Many students get
the chance to present
original papers at
regional and national
science symposia.
Overlaps
Austin College,
Kalamazoo,
Millsaps,
Southwestern,
Ursinus, Rhodes,
Trinity University
(TX), Centre
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
asked listeners, “Are you experienced?” After four years at Hendrix College, with
small classes, an emphasis on research, and a laid- back atmosphere in which to test
their beliefs and boundaries, students here can likely answer, “Yes!”
If You Apply To ›
Hendrix: Early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Hiram College
P.O. Box 96, Hiram, OH 44234
One of the smaller prominent liberal arts colleges in Ohio. Less known nationally than
Denison or Wooster, Hiram draws the vast majority of its students from in state— and
then sends them around the globe. Many classes are taught in seminar format, with
ample undergraduate research opportunities. Unique academic calendar allows for
off- campus learning.
Hiram College offers students a solid liberal arts education and plenty of opportu-
nities to dive into a research lab, test out the corporate life, or travel the globe. In
fact, all students are required to have a hands- on learning experience before they
graduate. No matter where they hang their hats, students here enjoy a close- knit
environment. “Most students know one another, word spreads fast, and small class
sizes make for a very personalized academic experience,” says a political science and
international studies major.
Set on a charming hilltop campus that occupies the second- highest spot in Ohio,
Hiram is blessed with an abundance of flowers and trees as well as a lovely view of
the valley below. Hiram was founded in 1850 by the Disciples of Christ in a frontier
area seen as “healthful and free of distractions.” The prevailing architectural motif
is New England brick, and many Hiram buildings are restored 19th- century homes.
Science majors frequently work, study, and conduct research at the college- owned,
550- acre Barrow Biological Field Station a few miles away.
The Hiram Plan organizes the academic year into two longer 12- week sessions,
each of which is followed by a shorter three- week term. Hiram’s core curriculum is
extensive. Freshmen take a First- Year Enduring Questions seminar in the fall and a
more advanced First- Year Urgent Questions sem-
inar in the spring. Juniors complete an interdisci-
plinary, team- taught Urgent Challenges course.
Students are also required to take courses in eight
Ways of Knowing, such as experimental scientific methods, social and cultural anal-
ysis, and understanding diversity. In addition, students satisfy an experiential learn-
ing component by studying off campus, conducting research, or working in an
internship, and in the senior year, they complete and present a capstone project.
Hiram also requires students to reflect on their career and other goals and on their
progress at four points, starting in the spring of their first year. Thanks to the col-
lege’s Tech and Trek mobile education program, every full- time, traditional student
is outfitted with an iPad, an Apple Pencil, a keyboard, and a pair of hiking boots.
At Hiram all programs are solidly grounded in the liberal arts. Ethics is woven
into accounting courses, and students are encouraged to couple pre- professional
majors with more traditional humanities second majors or minors, such as computer
Website: www .hiram .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 697
Undergraduates: 684
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 50%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 88%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 1,804
Accepted: 93%
Enrolled: 11%
Grad in 6 Years: 53%
Returning Freshmen: 69%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 362- 5280
Email Address: admission @
hiram .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Chemistry
Creative Writing
Biomedical Humanities
Public Leadership
Accounting and Financial
Management
“Small class sizes make
for a very personalized
academic experience.”
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322 HIRAM COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
science with performing arts. Most nursing graduates have a minor in biomedical
humanities, a signature field in which Hiram was a national pioneer. After some
recent retrenching forced by financial difficulties, Hiram is once again launching
new programs in areas like integrative exercise science, public health, and digi-
tal marketing, as well as opportunities to focus on societal challenges like climate
change. The sciences, especially biology and chemistry, are strong, as is the creative
writing program. The Garfield Institute, named after the Hiram educator who went
on to become the 20th U.S. president, offers a notable minor in public leadership.
The most popular majors include accounting and financial management, education,
biology, neuroscience, business management, and nursing. Dual- degree engineer-
ing programs are available with nearby Case Western Reserve as well as WashU in
St. Louis. Fifteen three- year degree programs are also available. With 85 percent of
classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, “Professors at Hiram use the smaller class
sizes to challenge and inspire students to reach more goals,” shares a biomedical
humanities major, “whether those goals are educational or personal.” Academic
resources abound, including tutors, the writing center, and help from peers or profs.
Hiram’s unique academic calendar allows ample time for off- campus endeavors.
“The three- week semester is the perfect time for students to travel abroad and expe-
rience different cultures,” explains a sophomore. Professors lead three to five study
abroad programs each year, and during the summer the school offers opportunities
at places such as the Northwoods Field Station in the wilds of Michigan’s Upper
Peninsula, where students choose courses ranging from botany and photography to
geology and writing. Political internships are available in Washington, D.C. A four-
year honors program is also available.
“Hiram students are willing to go out and explore,” opines a junior. “Trying new
things and being trailblazers is what Hiram is all about.” Seventy- seven percent of
Hiram students are in- staters. International students represent 1 percent of the stu-
dent body. Black students constitute 10 percent,
Asian Americans 1 percent, Hispanics/Latinos
9 percent, and multiracial students 2 percent.
Hiram’s Intercultural Forum club is one of the
largest and most active on campus, and the
Office for Diversity and Inclusion offers peer mentoring and tutoring programs for
first- generation students, among other services. A hefty 50 percent of freshmen
qualify for Pell Grants. In addition to need- based financial aid, Hiram awards merit-
based aid, luring good students with irresistible scholarships.
Most Hiram students— 78 percent— live on campus, and everyone who wants a
room gets one. “Hiram’s housing process is determined by a lottery system, where
the more credit hours a student has, the earlier they can pick their room for the
next school year,” says a sophomore. Most halls are co- ed, and upperclassmen who
like their location can stay in the same room year after year. Most students live in
two- person suites; the popular (and larger) triple and quad suites and the townhouse
apartments are scarcer and usually claimed by upper- class students. Dining services
receive good reviews, and expanded educational programming on sexual assault has
been well received.
When the weekend rolls around, don’t expect to find most Hiram students gath-
ered around a keg; the college has cracked down on underage drinking— although a
new campus bar opened in 2023— and participation in the school’s two sororities
and one fraternity is minimal. Parties thrown in suites and townhouses tend to be
low- key. “The school does a pretty good job of providing activities to do on campus
(most of the events involve free food!), but in the surrounding village there isn’t
much to do,” says a senior. Homecoming and Springfest are weeklong celebrations
with diversions like “dive- in” movies at the pool and campuswide barbecues. Every
(continued)
Education
Neuroscience
Nursing
Students are
encouraged to couple
pre- professional
majors with
more traditional
humanities second
majors or minors.
“Hiram is known for
the ‘Hiram Hi’ because
everyone is always greeting
one another as they pass.”
Every full- time,
traditional student
is outfitted with an
iPad, an Apple Pencil,
a keyboard, and a
pair of hiking boots.
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spring brings Sugar Day, which “highlights graduating seniors, who present their
capstone projects,” explains a junior. Neighboring Garrettsville offers a few restau-
rants and bars, but those in search of a more active social scene make the 45- minute
drive to Cleveland for concerts, professional sports, and the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame.
Hiram is hardly a mecca for budding athletic superstars, but it does have a
decent Division III sports program. Most of its varsity Terriers teams compete in
the North Coast Athletic Conference. Additionally, men’s volleyball and men’s
wrestling compete successfully in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference
and STUNT competes in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. About half of the
students play intramural and club sports, including volleyball, cornhole, and pick-
leball, and many enjoy the on- campus disc golf course as well. An excellent golf
course lies three miles away, and good downhill slopes are about an hour distant.
Those looking for a school where anonymity is ensured need not apply. People
here are so close that they share an equivalent of a not- so- secret handshake. “Hiram
is known for the ‘Hiram Hi’ because everyone is always greeting one another as they
pass,” says a senior. Indeed, those seeking a friendly, all- American institution with a
touch of internationalism might want to give Hiram a look.
Overlaps
Denison, College
of Wooster, Thiel
College, Heidelberg
(OH), Defiance
College, Marietta,
Bluffton, Baldwin
Wallace
If You Apply To ›
Hiram: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Submission of a
graded writing sample or essay is recommended.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NY 14456
With a campus overlooking one of New York’s picturesque Finger Lakes, HWS builds
on its heritage as two separate, single- sex colleges to create a unified academic
environment that gives new meaning to gender and inclusion. Takes pride in personal
attention from full professors and a culture of community service. Much of the social
life takes place on campus, but skiing and other outdoor activities beckon.
Founded as two separate, single- sex colleges— Hobart for men and William Smith for
women— today’s HWS students share the same campus, faculty, and curriculum, but
each college has its own dean and maintains some of its own traditions, including
student government and athletics. Students thus enjoy a close- knit, co- ed commu-
nity while experiencing the sort of deep bonds that are typically associated with
single- sex institutions. If you can tolerate the frigid winters of upstate New York,
you’ll be rewarded with small classes, caring faculty, and a place where tradition still
matters.
Hobart College was founded in 1822 by Episcopal Bishop John Henry Hobart,
who conceived it to be an outpost for civilized and learned behavior. William Smith
College opened in 1908 and bears the name of a
wealthy businessman and philanthropist who
wanted to introduce women to opportunities
that were largely unrecognized at the time. The
HWS campus stretches for 325 tree- lined acres and includes a forest and a wildlife
preserve. Architectural styles range from colonial to postmodern, with stately Greek
Website: www .hws .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,571
Undergraduates: 1,529
Male/Female: 48/50
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 72%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 5,082
Accepted: 68%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
“The most diverse part
about HWS is the range of
political opinions.”
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Revival mansions and ivy- clad brick residences and classrooms. The school boasts a
renovated Intercultural Center, a state- of- the- art performing arts building, two solar
farms, and an entrepreneurial incubator space. The nationally ranked sailing team
are among the students who enjoy the school’s boathouse on the shores of Seneca
Lake. Newer campus additions include a $3.5 million sports dome, featuring a mas-
sive multisport turf field.
The HWS curriculum has no distribution requirements. Instead, students start
by taking an interdisciplinary seminar in the first year, constructed around a differ-
ent interest; recent seminar offerings include Hacking the Law; Disease, Cures and
Social Change; and Hip- Hop Culture. First- years in each seminar are assigned to the
same orientation group, “so they are well acquainted before they start their first class
together,” explains an economics major. Students must also complete a major and
a minor or second major, and all students conduct a senior capstone experience.
Students are free to identify with either college, or with HWS as one entity. One
student cites “many benefits, like more student voices being heard, more individual-
ized attention from deans, and more opportunities from alums.” Administrators say
that HWS is intentional about embracing all forms of gender identity and that its coor-
dinate heritage offers students a springboard to engage with issues of gender and justice
in an era when such issues are in flux. Indeed, the Colleges were among the first in the
nation to offer full- fledged undergraduate programs in women’s studies and queer
studies in addition to a first- of- its- kind minor in men’s studies. The most popular
majors include economics, media and society, psychology, and English, and the long
list of minors includes entrepreneurial studies,
aquatic sciences, data analytics, and aesthetics. A
new major in management and entrepreneurship
is now available. The Finger Lakes Institute gives
students wide opportunities to work in various
fields of scientific inquiry, as well as public policy. “I would not describe the academic
climate as competitive at all, but that’s not to say the workload is not intense,” says one
student. Small classes are the norm here: 75 percent have fewer than 20 students.
Professors are praised for being accessible and engaging. “Professors treat students like
peers and are open to any and all questions and challenges that students may intro-
duce in class,” says an environmental studies and geoscience major.
HWS students may take a term away from campus, and 60 percent do so, choos-
ing from more than 50 study abroad programs, many of which are faculty led. Each
year, about 40 seniors elect to complete an honors project involving research, a
critical paper, or an equivalent creative work in addition to written and oral exams
on their projects. At the Senior Symposium each spring, seniors present research
findings, discuss theory, display creative works, or present other significant schol-
arly activities. Students who complete the Pathways Program, a series of workshops
and career counseling activities, are guaranteed an opportunity for a paid internship
or research experience.
According to an international relations major, HWS students are “welcoming,
friendly, and excited to try new things.” Forty- three percent of the HWS student
body are New Yorkers and 8 percent are international. Black students account for
7 percent of undergraduates, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans 2 per-
cent, and multiracial students 4 percent. “Preppy students from up north who come
from wealthy families” make up the majority, explains one student, and a junior
remarks, “The most diverse part about HWS is the range of political opinions.” Merit
scholarships are awarded to qualified students; athletic scholarships are available for
Hobart’s lacrosse team.
At HWS, all students are required to live on campus and buy a meal plan. Housing
includes lakefront residences, theme houses, and townhouses. Single- sex, co- ed, and
(continued)
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 852- 2256
Email Address: admissions @
hws .edu
Strong Programs:
Women’s Studies
Queer Studies
Architectural Studies
Biology
Geoscience
Environmental Studies
Economics
Media and Society
English
“Professors treat students
like peers and are open to
any and all questions and
challenges.”
Students enjoy a close-
knit, co- ed community
while experiencing
the sort of deep bonds
that are typically
associated with single-
sex institutions.
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HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGES 325
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
gender- neutral options are available. Thirty percent of first- years opt to participate
in living/learning communities. “It was helpful to have my classmates living in the
same space as me,” lauds an economics major. While no one raves about the dining
hall fare, “the meals get the job done,” says one pragmatic student. When it comes
to safety, a sophomore comments that campus security officers are “very efficient
and helpful at all times.” Sexual assault has been a high- profile issue at HWS, but a
senior reports, “HWS has taken several steps to address sexual assault, such as exten-
sive bystander training, student- led initiatives, Title IX workshops, and more.”
Six Hobart fraternities claim 6 percent of the men, who aren’t permitted to
pledge until sophomore year, and William Smith’s sole sorority signs up 2 percent
of the women. HWS is “not a big party school,” says a junior, but the bar scene
downtown is popular. Underage students caught with booze must attend alcohol
awareness classes and may face social probation. The Campus Activities Board plans
movies, concerts, plays, and other events each weekend. “The lake is a hot spot for
socialization at the beginning and end of the school year,” adds a junior. Annual
traditions, which are open to all members of the HWS community, remain import-
ant. Hobart, for instance, celebrates Charter Day in April. William Smith, mean-
while, holds Founder’s Day festivities in the fall, and at the end of the year, on
Moving Up Day, seniors symbolically hand over their leadership role to juniors.
Other favorite events include the annual Quad- a- Palooza bash during homecoming
and lacrosse matches against rivals Syracuse and Cornell.
The old industrial city of Geneva has been revitalized in recent years and offers
many amenities for students, including restaurants, bars, shops, concerts, and the
Smith Opera House. All students are active in
the community: collectively, HWS students con-
tribute more than 80,000 hours of service each
year, often through service- learning courses, one- day opportunities like Days of
Service, and extended volunteering with groups like the Boys and Girls Club.
Rochester, Ithaca, and Syracuse, all about 45 minutes away, make for popular road
trips. Seneca Falls, birthplace of the suffrage movement, is also nearby. More adven-
turous excursions include “skiing with friends or going into New York City or
Boston,” according to an art history major.
Varsity sports teams’ mascots and colors reflect HWS’s heritage: the Hobart
Statesmen wear purple and orange, while the William Smith Herons sport green and
white. Teams compete in Division III, except for Hobart lacrosse, which is Division
I. Men’s rowing and ice hockey, and women’s alpine skiing, cross-country, and
lacrosse are among recent conference champions. The Colleges’ co- ed sailing team is
also perennially competitive. HWS has announced plans to significantly expand its
varsity athletics program, adding 12 new sports by 2026, including women’s volley-
ball and bowling, and men’s swimming and diving and baseball. The HWS Debate
Team has had national success recently. Twenty- seven percent of students partici-
pate in intramural and club sports.
While some students may see little value in HWS’s unusual coordinate college
tradition, others feel that the blending of two school systems “plays into the per-
sonality that differentiates HWS from other schools,” says a senior, adding, “The
school takes in mind these differences and traditions, but ultimately, HWS is still
one school.”
The school boasts
a renovated
Intercultural Center, a
state- of- the- art
performing arts
building, two solar
farms, and an
entrepreneurial
incubator space.
“[HWS] is not a big party
school.”
On Moving Up Day,
seniors symbolically
hand over their
leadership role
to juniors.
Overlaps
Dickinson, Franklin
& Marshall,
Gettysburg,
St. Lawrence,
Union,
SUNY– Binghamton,
Ithaca, Colgate
If You Apply To ›
HWS: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Applicants’ gender identity is considered in the admissions process.
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326 HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
Boasts a combination of suburban setting with ready access to the Big Apple. Hofstra
has outgrown its commuter- school origins and offers a broad range of preprofessional
and other academic programs. Well known as a lacrosse powerhouse. Has become
more selective in recent years, but for many, it is still a backup to urban schools like
BU and Northeastern.
Although it sits within striking distance of Manhattan concrete, Hofstra University
occupies one of the loveliest campuses you’ll find anywhere. Its bucolic setting is
home not only to an accredited art museum and a nationally recognized arbore-
tum but also to the school’s blossoming preprofessional offerings. Whatever their
field, Hofstra students enjoy special learning communities, research and internship
opportunities, and first- year programs that help harried freshmen get off to a good
start. “It’s a friendly environment that allows you to find your special niches, with-
out forcing anything upon you,” reflects an accounting and political science major.
Founded in 1935 with one building— the Dutch colonial mansion left in trust
by Kate and William Hofstra on their 15- acre estate— the campus is now home to
117 buildings on 244 acres. The suburban campus offers a parklike environment
with a variety of architecture, from ivy- covered
stone buildings to modern facilities with sleek
angles and electronic signage, which surround
open green quads. The campus is especially beau-
tiful in the spring, when its 100,000 tulips, a trib-
ute to the Dutch heritage of Hofstra’s founders, are in bloom. Several buildings have
undergone major renovations, and the Zarb School of Business has a 52,500- square-
foot building boasting an incubator lab, a market research and behavioral science
lab, and other amenities.
With more than 160 academic programs for undergraduates, Hofstra offers
students plenty of career paths. Regardless of what major they choose, all under-
grad students must complete distribution requirements, including coursework in
humanities; natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science; social sciences;
cross- cultural studies; and interdisciplinary studies. Students must also demonstrate
their competence as writers, usually by taking the Writing Proficiency Exam in
their first year.
With the establishment of the DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied
Science and the Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy, and International
Affairs, as well as joint undergraduate programs with its medical school, Hofstra has
sought to model itself on much larger and better- known Northeastern universities
like NYU and Syracuse. Traditional areas of strength include business, communi-
cation, engineering, and health sciences; marketing, accounting, journalism, tele-
vision and film, radio production, and community health are particularly notable.
Business students benefit from one of the largest simulated trading rooms in the
New York area. Several dual- degree programs have recently been introduced (bring-
ing the overall count to 16), pairing undergraduate degrees with corresponding mas-
ter’s degrees in such areas as physician assistant studies, labor studies, sustainability
studies, and others. Nursing is now available as an undergraduate major from the
Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies.
“Most majors focus on ensuring that students are learning how to be a profes-
sional in their field, as opposed to being able to simply regurgitate the information,”
Website: www .hofstra .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 8,772
Undergraduates: 5,818
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 64%
Pell Grant: 24%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 59%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 23,577
Accepted: 69%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 68%
Returning Freshmen: 83%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (516) 463- 6700
Email Address: admission @
hofstra .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Communication
Engineering
Health Sciences
Accounting
Journalism
Television and Film
Radio Production
“The professors really care
about your successes and
often celebrate them with
you.”
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HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY 327
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
explains a junior. Half of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, allow-
ing for plenty of access to faculty. “The professors really care about your successes
and often celebrate them with you,” says a journalism major. Support services for
students with learning disabilities are particularly strong and include accommoda-
tions as well as skill- development and coaching programs.
The First- Year Connections program offers new students a combined social and
academic experience centered on small seminars (limited to 19 students) taught by
senior faculty; recent seminars include Macro Freakonomics, Art in the Information
Age, and The Mathematics of Elections. Freshmen may also enroll in clusters of the-
matically related courses, and several seminars and clusters also have living/learning
community options associated with them. The Honors College offers about 250
qualified entering students a multidisciplinary program with a special housing
option. The university’s 17 research centers facilitate opportunities for students to
work with professors on scholarly projects, and internships in New York City are
another popular pursuit. Students with wanderlust can take advantage of study
abroad options around the world, including programs in Cuba, India, Italy, and
Japan, and about 15 percent of undergrads do so.
“I wanted to make sure I wound up at a school where everyone loved different
things and brought something different to the table, and I definitely found it here,”
says a journalism major. Sixty- seven percent of undergraduates hail from New York,
and 4 percent come from abroad. Black students
account for 9 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 16 percent, Asian Americans
14 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent.
Hofstra has hosted a trio of U.S. presidential
debates, and a senior describes the political cli-
mate as “semi- intense” but “respectful.” The university offers merit scholarships
worth an average of $23,300 and over 100 athletic scholarships in 23 men’s and
women’s sports.
Forty- one percent of undergraduates live in university housing, which is guar-
anteed for all four years. Many dorms have been renovated in the last few years.
Students have nearly 20 different dining options to choose from, and a health sci-
ence major says, “Most meals are made to order, which ensures freshness and deli-
ciousness.” A junior reports, “The school takes safety very seriously, which is why we
have five shuttle systems, including a night shuttle.”
As for social life, “This is where Hofstra excels,” boasts a sophomore, “offering
an incredible number of clubs, in- dorm activities, and departmental organizations.”
Five percent of the men and 8 percent of the women go Greek, but they don’t dom-
inate the social landscape. Students of legal age are allowed to consume alcohol in
their rooms; “parties are there if you’re looking for them,” says a junior. Hofstra is
big on festivals, which include Fall Fest; a spring music festival; Irish, Italian, and
Dutch festivals; and a long- running Shakespeare Festival that features performances
on a stage that is purported to be the most authentic replica in the U.S. of the origi-
nal Globe Theatre.
Hofstra’s location 40 minutes east of New York City makes it easy to enjoy
day trips and nights on the town, and the school organizes Explore Next Door
events that take students to various neighborhoods, museums, shows, and sport-
ing events. The two largest community service activities at Hofstra are Shake- a-
Rake and Snow Angels, which send students out to do yard work and shoveling for
elderly and disabled neighbors.
The Hofstra Pride compete in Division I and play an important role in shap-
ing campus culture— especially the perennially powerful lacrosse and men’s basket-
ball teams. Women’s soccer, volleyball, and men’s basketball have won Colonial
Hofstra is big on
festivals, which
include Fall Fest; a
spring music festival
and Irish, Italian,
and Dutch festivals.
“Hofstra caters directly to
the individual student and
asks what they can do to
get a student from point A
to point B.”
Business students
benefit from one of
the largest simulated
trading rooms in the
New York area.
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328 HOLLINS UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Athletic Association championships recently. The dance team is nationally ranked,
and the forensics, or debate, team has achieved national success as well. Roughly
one- quarter of undergrads participate in the university’s 25 club sports and 6 intra-
mural leagues.
Opportunities abound at Hofstra, and the university continues to add
resources— both curricular and extracurricular— to serve its diverse, career- oriented
student body. As one junior puts it, “Many schools feel like buffets, where students are
offered services and told to forge their own way to where they hope to be, while
Hofstra caters directly to the individual student and asks what they can do to get a
student from point A to point B.” By connecting solid academics with hands- on learn-
ing experiences, the university seeks to put its students in a New York state of mind.
Overlaps
Boston University,
NYU, Penn State,
Fordham, Syracuse,
SUNY– Stony Brook,
SUNY– Binghamton,
University of
Delaware
If You Apply To ›
Hofstra: Early action I and II, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Hollins University
P.O. Box 9707, Roanoke, VA 24020
One of the South’s leading women’s colleges, Hollins sits on the edge of Roanoke,
the biggest city in southwest Virginia, where it has long been noted for creative
writing, the performing arts, and its equestrian program. Social life often involves
road trips to Virginia Tech and Washington and Lee, both about an hour’s drive, or
venturing into the great outdoors.
Traditions rule at Hollins University, Virginia’s first women’s college, founded in
1842 (and named after local donors) on a lush, 475- acre campus in the mountains.
Each fall, students and staff hike up Tinker Mountain for skits, a picnic lunch, and
a bird’s-eye view of the changing foliage. During the holiday season, faculty and
administrators sing carols outside students’ residence halls. And after graduation,
juniors inherit seniors’ decorated gowns during Passing of the Robes. A few dozen
male students can be found on campus, since Hollins offers 18 co- ed degree and
certificate programs for graduate students. “A student should only attend Hollins
if they want to be a part of a close- knit community that fosters creative minds and
ambitious spirits,” says a senior.
Described by the New York Times as “achingly picturesque,” the neoclassical
redbrick buildings at Hollins date back to the mid- 19th century. There are some
modern structures too, such as the Wetherill
Visual Arts Center. Several buildings have been
renovated in recent years, including Hollins
Theatre and Dana Science Building. Construction
is ongoing on a new student apartment village
that will add a total of 96 beds; seven of the village’s 10 planned buildings have been
completed.
Hollins’s general education program (known as Education through Skills and
Perspectives) teaches real- world skills, including writing, oral communication, applied
quantitative reasoning, and applied research techniques, while examining seven
perspectives from which people view and understand the world: aesthetic analy-
sis, creative expression, ancient and medieval worlds, modern and contemporary
Website: www .hollins .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 717
Undergraduates: 686
Male/Female: 0/100
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 38%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 67%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 3,310
Accepted: 72%
Enrolled: 9%
Grad in 6 Years: 66%
Returning Freshmen: 74%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 456- 9595
Email Address: huadm @
hollins .edu
“[Classes are] very
discussion- oriented,
involving lots of questions
back and forth.”
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HOLLINS UNIVERSITY 329
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
worlds, social and cultural diversities, scientific inquiry, and global systems and
languages. Two terms of physical education are mandatory, and those looking to
take advantage of Hollins’s acclaimed equestrian program can earn PE credits with
riding lessons. All freshmen take a required first- year seminar and participate in
Orientation Week, which includes academic programming, a day of community
service, and plenty of time to form friendships with new classmates. All seniors
complete a capstone course or project.
Academics are the priority at Hollins. “[Classes are] very discussion- oriented,
involving lots of questions back and forth from professor to student,” says a first-
year student. Of the school’s 29 undergraduate majors, psychology, English, biol-
ogy, business, and creative writing are the most popular. Public health is the newest.
Students majoring or minoring in creative writing benefit from the nationally rec-
ognized Jackson Center for Creative Writing. Environmental studies and the visual
and performing arts, especially film, theatre, and dance, have good reputations too.
Serious dance students have the opportunity to attend the American Dance Festival
at Duke University to study intensively during the summer. Motivated students are
encouraged to design their own majors. Classes are small, with 88 percent enrolling
fewer than 20 students and none exceeding 50, and professors are well regarded.
“We get lots of individual attention and extra help,” says an art history and inter-
national studies major.
The Rutherfoord Center for Experiential Learning helps coordinate hands- on
learning opportunities like study abroad, research projects, and internships, which
students often pursue during the monthlong January Short Term. “Getting to work
with your professors in the field and not just do
research in a classroom setting is invaluable,”
praises an environmental science major. The
Signature Internship Program places upperclassmen in for- credit internships, offered
by loyal alumnae across the country, that come with a $300 stipend. The Batten
Leadership Institute, open to students of all majors, offers a certificate in leadership
studies and opportunities for students to develop skills like effective conflict man-
agement, negotiation, and team building. The Entrepreneurial Learning Institute
coordinates courses in applied entrepreneurship and other opportunities for stu-
dents in all disciplines. In addition to a Hollins Abroad program in London, students
may study through more than 20 affiliated programs around the world.
At Hollins, says a sophomore, “students are opinionated, passionate, and driven”
but also supportive of each other. Fifty- nine percent of undergrads are Virginians,
and 8 percent hail from foreign countries. Black students make up 15 percent of
the total, Asian Americans 1 percent, Hispanics/Latinas 9 percent, and multiracial
students 7 percent. “We have a very active gay and lesbian club called OUTloud,
and also an active women’s studies department that puts together a lot of rallies and
events,” says a first- year student. “Our campus has a definite liberal leaning, although
there is a small, committed Republican group.” Hollins also hands out merit schol-
arships averaging $31,800 to qualified students, but no athletic scholarships. About
forty percent of incoming freshmen qualify for Pell Grants.
Eighty- seven percent of Hollins students live in the dorms; they have to, unless
they’re married, older than 23, or living at home in Roanoke with their parents.
Options include traditional residence halls, several special interest houses, and the
new apartment village. “Most of the dorms are beautiful historic buildings full of
character and comfort,” says a student. First- years live in Randolph and Tinker.
Upperclassmen make their homes in Main, West, and East, which have 10- foot ceil-
ings and hardwood floors, and some rooms also boast brass doorknobs, walk- in clos-
ets, and even fireplaces. Students chow down at Moody Dining Hall, which “just
feels like a fast food joint,” gripes a student. Other options are Greenberry’s Coffee
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Creative Writing
Environmental Studies
Film
Theatre
Dance
Psychology
English
Biology
“Hollins is a great school
that empowers women.”
The Rutherfoord
Center for
Experiential Learning
helps coordinate
hands- on learning
opportunities like
study abroad,
research projects,
and internships.
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330 COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
or the Hub. While the adjacent Roanoke neighborhood has its rough spots, “the
campus is extremely safe,” notes a junior.
“Most social gatherings take place on campus,” says a student. Hollins shuns
sororities, and sporadic student efforts to bring them to campus draw lively debate.
To fill the gap, the school organizes mixers, concerts, dances, and second- run movies
each weekend. Among campus traditions, students say Tinker Day is unique: “Who
else would take an entire school day off to climb a mountain and eat donuts for
breakfast?” asks one student. There’s also a free shuttle to help students get around
Roanoke (population 100,000). “Roanoke is a quaint city, not tall and towering but
not small, either,” says an English major. “There are local markets, a few clubs, a
mall, and curious little local shops.” As a result, road- tripping remains the preferred
social option— to all- male Hampden– Sydney College, Virginia Tech, the University
of Virginia, or Washington and Lee.
Hollins’s on- campus stable, where students can board their own horses, comple-
ments the school’s top- notch equestrian program, which has brought home the Old
Dominion Athletic Conference championship 21 times. The university also spon-
sors eight other Division III sports. Although there are no intramural sports, the
popular Hollins Outdoor Program offers hiking, spelunking, and other activities for
all skill levels in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains.
As the number of women’s colleges continues to dwindle, Hollins remains com-
mitted to the virtues of single- sex education. Students leave with confidence, critical-
thinking skills, and intellectual depth, thanks to a solid grounding in the liberal arts.
And the school’s Southern heritage doesn’t hurt, either. “Hollins is a great school
that empowers women,” says one senior. “It has made me independent.”
Classes are small,
with 88 percent
enrolling fewer than
20 students and
none exceeding 50.
Overlaps
Agnes Scott, Sweet
Briar, Mount
Holyoke, Roanoke,
Meredith, Goucher,
Hendrix, Emory &
Henry
If You Apply To ›
Hollins: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with sup-
plement. Accepts applications from students who consistently live and identify as women, regardless of the gender assigned
to them at birth.
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA 01610
A tight- knit Roman Catholic community steeped in church and tradition, much more
so than relatively secularized Boston College. Many students are the second or third
generation to attend. Set high on a hill above an evolving Worcester, an hour from
Boston. Sports teams compete (and hold their own) with schools 10 times HC’s size.
Students at Holy Cross, a Roman Catholic college in the heart of New England, are
devoted to the Society of Jesus (Jesuit) tradition of becoming “men and women for
and with others.” Students on “the hill” are driven to do something for their college
or community, whether it’s a football player becoming a Big Brother or an upper-
classman interning at city hall. Peers and professors alike offer support and spiritual
guidance, and more than 90 community- based learning courses incorporate service
opportunities. The classroom focus is critical thinking and writing, but the school’s
proximity to several other colleges in the Worcester area means Crusaders can culti-
vate their social lives as well.
Located on one of the seven hills overlooking the industrial city of Worcester,
Website: www .holycross .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,210
Undergraduates: 3,210
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 62%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
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COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS 331
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the 174- acre Holy Cross campus is a registered arboretum. The school’s landscap-
ing has won national awards, including two first- place prizes as the best- designed
and best- planted campus in the nation. Architectural styles range from classical to
modern. The college opened a new Performing Arts Center in 2022, and City View
Townhouses, to accommodate upperclassmen, opened in 2023.
General education requirements at Holy Cross, which was founded in 1843, com-
prise 12 courses in nine areas spanning the liberal arts and sciences. Ideas and think-
ing are the focus, rather than preparation for a specific vocation. All first- year students
participate in Montserrat, a comprehensive living/
learning program named for the Spanish moun-
tain where St. Ignatius began his spiritual journey.
It centers on a small, yearlong seminar that stu-
dents select from one of six clusters, each devoted
to a specific theme: contemporary challenges, the divine, the self, the natural world,
global society, and core human questions. Students live with other members of their
cluster in the same residence hall and participate in cocurricular activities like special
lectures, workshops, and field trips. “It was an eye- opening experience for me, and the
friendships I made in my Montserrat class lasted throughout my entire four years,”
reflects a psychology major.
HC’s health professions advising program boasts a particularly high success rate
for getting students accepted to medical school. The economics, political science,
psychology, and English programs are both strong and popular, and students give
high marks to chemistry, physics, and sociology. One student opines that the clas-
sics department is one of the best- kept secrets on campus. As might be expected,
philosophy and religious studies are strong, and concentrations in Latin American
studies and peace and conflict studies are popular, as these are disciplines central to
Jesuit missionary work.
Classes are small— 62 percent have fewer than 20 students— which helps faculty
members keep in touch with undergraduates. Courses are demanding and intense,
but professors are praised for being willing to help. “Each professor is dedicated
to the story, drive, and passion behind their students,” says a psychology major.
And students say the support they receive from each other is exceptional. One
senior shares, “I have found notes in the Dinand Library with a positive quote or an
encouraging message for the next student who sits there.”
HC’s popular community- based learning courses require weekly service with
local volunteer, education, or health organizations in addition to time in the class-
room; some courses focus on research that benefits local organizations. The honors
program enables a small number of juniors and seniors to enroll in exclusive
courses and thesis- writing seminars, while the Fenwick Scholar program helps stu-
dents design and carry out independent projects. Each April, approximately 300
Holy Cross students participate in a four- day
conference and present the results of their inde-
pendent work. Forty percent of students pack
their bags for a range of study abroad programs
around the world, and the college strongly
encourages yearlong programs. Two intensive
study away programs, the Washington Semester and the New York Semester, com-
bine an internship with a seminar course and an independent, research- based
thesis or capstone project. Students praise the Center for Career Development,
especially for its strong relationships with alumni.
The religious influence at Holy Cross is somewhat greater than at other Jesuit
schools, but students of all faiths are welcomed, and daily mass is not required.
“There is definitely a strong New England personality at the school where everyone
(continued)
Student Loans: 60%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 7,036
Accepted: 36%
Enrolled: 35%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (508) 793- 2443
Email Address: admissions @
holycross .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Political Science
Psychology
English
Chemistry
Physics
Sociology
Religious Studies
“Each professor is
dedicated to the story,
drive, and passion behind
their students.”
The college opened a
new Performing Arts
Center in 2022, and
City View Townhouses,
to accommodate
upperclassmen,
opened in 2023.
“There is definitely a strong
New England personality at
the school where everyone
comes from a similar Irish-
Catholic background.”
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332 COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
comes from a similar Irish- Catholic background,” says a senior. The chaplain’s office
runs numerous types of retreats for all faiths and reflective practices, including an
optional five- day silent retreat. Thirty- eight percent of students are in- staters, and
4 percent are international. Black students make up 4 percent of the student body,
Asian Americans represent 4 percent, Hispanics/Latinos account for 12 percent,
and multiracial students add 3 percent. Social justice issues are a constant focus on
campus, and the college sponsors many campuswide forums and panel discussions.
“Healthy debate is encouraged, and I do not feel that the college is too biased one
way or the other,” comments a psychology major. HC guarantees to meet admit-
ted students’ full demonstrated financial need. Students from families with annual
incomes of $75,000 or less and typical assets receive full- tuition grants. Merit- based
scholarships averaging $21,300 are available to top students, and athletes may vie
for roughly 200 athletic awards in 15 sports.
Eighty- eight percent of Holy Cross students live in the residence halls, where
freshmen and sophomores have double rooms, and juniors and seniors may
opt for suites or apartment- style accommodations. Floors are single- sex; buildings
are co- ed. First- years live on “Easy Street,” in Hanselman, Clark, and Brooks-
Mulledy (on the college’s central hill next to the Hogan Campus Center). Dorms
receive decent reviews, especially for their size and storage space. Dining options
include several campus eateries and the main dining hall; students rate the food as
tasty and plentiful. Students say they feel safe thanks to regular campus security
patrols and a safe- ride program. Although campus sexual assault has been a hot-
button issue, a junior reports, “Holy Cross has made a concerted effort in the past
few years to be more transparent on issues of sexual assault and to foster a culture
of sexual respect.”
Because, consistent with Jesuit tradition, there are no Greek organizations, dorm
life takes center stage. Each dorm has its own T-shirt, and they compete against each
other for prizes in athletic and other contests. The Campus Activities Board hosts a
variety of events, including karaoke, comedians,
casino nights, and movie nights. Underage stu-
dents caught with alcohol are put on probation.
Still, “Sports teams and seniors with off- campus
houses tend to run the party scene,” a student
says. Tradition is big at Holy Cross, from Reunion to Purple Pride Day to the 100
Days weekend, which begins the senior class countdown to graduation. Spring
Weekend brings well- known performers and a carnival. Midnight breakfasts, which
provide sustenance as students cram for finals, are always highly anticipated:
“Pancakes taste infinitely better when served by a Jesuit, especially one who hap-
pens to be your philosophy professor,” observes a history major.
“Volunteering is one way students live out the Holy Cross mission,” a student
says; 45 percent of students get involved in community service. The SPUD (Student
Programs for Urban Development) student organization is particularly popular and
active in underserved areas of Worcester, which is an underrated college town grad-
ually making a comeback from tough economic times. A school shuttle service takes
students to the orchestra, the DCU Center for athletic events and concerts, and the
Worcester Art Museum. “Shrewsbury Street is an entire street devoted to incredible
restaurants where I spend all of my money,” says a sophomore. Students are discour-
aged from having cars, but the college organizes trips to Boston, Providence, and
New York City.
Holy Cross’s Crusaders (as in those who fight for social justice) compete in
Division I athletics. “Football season provides the most excitement,” notes a biology
and religious studies major. The football and women’s basketball teams have taken
home Patriot League championships in recent years, and men’s basketball, baseball,
HC’s health
professions advising
program boasts
a particularly high
success rate for getting
students accepted
to medical school.
“Sports teams and seniors
with off- campus houses
tend to run the party
scene.”
The 100 Days weekend
begins the senior
class countdown
to graduation.
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HOOD COLLEGE 333
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and women’s ice hockey have also been successful. A quarter of HC students partici-
pate in recreational sports. Holy Cross’s moot court team, which simulates Supreme
Court arguments, is a top performer nationally.
Holy Cross is keeping the faith— its emphasis on Catholicism and the Jesuit tra-
dition, that is— even as administrators place a renewed focus on academics and
small classes. “Holy Cross has prepared me to think critically, challenge the status
quo, ask questions, and step outside my comfort zone to make changes in our
world,” cheers one senior. Indeed, the close- knit atmosphere offers students a mul-
titude of opportunities to grow, serve others, and create lasting friendships.
Overlaps
Boston College,
Colgate, Colby,
Bates, Providence,
Villanova, Fordham,
Notre Dame
If You Apply To ›
Holy Cross: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Hood College
401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701
Strategically located within striking distance of both D.C. and Baltimore, Hood
offers an innovative mix of liberal arts and specialized career preparation. Big on
technology, including a state- of- the- art trading room, and distinctive core curriculum
stresses thematic study. Diverse student body.
Founded as a women’s college way back in 1893, Hood College reinvented itself as
a co- ed institution in 2003, and men now account for nearly 40 percent of under-
graduates. Situated in historic Frederick, Maryland, Hood maintains a rich set of
traditions, historical and otherwise, while taking full advantage of its location near
two major cities. Students see their school’s biggest strength in its people: students,
staff, and faculty. “There are so many cultures and ethnicities and traditions to be
shared,” says one junior. “I love living here. I’m having the time of my life.”
Hood’s strikingly beautiful 50- acre campus features redbrick buildings and lush,
tree- shaded lawns. Located at a major crossroads, the town of Frederick saw consid-
erable action during the Civil War. Today, Hood is within an hour and a half of
nearly 30 colleges and within minutes of a major
National Cancer Institute research complex,
high- tech firms, and small and large businesses.
On campus, technology programs, which are
already important, get a further boost thanks to the Hodson Science and Technology
Center. A state- of- the- art trading room allows students to practice using technology
and analytical tools similar to what is used on Wall Street. Newer additions include
a 200- bed residence hall accommodating upperclassmen in suites and semi- suites.
Hood’s core curriculum, designed to expose students to different modes of think-
ing and critical reflection on global issues, is composed of two parts, Foundations and
Methods of Inquiry. Foundations courses include English composition, quantitative
literacy, foreign language, and health and wellness. Methods of Inquiry requires
coursework in six traditional liberal arts areas, plus global perspectives. Entering stu-
dents participate in a writing- intensive First- Year Seminar program designed to help
build academic skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
In the classroom, says a sophomore, “hard work is required to do well.” Hood’s
major strength lies in the sciences, especially the chemistry department and the
Website: www .hood .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,876
Undergraduates: 1,156
Male/Female: 36/64
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 32%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 80%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 3,192
Accepted: 77%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 66%
Returning Freshmen: 72%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 922- 1599
Email Address: admission @
hood .edu
Strong Programs:
Chemistry
Biology
Education
“There are so many cultures
and ethnicities and
traditions to be shared.”
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334 HOOD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
biology department, with its special emphases on molecular biology, marine biol-
ogy, and environmental science and policy. A semester- long coastal studies program
takes students along the East Coast on a biological educational mission. Education,
especially early childhood, and English are programs of note, as is a B.A. degree
in law and criminal justice. The most popular majors are business administration,
nursing, biology, psychology, and computer science. Five- year bachelor’s/master’s
programs are available in business, environmental biology, biomedical science, psy-
chology and counseling, and information technology. Only labs are taught by grad-
uate assistants, and 74 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. “The teachers
want their students to succeed and are very accessible when students need help,”
cheers a math major.
If you really want to stimulate the brain cells, the four- year Honors Program
features team- taught courses, a sophomore- year seminar on global issues that
involves a community service project, and a senior seminar for which students
choose both the topic and the professor. All students admitted to the Honors
Program receive an automatic $2,000 scholarship. Internship opportunities include
overseas jobs for language and business majors and legislative and cultural positions
in Washington, D.C. Study abroad destinations, to which 8 percent of students take
flight, include Ireland, Cyprus, Costa Rica, Morocco, and South Korea. The school’s
strong career resources give students a leg up on their next step in life, whether it be
a job or graduate school.
In general, Hood students are “interested in their education and are serious and
hardworking,” says a sophomore. Nearly three- quarters of undergraduates call
Maryland home, while 2 percent come to Hood from other countries. Seventeen
percent of students are Black, 12 percent are
Hispanic/Latino, 4 percent are Asian American,
and 6 percent are multiracial. Students say the
campus leans slightly left, politically speaking, and key issues include the environ-
ment and fiscal concerns. Hood provides merit scholarships worth an average of
$20,300.
Hood’s co- ed residence halls are well liked, with good- sized, air- conditioned
rooms. The lottery system is based on seniority, and just over half of the students
live on campus. First- year students live in dedicated freshman residence halls and
can expect to be assigned to doubles (juniors and seniors can compete for singles
and suites), and Spanish and French majors may apply to live in the language
houses. In the college’s two dining facilities, a senior says, “the meals are OK if you
are not picky.” Campus security receives praise: “I feel very safe on our small, homey
campus with lots of lights at night and plenty of officers walking or driving around
at all times,” says one student.
Social life among the students is centered on the dorms, as each has its own
personality as well as its own house council, rules, and social activities. Students
report that although there is no Greek life, there are parties every weekend, along
with movies, dances, and other forms of entertainment. The Whitaker Campus
Center, with its table tennis and pool tables, grill and sandwich shop, bookstore,
and meeting rooms, offers a great gathering place for residents and commuters
24 hours a day. Campus alcohol policies have been tightened, but drinking is gener-
ally not a huge part of the social life at Hood. “At parties and events, you have to
show ID to get alcohol,” one senior says. “If you don’t like to stay on campus, there
are restaurants, bars, clubs, malls, and coffeehouses within 10 minutes of the college
by car,” explains an English major. Scenic Frederick is described as small, safe, and
beautiful. “Downtown Frederick is a very up- and- coming, artsy town,” says one stu-
dent. A one- hour car ride delivers students to the multiple diversions in Baltimore or
Washington, D.C.
(continued)
English
Law and Criminal Justice
Business Administration
Nursing
Psychology
Entering students
participate in a
writing- intensive
First- Year Seminar
program designed to
help build academic
skills, confidence, and
a sense of belonging.
“The meals are OK if you
are not picky.”
The Whitaker
Campus Center offers
a great gathering
place for residents
and commuters
24 hours a day.
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HOPE COLLEGE 335
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
With over a century of history, Hood is rife with traditions. Some of the most
important ones include the junior class ring dinner and formal, the May Madness
festival and crab feast, a strawberries- and- ice- cream breakfast for seniors the morn-
ing of commencement, and the Hood “Hello”— the custom of greeting people you
pass on campus. The Blazers compete in 22 Division III sports. Baseball and men’s
and women’s basketball, track and field, and golf are among the stronger teams.
Recreational and intramural sports attract 20 percent of undergraduates; popular
activities include soccer, touch football, basketball, and the equestrian club.
Hood’s mission statement seeks to prepare graduates to “lead purposeful lives of
responsibility, leadership, service, and civic engagement.” It does so with an eye to
its past as well as the demands of a fast- changing social and professional environ-
ment. “The traditions are amazing,” boasts a sophomore, “topped only by professors
who care and friends you’ll have forever.”
Overlaps
McDaniel, Mount
St. Mary’s,
Loyola University
Maryland,
Manhattanville,
Otterbein, Towson,
UMBC, Frostburg
If You Apply To ›
Hood: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Hope College
P.O. Box 9000, Holland, MI 49422
Hope has an in- between size— bigger than most small colleges but smaller than a
university. It is evangelical in orientation, but less than 10 percent of the students are
members of the founding Reformed Church in America. In addition to the liberal arts,
Hope offers education, engineering, and nursing and makes undergraduate research
a priority.
Each fall since 1898, Hope College freshmen have spent three grueling hours engaged
in “the Pull,” an epic tug- of- war against the sophomores, who stand assembled on
the opposite end of a 650- pound rope across the 250- foot- wide Black River. This
well- known annual tradition evokes the daily struggle Hope students face: main-
taining their faith in a world eager to challenge it at every turn. The heritage of
Hope’s Dutch founders remains strong and visible on campus. “The academic pro-
grams, particularly the research and collaboration opportunities, far surpass those of
Hope’s rivals,” opines a sophomore.
Hope was founded in 1866 with support from the Reformed Church in America
and the biblical (Book of Hebrews) mission of becoming an “anchor of hope” for
Dutch Calvinism in the West. It is situated on six
blocks near downtown Holland, the tulip capital
of the nation, and a short bike ride from the
shores of Lake Michigan. There’s a lush pine
grove in the center of campus, which features an
eclectic array of buildings in architectural styles ranging from 19th- century Flemish
to modern. A $6 million campus ministries building sits in the heart of campus as a
reminder of the role of Christianity in the student experience.
Hope’s general education program, designed around the themes “knowing
how” and “knowing about,” includes a first- year seminar that provides “an intel-
lectual transition into Hope.” Courses in expository writing, health dynamics, math
and natural science, foreign language, religious studies, social sciences, the arts, and
Website: www .hope .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,122
Undergraduates: 955
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 58%
Pell Grant: 67%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 60%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 5,150
Accepted: 80%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (616) 395- 7850
Email Address: admissions @
hope .edu
“This is a place where
people are involved and
love to build community
with one another.”
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336 HOPE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
cultural heritage are also required; one class must have a focus on cultural diversity
and one on international perspectives. All students take an interdisciplinary senior
seminar in which they explore their beliefs, values, worldviews, and life goals in
relation to the Christian faith. The FACES mentoring program helps underrepre-
sented first- year students make the transition to college.
Among Hope’s academic offerings, the sciences (especially biology and chemis-
try) stand out, with excellent laboratory facilities and faculty who are eager to involve
students in their funded research. During the school year, undergraduates often
conduct advanced experiments and even publish papers; come summer, more than
200 students receive stipends to participate in research full- time. Overall, 49 percent
of undergrads get involved with research. Not surprisingly, a large portion of science
majors go on to medical and engineering schools and Ph.D. programs. For those
otherwise inclined, Hope’s offerings in business and education are popular, and psy-
chology, communication, and English are solid too. The Visiting Writers Series gives
students an opportunity to interact with noteworthy authors. Recently added offer-
ings include majors in environmental science and neuroscience.
“I would describe the academic climate as competitive in the sense that I feel
pushed to work hard and study to perform at my best,” says a psychology major.
Classes are usually small, and a business major says, “Professors are dedicated to
ensuring that each student has a great understanding of the material.” Students may
study abroad in programs offered in more than 60 countries, and about half do so;
options include semester- long exchanges and programs that combine classes with
internships. The Boerigter Center for Calling and Career helps students explore the
concept of vocation and find career and leadership opportunities through mentor-
ship and networking events.
Students at Hope are “very outgoing, social, and friendly,” says a business major.
“This is a place where people are involved and love to build community with one
another.” The student body is a rather homogeneous lot, with 76 percent hailing
from Michigan and 3 percent coming from
overseas. Black students account for 4 per-
cent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos
8 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent, and
multiracial students 3 percent. Politically, according to a senior, Hope is “a liberal
arts school trying to toe the line between liberal and Christian politics,” and
LGBTQ rights, abortion, and gun control can be hot- button issues. Merit scholar-
ships averaging $15,300 are available to qualified students, but there are no athletic
scholarships.
Virtually all Hope students live in university- sponsored housing. Traditional
dorms are arranged in freshman clusters by gender or co- ed by suite. “Dorms are fine,
and I enjoyed them as a freshman, but most students opt for the college- owned
apartment complexes and cottages surrounding the campus area,” explains a stu-
dent. On- campus students eat in one of two large dining halls where the fare—
especially homemade bread and desserts— is tasty. “The STEP (Students Teaching and
Empowering Peers) program focuses on peer education regarding sexual assault,” says
a senior. “They do a good job, but the school could always do more.”
“The weekends are full and busy. The Student Activities Committee is the orga-
nization that makes the social life at Hope College thrive,” says one student. The
committee brings in comedians, bands, and hypnotists; shows movies in campus
auditoriums; and plans the Spring Fling carnival, held on the last Friday of the aca-
demic year. A favorite annual tradition is the Nykerk Cup, which pits freshmen
against sophomores in singing, acting, and orating competitions. Seven fraterni-
ties and eight sororities, all local organizations, claim 15 percent of the men and
16 percent of the women, respectively. Some parties do happen off campus, but
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Biology
Chemistry
Psychology
Communications
English
Business
Education
Engineering
“The research and collaboration
opportunities . . . far surpass
those of Hope’s rivals.”
During the school
year, undergraduates
often conduct
advanced experiments
and even publish
papers.
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HOUGHTON UNIVERSITY 337
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
those caught drinking on Hope’s dry campus must atone by performing community
service. Among the 60 student organizations are a variety of active religious life and
service organizations, including Emmaus Scholars, Hope Way (campus ministry),
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and Silent Praise, a student group that seeks to
praise God through American Sign Language (ASL) and worship music.
Holland (population 34,000) is the site of spring’s Tulip Time, one of the largest
U.S. flower festivals. When Hope’s cozy campus and the quaint town of Holland get
too close for comfort, students find relief at the beaches of Lake Michigan (“definitely
one of the highlights,” says a junior) or drive 30 minutes to Grand Rapids, which
offers some large- city amenities and good weekend rental deals at the ski slopes.
Chicago and Detroit are other typical destinations for those trying to hit the road.
On the field and on the court, Hope’s Flying Dutch and Flying Dutchmen are
talented Division III competitors. Men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer,
and women’s volleyball are strong, and the college has won a record number of
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Commissioner’s Cups, recognizing the
conference’s best overall sports program. Especially important are any competitions
against Calvin (a century- old rivalry) and football versus Albion and Kalamazoo for
the Wooden Shoes trophy. Hope’s men’s ice hockey team claimed its second- straight
American Collegiate Hockey Association national championship in 2022. Intramural
and club sports range from soccer and badminton to inner- tube water polo.
Hope’s mission is “to educate students for lives of leadership and service in a
global society.” It’s an institution with traditional Christian roots and an emphasis
on undergraduates. “Hope is a place where students are challenged to become better
students,” says one senior, “but, more important, better people.”
The Nykerk Cup pits
freshmen against
sophomores in singing,
acting, and orating
competitions.
Overlaps
Calvin, Wheaton
(IL), DePauw,
College of Wooster,
St. Olaf, Albion,
Alma, Butler
If You Apply To ›
Hope: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Houghton University
Houghton, NY 14744
The Mid- Atlantic’s leading evangelical Christian college. All students are required
to take Biblical Literature and Introduction to Christianity, and most go to chapel
three times a week. Perks include two honors programs and expansive indoor and
outdoor equestrian facilities. Rural New York setting fosters an intimate sense of
community, but when things get claustrophobic, students have ample possibilities
for a semester away.
Located in the bucolic New York town that shares its name, Houghton University
offers a solid, growing academic program and strong athletic teams while remaining
committed to its core mission as a Christian liberal arts school. Sponsored by the
Wesleyan Church and dating to 1883, Houghton celebrates its Christian heritage
and encourages students to do the same. Applicants must explain in their essays
why they desire to be a part of a Christian academic community, and current stu-
dents are expected to attend a set amount of chapel services throughout the semes-
ter. These expectations help create true community on campus. One junior says,
“Houghton combines academic rigor, athletic excellence, and intentional spiritual
formation in a fun- loving and Christ- centered community.”
Website: www .houghton .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 718
Undergraduates: 710
Male/Female: 37/63
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 42%
Expense: Pr $
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338 HOUGHTON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Houghton’s scenic hilltop campus covers 1,300 acres of rural beauty, surrounded
by vast expanses of western New York countryside. In addition to a 386- acre horseback-
riding facility, the college has its own ski trails. The academic buildings are a mix of
area “creekstone” (to use the local lingo) and brick. Recent construction includes a
115,000- square- foot athletic complex and a 36,000- square- foot indoor equestrian arena.
Houghton students complete general education requirements designed to pro-
vide a context and framework for the entire educational program. Freshmen must
take Biblical Literature, Writing in the Liberal Arts, and a course titled Transitions,
which helps students adjust to college and
includes diversity training. Seniors complete a
capstone seminar, project, or performance,
depending on their major. Houghton is known
for its equestrian studies program, and the music,
education, and theology programs are also strong. The school’s most popular majors
include business, biology, psychology, and communication. New majors have been
added in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, and environmental science. Electrical
engineering is the school’s only four- year engineering program. Other options
include a 3+4 Pharm.D. program with the University of Buffalo, a 3+1 nursing pro-
gram with Indiana Wesleyan, and a medical early- acceptance program with the Lake
Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Houghton’s academic climate is “challenging and rigorous,” according to a
junior, but not overwhelmingly so. Eighty percent of classes have fewer than 20
students, and most courses are taught by senior faculty, who students say do an
outstanding job of fostering a sense of community. “At Houghton I have coffee with
my professors and real conversations. I see them at church and in the dining hall,
and I’ve gotten to know their kids,” says an intercultural studies major.
Houghton offers two honors programs for incoming freshmen. The London
Honors program provides qualified students an intensive, hands- on experience in
the humanities, along with study abroad experiences in the United Kingdom. The
Science Honors program allows select students to engage with significant scien-
tific problems in a hands- on, research- oriented environment. Houghton’s Summer
Research Institute, designed for students in math and the sciences, is also well
regarded. Twenty- one percent of all students take advantage of off- campus study in
a variety of programs throughout the year, including four- week Mayterm programs
in New York City, Alaska, Costa Rica, Europe, and Sierra Leone.
Fifty- nine percent of students are from New York, and 6 percent are international.
A senior describes Houghton students as “thoughtful and excited about going out and
influencing the world in a positive way.” Racial and ethnic diversity is limited: Black
students account for 7 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos 1 percent, Asian Americans
2 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. “The
political climate around Houghton sometimes is
hot- button,” comments an elementary education
major. “There has been a lot of discussion about LGBTQ issues.” Merit scholarships are
available, and 42 percent of incoming freshmen are eligible for Pell Grants.
Houghton’s campus houses 89 percent of students. “Housing is fairly limited
in terms of options, but all students are guaranteed a spot on campus,” says one
student. Freshmen and sophomores live in traditional residence halls, while juniors
and seniors can apply for campus townhouses and apartments; all accommoda-
tions are single- sex. Dining options get good reviews for taste and variety. “Special
dishes can be ordered at some stations, and bagged lunches are customizable,” says
a senior. Students report feeling safe on their rural campus. Houghton’s Community
Covenant prohibits “premarital sex, adultery, and homosexual behavior,” but as
(continued)
Student Loans: 71%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 973
Accepted: 77%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 61%
Returning Freshmen: 80%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 777- 2556
Email Address: admission @
houghton .edu
Strong Programs:
Equestrian Studies
Music
Education
Theology
Business
Biology
Psychology
Communication
“At Houghton . . . I see [my
professors] at church and
in the dining hall, and I’ve
gotten to know their kids.”
Many students are
involved in service
projects such as
Big Brothers Big
Sisters, nursing home
visitation, and local
church outreach.
“There is an overlook
perfect for hiking; in the
wintertime we have skiing
and other fun stuff to do.”
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HOWARD UNIVERSITY 339
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
one student points out, “Students are able to report sexual assault without facing
consequences regarding our Community Covenant.”
“Most of the social life takes place on campus,” explains an art major. Away from
campus, an accounting major notes, “There is an overlook perfect for hiking; in the
wintertime we have skiing and other fun stuff to do.” The Campus Activities Board
plans regular happenings, and dorm- identity events, film festivals, and concerts are
popular. Seventy percent of students are involved in service projects such as Big
Brothers Big Sisters, nursing home visitation, and local church outreach; the area
surrounding the college is one of the poorest in New York State. Both the campus and
the town of Houghton are dry, and the college’s Community Covenant forbids alco-
hol. As a senior puts it, “Houghton is not a party campus, unless you count a group
with tea and board games as a party.” Students eagerly anticipate annual celebrations
for homecoming, Christian Life Emphasis Week, the Christmas Prism concerts, the
SPOT talent show, and Hall Brawl, a week of friendly competitions between dorms.
Houghton competes in Division III, and the men’s tennis team recently claimed
the Empire 8 Conference title. Other competitive Highlanders teams (so named
because of the campus topography) include women’s field hockey and men’s
and women’s track and field. “Houghton is rivals with St. John Fisher and the bas-
ketball games draw a lot of students,” says a junior. Intramurals draw steady interest,
with basketball and co- ed volleyball being the most popular. The college also offers
two club sports: cheerleading and disc golf.
Students don’t come to Houghton for the surrounding town of 1,700 souls,
which is 30 minutes by car from the nearest mall, or for the weather, which can be
tough once winter sets in. But they do come, and for good reasons: there’s little to
distract them from their studies, their campus’s natural beauty, and their spiritual
growth. As one junior observes, “There are few schools that will work so closely with
their students, through setting academic goals, [helping them pursue] internships,
listening to their passions, and equipping them to work where their deep gladness
and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
Applicants must
explain in their essays
why they desire to be
a part of a Christian
academic community.
Overlaps
Roberts Wesleyan,
Grove City,
Messiah, Gordon,
Wheaton (IL),
Taylor, Nazareth,
Alfred, Geneva
If You Apply To ›
Houghton: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Music majors
apply directly to music program.
Howard University
2400 Sixth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20059
The flagship university of Black America and the first to integrate the Black experience
into all areas of study. Strategically located in D.C., Howard depends on Congress
for much of its funding. Preprofessional programs such as nursing, business, and
architecture are strong. Sixty-five percent of students identify as Black.
Contrary to the advice of early Black leaders such as Booker T. Washington, who
argued in favor of technical training, Howard has promoted the liberal arts since its
inception. This focus has served the school well; Howard’s law school counts the
late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall among its alumni, and Vice President
Kamala Harris, the late Nobel Prize– winning author Toni Morrison, and actors
Taraji P. Henson and the late Chadwick Boseman are graduates too. In recent years,
Website: www .howard .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 9,782
Undergraduates: 9,022
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340 HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Howard has strengthened its financial position and has been implementing a stra-
tegic plan structured around “Leadership for America and the Global Community.”
The four- part plan focuses on strengthening academic programs and services, pro-
moting excellence in teaching and research, increasing private support, and enhanc-
ing national and community services.
Founded in 1867 by Union General Oliver Howard primarily to educate freed
slaves, the university now operates five campuses and serves roughly 11,000 full-
time students. Interestingly, Howard is one of a handful of universities in the nation
supported partly by federal subsidies; these days,
the school gets about 55 percent of its budget
from Congress. The 89- acre main campus houses
most classrooms, dorms, and administrative
offices, as well as the university center, the Founders, and undergraduate, medical,
and dental libraries. The Howard Law Center is on the west campus near Rock Creek
Park, the Divinity School is on a 22- acre site in northeast Washington, and there’s
also a 108- acre campus in suburban Beltsville, Maryland, and a campus in Silver
Spring. Architecturally, the main campus is a blend of old and new, with numerous
sculptures and murals created by Jacob Lawrence, Richard Hunt, Elizabeth Catlett,
and Romare Bearden. Newer facilities include the state- of- the- art, 82,000- square- foot
Interdisciplinary Research Building.
All students must complete general education requirements, which vary by
school or college but uniformly encompass 18 credits in science, social sciences,
humanities, computer literacy, math, languages, and one Afro American studies
course. Freshman seminars and various other special programs for first- year students
are available in the undergraduate schools, such as communication, engineering,
and arts and sciences. Seniors in arts and sciences must weather a comprehensive
exam to graduate.
The school has excellent programs in business, political science, nursing, jour-
nalism, architecture, computer science, and psychology, and it has intensified offer-
ings in Africana and diaspora studies. Other intriguing academic options are jazz
studies, engineering (especially electrical engineering), and accelerated programs for
a B.S. on the way to a medical or dental degree. The most popular majors are in
the areas of business, communication, physical sciences, and biology. The Howard
University Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Program, a multidisciplinary pro-
gram involving nine departments, is designed to support underrepresented students
pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines. The classics department, unique among his-
torically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has been dissolved as part of a “pri-
oritization” effort. Howard students can cross- register for courses at 13 other area
schools, including American University, Georgetown, and GWU’s Corcoran School
of the Arts and Design.
In general, students say that the workload at Howard is demanding. “Some
courses are more rigorous than others. But overall this school is tough,” says a junior.
Another student adds, “Come to Howard ready to study.” Forty- six percent of classes
have fewer than 20 students. Most students agree that professors are ready and will-
ing to help when asked, though academic advising is not Howard’s strength.
“Sometimes you may get professors who do not know how to break down any-
thing,” explains a psychology major. “Then it is your job to speak up and ask ques-
tions. You must ask questions because a closed mouth does not get fed!” Howard’s
prime D.C. location means that internship, co- op, and service- learning opportuni-
ties with all manner of government organizations, nonprofits, and corporations are
practically limitless. Qualified students can apply for the Junior Experiential Learning
Program, which helps them secure internships and other practical work experiences.
The program also assigns each participant an alumni career mentor with experience
(continued)
Male/Female: 27/73
Financial Aid: 85%
Pell Grant: 47%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 19,537
Accepted: 52%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 79%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (202) 806- 2755
Email Address: admission @
howard .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Political Science
Nursing
Journalism
Architecture
Computer Science
Psychology
Afro American Studies
“It’s a very competitive
school, from grades to
fashion.”
Howard’s prime D.C.
location means that
internship, co- op,
and service- learning
opportunities are
practically limitless.
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HOWARD UNIVERSITY 341
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
in their field of interest who can assist with networking and career advice. A modest
1 percent of students study abroad at one of the more than 200 institutions in 36
countries where Howard grants credit.
Ninety- three percent of Howard undergraduates hail from states outside of the
District of Columbia, and another 4 percent are international. Black students represent
65 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 6 percent, Asian Americans 3 percent,
and American Indians 1 percent; 5 percent identify
as multiracial. Nearly three-quarters are women.
Many come from decidedly middle- class back
-
grounds, although 47 percent of freshmen qualify
for Pell Grants. Howard seems to be a very cohesive community, but career- minded and
highly motivated students fit in best, students say, and most are politically liberal. “It’s a
very competitive school, from grades to fashion,” says a junior. A range of renewable
merit scholarships are available on a first- come, first- served basis to freshman applicants,
and these awards average $14,200 per year. Transfer students are eligible for a separate
pool of merit scholarships, and Howard also awards athletic scholarships. A deferred-
payment plan allows families to pay each semester’s tuition in three installments.
Fifty- six percent of Howard’s students are accommodated on campus, and facili-
ties receive lukewarm reviews. “Housing at Howard is average in regards to availabil-
ity, maintenance, and comfort,” says one student. Freshmen get room assignments,
while upperclassmen take their chances in a lottery. Many students live off campus
purely to avoid the mandatory meal plan.
Weekends bring an assortment of social happenings to campus, many of which
take place in the student center. On- campus parties and sports events are always
big draws, but the restaurants and clubs in the nearby U Street corridor, the bars of
Georgetown and Adams Morgan, and the Capital One Arena (home to the NBA’s
Wizards and the NHL’s Capitals) also beckon and are easily accessible by public tran-
sit. Fraternities and sororities do not have their own housing or dining facilities, and
only 8 percent of the men and 6 percent of the women go Greek. Though small in
numbers, one student says the Greeks are “an integral part of the university.”
Athletics are also an important presence on campus, particularly Division I Bison
basketball, soccer, and football. Howard boasts the only all- Black collegiate swim
team in the country (Northeast Conference champions in 2023), and its meets are a
party with packed stands, a DJ, and poolside dancing. Thanks to the largesse of bas-
ketball star Stephen Curry, it has developed one of only a few Division I men’s and
women’s golf programs at HBCUs. The highlight of the season is always the grudge
match with Hampton University to decide which school is the “true HU.” Howard’s
homecoming is one of the best annual events, along with various Greekfests, con-
certs, and talent shows that current students, alumni, and community members
enjoy together. Intramurals and club sports attract plenty of students, especially flag
football, soccer, basketball, and baseball.
Among America’s HBCUs, Howard stands out as the standard- bearer, a longtime
center of excellence and leadership. Its scholarship and collections of artwork, rare
books, manuscripts, and photographs are a repository of the Black experience,
informing students’ intellectual and personal growth. And with an increased focus
on providing opportunities for real- world experience and service, Howard is sure to
continue its long tradition of turning out Black leaders in all areas of society.
“You must ask questions
because a closed mouth
does not get fed!”
The swim team meets
are a party with
packed stands, a DJ,
and poolside dancing.
Overlaps
Hampton, Spelman,
Morehouse,
Xavier University
of Louisiana,
Tuskegee, Emory,
Florida A&M,
George Washington
If You Apply To ›
Howard: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Howard’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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342 THE COLLEGE OF IDAHO
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The College of Idaho
Caldwell, ID 83605
Got a map? You’ll need a sharp eye to spot C of I, the Fiske Guide’s only liberal
arts school between the Rocky Mountains and the West Coast. Innovative PEAK
curriculum allows students to specialize in multiple fields. Just over half of the
students are from Idaho.
With an emphasis on education and experiential learning, the College of Idaho, the
state’s oldest four- year university, offers students an opportunity to earn a solid lib-
eral arts education through small classes in a small town. Outside class, the school’s
scenic environment allows sports and nature enthusiasts to explore freely before
heading back into the classroom. At C of I, you’ll be exposed to “hard work, great
opportunities, and a healthy amount of fun,” says a freshman.
The college is in the small town of Caldwell, where the atmosphere is calm
and serene. For those looking for a little excitement, the state capital of Boise is a
short drive from campus. Also nearby are some of Idaho’s most scenic locations,
such as beautiful mountains, deserts, and white- water rivers. The school, originally
a Presbyterian college, first planted roots in downtown Caldwell in 1891 and then
moved to its present site in 1910, where its nearly 30 buildings now occupy 43 acres.
Newer campus additions include a 60,000- square- foot, state- of- the- art library.
The school’s academic schedule is composed of 12- week semesters, spring and
fall, separated by a four- week winter session, during which students can assist pro-
fessors with research, take an internship, volunteer, or travel abroad. The college’s
distinctive PEAK program combines a liberal
arts education with specialization in multiple
fields. Over four years, students earn a major
and three minors spread across four knowledge
“peaks”— the humanities, social sciences, natu-
ral sciences, and a professional field. Students choose among 25 majors and 38
minors. Freshmen sign an honor code and go through a first- year program that
involves a first- year seminar, a premodern civilization course, a junior or senior
mentor, a team of advisors, and a weeklong orientation that includes an off-
campus overnight stay at a lakeside camp.
“The workload can be relaxed or intense depending upon a student’s desire
for success,” says one senior. Business, psychology, biology, health sciences, and
environmental studies are among the majors recommended by students, and pre-
professional programs, such as premed, prenursing, and prelaw, are also popular
and strong. Sixty percent of all classes at C of I have fewer than 20 students, and
faculty are praised for their knowledge and accessibility. “The professors are mas-
ters of their craft,” a senior says. The college cooperates with the University of
Idaho to offer a five- year course of study in engineering. Undergraduate research
opportunities are available in all fields, and students present their findings at state
and regional conferences. The Center for Experiential Learning coordinates out- of-
classroom experiences, such as international education and service learning. For
those who want to venture abroad, the college offers options for attending a for-
eign university or traveling overseas during the summer and winter breaks. Travel
has really taken off, with study abroad opportunities in nearly 60 countries around
the world.
“Everyone seems like some kind of repressed genius trying to figure out their
own existence, pursue stability, and create something meaningful,” muses one
Website: www .collegeofidaho
.edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,065
Undergraduates: 1,044
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 28%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 70%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 4,490
Accepted: 46%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 60%
Returning Freshmen: 76%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (208) 459- 5305
Email Address: admission @
collegeofidaho .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Psychology
Biology
Health Sciences
Environmental Studies
Premed
Prenursing
Prelaw
“Everyone seems like some
kind of repressed genius
trying to figure out their
own existence.”
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THE COLLEGE OF IDAHO 343
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
student, adding, “There are also those who are more career- minded.” Fifty- two per-
cent of the students are from Idaho and an impressive 15 percent come from for-
eign countries. Fourteen percent are Hispanic/Latino, 2 percent are Black, 2 percent
are Asian American, and 6 percent are multiracial. Political issues receive plenty of
attention on campus, and debates about the school’s honor code are not uncom-
mon among students. The college offers merit scholarships averaging $22,700 as
well as more than 120 athletic scholarships. Not surprisingly, some of those dollars
are set aside for skiers.
Sixty- five percent of students live on campus. “Residences are great, easy to
decorate, and relatively big,” says one student. Options include five traditional
residence halls, two suite- style apartment buildings, and more than 20 rental
houses. For meals, C of I provides “a grill, deli, salad bar, pizza, and vegetarian
options” that are “to die for,” according to one student. “Campus safety gets a 10
out of 10,” says a junior. “There is an officer on duty 24/7 even over breaks and
summer vacation.”
Thirteen percent of men and 11 percent of women participate in the Greek
system, which dominates campus social life. Students 21 and over are permitted to
have alcohol on campus, in moderation (translation: no kegs). Annual social high-
lights include Winterfest, Spring Fling, and homecoming week. Games against rival
Northwest Nazarene also attract attention. “We
have a fantastic social scene. We host events
almost nightly,” a student reports. Undergraduates
can choose among more than 50 student clubs,
and the arts are strong. Students of all majors participate in a wide range of instru-
mental and choral music, theater, visual arts, and other activities, and the choir has
performed at Carnegie Hall and other venues around the country. “Finals breakfasts”
offer something for bleary- eyed students to look forward to during finals week; at
midnight on Tuesday, faculty and staff cook breakfast for students.
Caldwell, with about 60,000 people, is not a great spot for college students, but
students get involved by helping out the local school district. Nearby Boise is a pop-
ular destination for shopping, dining, and cultural events, including a symphony
orchestra, art museum, zoo, professional baseball and hockey, and the must- see
World Center for Birds of Prey. Outdoor enthusiasts relish the fact that the C of I
campus is just minutes away from world- class opportunities for skiing, hiking,
camping, fishing, rock climbing, and white- water rafting. The student- run Outdoor
Program offers trips, classes, and equipment rentals.
More than a third of students play for one of the college’s 21 varsity teams,
which compete in NAIA Division II. The Yotes (“We are the Coyotes”) have earned
team national championships in baseball, basketball, and skiing. For those who
enjoy the game but might not make the team, there is an active intramurals pro-
gram and the large Albertson Activities Center. “Intramurals are huge at our school,”
says a sophomore, drawing nearly half the students.
C of I has much to offer its Yotes. They enjoy a well- designed liberal arts educa-
tion and personal academic attention on a campus striving to keep its offerings on
the cutting edge. What’s more, students here are encouraged to take an active role
in the school’s future. From creating traditions to upholding the honor code, a
sophomore says, “We are involved in all aspects of campus life.”
Over four years,
students earn a major
and three minors
spread across four
knowledge “peaks.”
“We have a fantastic social
scene. We host events
almost nightly.”
The C of I campus
is just minutes
away from world-
class opportunities
for skiing, hiking,
camping, fishing,
rock climbing, and
white- water rafting.
Overlaps
Boise State,
University of Idaho,
Idaho State, College
of Western Idaho,
Westminster,
Earlham, Northwest
Nazarene
If You Apply To ›
Idaho: Early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. (Test- optional applicants must complete additional
short- answer essay questions.) Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
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344 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA– CHAMPAIGN
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Illinois at Urbana– Champaign
901 West Illinois Street, Urbana, IL 61801
Half a step behind Michigan and neck and neck with Wisconsin among top
Midwestern public universities. U of I’s strengths include business, communication,
engineering, architecture, and the natural sciences. More than three- quarters of the
undergraduates hail from in state. Huge Greek system.
Like many of its Midwestern neighbors, the University of Illinois, which dates to
1867, has its roots in agriculture. The Morrow Plots, the oldest experimental fields
in the nation, still rest symbolically in the middle of campus— and when the wind
blows the wrong way, students are not- so- subtly reminded of their heritage as a
farm school. Like most big, public universities, U of I has a barn full of choices, and
with a strong Greek system and 1,000 clubs, social activities are more than plenti-
ful. Homecoming weekend was invented at the University of Illinois, and whether
cheering for the Illini, pledging a Greek organization, or celebrating Moms’, Dads’,
or Siblings’ Weekends, students here stir up a vibrant mix of school spirit and good
times. This may look and feel like a laid- back Midwestern campus, but make no
mistake: Illinois’s stellar academics and learning communities are up there with any
of the country’s public flagships.
Befitting one of the earliest land grant institutions, the Illinois campus was built
in farm country between the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. The flat, park-
like campus was designed along a mile- long axis where trees and walkways sep-
arate stately white- columned Georgian structures made of brick. The impressive
Illinois library system, one of the largest public university collections worldwide
with 14 million physical volumes, makes it easier to keep up with classwork. A
225,000- square- foot computer science center and the physical education center are
notable. Newer facilities include the $48 million Siebel Center for Design.
Illinois has eight undergraduate colleges and one school that together offer
more than 150 undergraduate programs; if none of these strike your fancy, you
may design your own. The general education program includes standard distribu-
tion requirements across a range of subjects;
students may fulfill some requirements by
taking Grand Challenge Learning courses, inter-
disciplinary classes that explore three main “pathways,” or real- world challenges
facing today’s society: Inequality and Cultural Understanding; Health and
Wellness; and Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment.
Partially because of its size, Illinois can afford to support excellent programs
across the university, including the expansion of undergraduate minors cam-
puswide. Engineering, business, communication, social sciences, architecture,
education, industrial design, and the sciences— especially biological sciences,
agriculture, and veterinary medicine— get high marks from students and lots of
resources from administrators. A “CS + X” degree program allows students to com-
bine the study of computer science with one of 12 other liberal arts fields, ranging
from anthropology and advertising to chemistry and crop sciences, without having
to go so far as double majoring. The initiative is a way for students to demon-
strate both technical competence and career- related expertise to future employ-
ers. The interdisciplinary Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
offers opportunities for undergraduate research in areas like intelligent systems
and molecular science and engineering. Forty- three percent of undergrads conduct
research during their four years.
Website: www .illinois .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 56,916
Undergraduates: 35,120
Male/Female: 51/49
Financial Aid: 45%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 41%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 63,257
Accepted: 45%
Enrolled: 28%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (217) 333- 0302
Email Address: admissions @
illinois .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Business
Communication
Social Sciences
Architecture
Education
Industrial Design
Biological Sciences
“[Professors] are truly
invested in our success.”
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA– CHAMPAIGN 345
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“Overall, classes are demanding,” says a senior. Freshmen and sophomores, who
register last, may have trouble getting into necessary courses, but professors and aca-
demic advisors can usually help if needed classes are full, and students appreciate
their dedication. Illinois has its share of stellar faculty, including Nobel laureates,
National Medal of Science winners, and dozens of members of the National Academy
of Sciences. “The quality of teaching is high with few exceptions,” says a psychology
major. “They are truly invested in our success,” adds a senior. Even freshmen stuck
in large lectures (750 seats) will find some personal attention in the associated dis-
cussion sections, led by graduate teaching assistants. Freshman Discovery Courses,
seminars limited to 19 students, enable first- year students to interact closely with full
professors. The Campus Honors Program includes faculty mentoring, intensive sem-
inars, advanced sections of regular courses, and access to special resources. Twenty-
four percent of undergraduates travel and study abroad, roaming 50 countries around
the globe.
Seventy percent of Illinois undergrads are homegrown, and “the school is con-
tinuously getting more diverse,” a sophomore says. Since Illinois stretches from the
wealthy north suburbs of urbane Chicago to the unspoiled rural hills bordering
Kentucky and encompasses classic farm towns as
well as factory towns, students do come from
multiple backgrounds and fit less into the stereo-
typical “Midwest” mold than one might think. Black students make up 6 percent of
the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 14 percent, Asian Americans 22 percent, and
multiracial students 4 percent, while international students account for 13 percent.
Merit scholarships averaging $7,300 and more than 200 athletic awards are doled
out annually. The Illinois Commitment program provides free tuition and fees for
four years for qualified in- state freshmen or transfer students whose family income
is $67,100 or less.
Half of all undergrads live in U of I’s co- ed and single- sex residence halls, which
range in size from 51 to 660 beds and are arranged in quadrangle- like groups. Some
dorms are quite a hike from classrooms, veterans warn. The university offers 11
themed living/learning communities, such as WIMSE (Women in Math, Science,
and Engineering) and Innovation LLC (entrepreneurship and creativity), that com-
bine in- hall courses with specialized cocurricular activities. Each residence hall is a
mini neighborhood, with dining halls, darkrooms, libraries, music practice rooms,
computers, and lounges creating a sense of community. Chefs keep the food inter-
esting, and campus security maintains a visible presence.
Illinois claims to have one of the largest Greek systems anywhere, with 87
chapters drawing 21 percent of the men and 27 percent of the women. Illinois
attracts many socially oriented students who love parties and intramural sports,
which may be why the Greek influence is particularly strong. Independents don’t
have to suffer boredom, though, as there are also roughly 1,000 registered student
clubs and organizations, ranging from the ice hockey team to cultural affinity
groups. “It is a big campus that likes to have a lot of fun,” a student says. Though
drinking is prohibited in the dorms, many regard campus alcohol policies as a
“token gesture,” a business major says. The Illini Union hosts bands, comedians,
movies, trivia, karaoke, and other activities every week. The impressive Krannert
Center for the Performing Arts, with four theaters and more than 350 annual per-
formances, serves as the area’s cultural center, while Assembly Hall hosts national
touring acts. Students get a discount at both facilities. For those who itch for the
stimulation of a big city, the campus is just about equidistant from Chicago,
Indianapolis, and St. Louis, and Mardi Gras makes for a good road trip in the dead
of winter.
The Division I Illini compete in the Big Ten, and men’s basketball and baseball
“It is a big campus that likes
to have a lot of fun.”
The impressive Illinois
library system is
one of the largest
public university
collections worldwide.
Illinois claims to
have one of the
largest Greek
systems anywhere,
with 87 chapters.
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346 ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
have winning traditions. Men’s golf and basketball are recent conference champs,
and women’s gymnastics, soccer, and softball are solid too. The intramural program
is extensive, with available facilities that include 16 full- length basketball courts,
five pools, 19 handball/racquetball courts, a skating rink, a baseball stadium, and
the Atkins Tennis Center. The majority of the student body participates in recre-
ational sports. Illinois has a strong athletic program for students with disabilities,
including wheelchair basketball, which was invented at the university.
While the University of Illinois may seem mammoth to some students, don’t be
scared off by this giant institution. Academic and social opportunities are incredibly
diverse, and classroom sizes, while growing, are supplemented by smaller group dis-
cussions. The breadth of the programs offered combined with an active campus life
makes for a well- rounded college experience, students say. “We have a great reputa-
tion, and it only grows stronger and stronger.”
Overlaps
University of
Iowa, University
of Michigan,
Northwestern,
Purdue,
UW– Madison,
WashU in St. Louis,
University of Kansas,
Indiana University
If You Apply To ›
Illinois: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular schools or
programs. Music, dance, and theater applicants must audition. Please consult U of I’s website for the most up- to- date infor-
mation regarding standardized test requirements.
Illinois Institute of Technology
10 West 33rd Street, Chicago, IL 60616
Forget about cheerleaders, homecoming games, and other traditional trappings of
college life. Illinois Tech is all about learning about technology, getting a degree,
and landing a job. Academic focus is on engineering, computer science, and a bit
of architecture thrown in for good measure. If your goal is a technical career in the
Chicago area, look no further.
At the Illinois Institute of Technology, classwork and real- world experience promise
to propel future engineers, architects, and computer scientists to the top of their
fields. Students here engage in undergraduate research in state- of- the- art labs and
gain practical work experience through abundant internship opportunities. The
coursework may be hard, says a junior, but the effort “will pay off in the end” as
students enter the workforce in high- paying technical jobs. And although students
here tend to burn the midnight oil, they frequently escape to downtown Chicago
for culture and much- deserved fun.
Illinois Tech’s home is an urban, 120- acre campus designed by Ludwig Mies
van der Rohe, the influential 20th- century architect who directed the architecture
school for 20 years. Founded by a merger in 1940 but with roots dating to the 1890s,
the school is just three miles south of Chicago’s
Loop and one mile west of Lake Michigan.
Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the White Sox, is
located directly across from the campus. Miesian-
style buildings reflecting his rectangular “less is more” style are adorned by trees and
grassy open parks. Crown Hall, which houses the College of Architecture, is a
National Historic Landmark. The recently opened Kaplan Institute boasts high- tech
labs, collaborative hubs, and makerspaces that allow students to work on cross-
disciplinary projects and develop entrepreneurial ideas.
Website: www .iit .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 5,425
Undergraduates: 2,703
Male/Female: 66/34
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 32%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 7,243
Accepted: 61%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 75%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
“Students at Illinois
Tech are nerds, but in a
good way.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Along with humanities and social science courses, students must fulfill gen-
eral education requirements that include mathematics, computer science, natural
science, and engineering; writing is emphasized across the curriculum. All fresh-
men take an introduction to the professions seminar, which includes discussion of
innovation, ethics, teamwork, communication, and leadership. Multidisciplinary,
group- based learning is big here. Every student must complete two semester- long
interprofessional projects that sharpen real- world skills.
Engineering and computer science are the most popular majors, and they set
the tone at Illinois Tech. Every engineering department is first- rate. Architecture is
also popular and highly regarded; the curriculum emphasizes a team approach that
mixes third- through fifth- year students under the supervision of a master professor.
“Architecture has a strong faculty,” says one student, “and biomedical engineering
is very new and well funded.” Business rounds out the most popular majors, and the
sciences, physics in particular, are strong. Guided by an academic reorganization,
the physical sciences have been bolstered, grouped together with career- oriented
fields such as psychology and computer information systems. Illinois Tech is the
first university to offer a B.S. in bioanalytical chemistry, and it has also added majors
in artificial intelligence, food science and nutrition, and environmental chemistry.
Accelerated master’s programs enable students to earn both a bachelor’s and a mas-
ter’s in five years. Dual admissions programs are available in pharmacy, optometry,
and osteopathic medicine.
The academic climate is pretty unforgiving, students say. Both the workload and
the competition are fierce. “The courses are very difficult,” says a junior. Forty- nine
percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and professors always teach their own
classes, while teaching assistants are available for labs and extra help. “Professors take
an active role in their students’ education,” states a biochemistry major.
In addition to meeting outside of class to go over problem sets or for career direc-
tion, Illinois Tech students and professors often work side by side on research projects.
The Lewis College of Science and Letters awards several $5,000 scholarships to under-
grads to perform research work under the supervi-
sion of faculty during the summer. Engineering
students make use of sophisticated labs and have
access to independent research labs in Chicago.
Two dozen on- campus research centers, such as the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical
Science and Engineering and the Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research,
provide additional opportunities. The five- year co- op program— another possibility
for hands- on experience— helps lead Illinois Tech students directly into high- paying
jobs after graduation. Study abroad programs send students to more than 50 nations
around the globe, including France, Greece, Chile, and Singapore; 10 percent of
students— mostly architecture majors— participate.
“Students at Illinois Tech are nerds,” reports a communication major, but “in a
good way.” In- state students account for 71 percent of the undergraduate popula-
tion, and 15 percent hail from foreign countries. Black students constitute 5 percent
of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 21 percent, Asian Americans 17 percent, and
multiracial students 4 percent. Students say International Fest is one of the year’s
most popular events, and the school sponsors a multitude of cultural awareness
workshops and events on different diversity- related topics. Merit scholarships aver-
aging $31,200 are available to qualified students.
First- years and sophomores are required to live on campus, although those who
live with their families within a 20- mile radius of campus are allowed to commute.
Several residence halls have been renovated in the last few years. The Women in
Social Engagement learning community attracts female students who are interested
in leadership, civic engagement, and social change. Some students live in apartments
(continued)
Admissions: (800) 448- 2329
Email Address: admission @
iit .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Architecture
Computer Science
Business
Physics
Bioanalytical Chemistry
“Professors take an active
role in their students’
education.”
Two dozen on-
campus research
centers provide
many opportunities
for research.
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348 ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
in the area; others inhabit one of the eight fraternity houses. The dining hall has several
meal plans and a special vegetarian menu. Engineers and architects— notorious late-
night studiers— need to keep an eye on the library hours as it closes early some nights.
Illinois Tech’s six- block campus sits in Bronzeville, a historically Black neighbor-
hood on Chicago’s South Side famous for nurturing the likes of Gwendolyn Brooks,
Mahalia Jackson, and Herbie Hancock. The area is undergoing a revitalization, and
the university connects students with local community organizations for volunteer
work. Most students love exploring Chicago; the city skyline is beautiful and a veri-
table museum, with buildings designed by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis
Sullivan, and, of course, Mies van der Rohe. “Chicago provides educational oppor-
tunities, internship opportunities, and countless things to do,” says one biomedical
engineering major. Lake Michigan is within jogging distance, Chinatown is a walk
away for lunch or dinner, and the school provides free shuttle bus service to down-
town on weekends.
Although students who stick around campus on weekends must work hard to
find social events, “the social life at Illinois Tech has improved over my four years,”
says a senior. Fraternities claim 10 percent of the men and sororities attract 9 per-
cent of the women, and many students say the
social aspect of Greek life is a welcome addition
to campus. The Union Board offers movies, con-
certs, and comedians, and the Bog brings in
bands on Thursdays and Saturdays. The annual
boat cruise and casino night on the Odyssey sightseeing boat is a favorite event, and
students can also take advantage of the city’s ample nightlife or plan outings to
museums, plays, or the Chicago Symphony.
In sports- crazy Chicago, Illinois Tech’s Division III athletic teams (the Scarlet
Hawks) are not much of a draw. Still, students praise the men’s baseball and bas-
ketball teams, and the men’s tennis team recently won the Northern Athletics
Collegiate Conference title. Men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball are
also competitive. Several recreational sports are available for more casual athletes.
Heading off to Chi- town to take on the mammoth workload at Illinois Tech
means hitting the books for hours and a fair share of all- nighters. But the payoff is
undeniable. One student says bluntly, “This school is for people who want to make
a lot of money after college.” And while in school, they revel in the best of two
worlds: a challenging academic climate and a great city in which to let off all that
steam.
The annual boat
cruise and casino
night on the Odyssey
sightseeing boat is
a favorite event.
“Chicago provides
educational opportunities,
internship opportunities,
and countless things to do.”
Overlaps
Carnegie Mellon,
Loyola University
Chicago, Marquette,
Rensselaer
Polytechnic,
U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
DePaul, Purdue,
U of I at Chicago
If You Apply To ›
Illinois Tech: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application. Applicants to architecture
program may submit optional portfolio.
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL 61701
IWU is a small Midwestern university with a penchant for creativity and the spirit of
inquiry. The curriculum is basic liberal arts with additional divisions devoted to fine
arts and nursing. An optional three- week term in May allows students to travel or
explore an interest. IWU’s reputation is limited outside Illinois and surrounding states.
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Illinois Wesleyan University has its sights set on a special breed of student— the
kind who isn’t afraid to be many things at once. Students here are encouraged to
pursue diverse passions, and IWU is a mecca for students who have preprofessional
interests, especially those with unusual pairings like management and music. “What
makes Wesleyan really stand out is its care and attention for each student as an indi-
vidual,” says a junior.
Founded in 1850, IWU occupies an 83- acre campus site in a north- side resi-
dential district of Bloomington. The heart of campus is the central quadrangle, and
tree- lined walkways connect buildings that range in style from gray stone Gothic
to ultramodern steel and glass. IWU’s main classroom building, State Farm Hall,
includes state- of- the- art classrooms and research spaces. An expansion of the Shirk
Center doubled the size of the university’s fitness facilities.
Illinois Wesleyan’s general education requirements expose students to a broad
array of liberal arts disciplines and are intended to help them develop critical-
thinking and writing skills, imagination, intellectual independence, social aware-
ness, and sensitivity to others. All first- year
students must take a Gateway Colloquium, a
topic- based, seminar- style class of 15 that stresses
critical reading, writing, discussion, and analyti-
cal skills. Recent topics include Issues in Public
Health, Mathematics of Computer Security, and Can I Cite TikTok? First- years regis-
ter for classes and begin to reflect on their college experience during the Rising Titan
summer orientation. They also attend the four- day Turning Titan orientation pro-
gram, which involves an opening convocation, a common reading program, a day
of community service, the Titan Carnival, and other events before classes begin in
the fall.
Among the top- notch programs in the College of Liberal Arts are biology,
English, chemistry, and math, and some of the most popular majors include busi-
ness and marketing, nursing, accounting, and psychology. The business adminis-
tration department offers a Portfolio Management course in which students buy
and sell orders overseen by a client board composed of university trustees. IWU’s
School of Nursing and Health Sciences is another big draw. The kinesiology and
allied health major prepares students for careers in exercise science, physical ther-
apy, cardiac rehabilitation, sports nutrition, and similar fields. The College of
Fine Arts houses three separate schools of music, art, and theater; music and theater
are the standouts, offering eight distinct majors between the two. New offerings
include majors in data science, neuroscience, and public health.
“IWU’s academic climate is collaborative and explorative,” says an accounting
major. “Professors are always available for extra support and love pursuing new ideas
with students outside of the classroom.” Sixty- six percent of courses have fewer than
20 students. In addition to the usual fall and spring semesters, IWU has an optional
three- week May term that gives students a chance to focus on a single intensive
course or undertake research, a service project, or an internship. IWU has recently
added two short summer sessions, as well. Faculty- led May term travel courses are a
particularly popular option. About 40 percent of students take advantage of the uni-
versity’s study abroad program, which sends them packing to their choice of more
than 70 countries. Research opportunities are also plentiful, with around half of
students taking part, and IWU hosts an annual student research conference that
attracts scholars from all disciplines. Students praise advising and career services:
“My advisor is my biggest cheerleader at IWU,” enthuses an accounting major.
At IWU, a finance major says, “Everyone has a sense of Titan pride that comes
out in our mantra ‘Titan Green Over Everything.’” Undergraduates here are largely
the homegrown variety, with 78 percent hailing from Illinois and 4 percent from
Website: www .iwu .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,512
Undergraduates: 1,512
Male/Female: 51/49
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 24%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 73%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 4,408
Accepted: 42%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 79%
Returning Freshmen: 82%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 332- 2498
Email Address: iwuadmit @
iwu .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
English
Chemistry
Accounting
Business and Marketing
Nursing
Music
Theater
Psychology
“Professors are always
available for extra support
and love pursuing new
ideas with students.”
IWU’s main classroom
building, State
Farm Hall, includes
state- of- the- art
classrooms and
research spaces.
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350 ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
outside the country. Although IWU began admitting Black students in 1867, they
still account for only 7 percent of the student body. Hispanics/Latinos represent
9 percent, Asian Americans 7 percent, and multiracial students 2 percent. In response
to student concerns about inclusion on campus, the university has implemented
mandatory diversity training for students, faculty, and staff. Students here are gen-
erally liberal, socially conscious, and active in groups like Circle K, the Alpha Phi
Omega service fraternity, and Habitat for Humanity. Merit scholarships averaging
$30,000 are available to qualified students; there are no athletic scholarships.
IWU requires students to live on campus for three years, and students say the
housing is not a highlight. “The dorms are very outdated,” reports a business admin-
istration major, but a junior adds, “Upperclassman dorms are a lot nicer, newer, and
more spacious.” Campus food is described as
“nothing to rave about,” although offerings for
those with dietary restrictions have been improv-
ing. Most students say campus security is good,
and the university’s Consent Is Sexy campaign is
helping push awareness of and discussions about sexual violence on campus.
Fifteen percent of the men and 26 percent of the women go Greek, and fraterni-
ties and sororities are the focus of IWU’s social life. A student explains, “Most parties
occur at frat houses, but the campus is so small that they are open to everyone.”
Alcohol policies allow drinking on campus for those of legal age. For alternatives,
the Office of Student Activities sponsors free events in the student center almost
every weekend, and academic departments and the Student Senate regularly bring
guest speakers to campus. Each fall during homecoming, Greeks and dorm dwellers
compete in the Titan Games to get appropriately psyched, and the Big Show brings
major performers to campus in the spring.
Thanks to the proximity of Illinois State University— less than a mile away in
neighboring Normal— IWU offers more than the typical small college town atmo-
sphere. The area’s total student population of about 25,000 provides students at tiny
IWU with “the best of both worlds,” says a senior. A freshman adds, “Some kids
from big cities say there is nothing to do in Bloomington- Normal, but in my opin-
ion, they are exaggerating.” Options include nearby theaters, concert venues, coffee
shops, bars, and a farmers market in warmer months. The best road trips are to
Peoria or Urbana– Champaign (home of the University of Illinois) or to Chicago or
St. Louis, each two and a half hours away.
The IWU Titans compete in the Division III College Conference of Illinois and
Wisconsin. Football is well and good, but Titans basketball really gets students going.
The men’s golf team won the CCIW championship in 2022 and 2023, and men’s and
women’s lacrosse, women’s golf, and women’s soccer are also strong. IWU’s varsity
eSports team is nationally competitive. The Fort Natatorium houses an impressive
14- lane swimming pool, and the swim team has had its share of stars. The small but
active recreational sports program offers about a dozen club and intramural sports.
One of the Midwest’s better- kept academic secrets, Illinois Wesleyan is at once
cozy and diverse, loaded with opportunities for ambitious students with traditional
or offbeat interests. As one junior advises, “The school provides a multitude of paths
down which one can travel. IWU allows you to become who you want to be, but
only if you let it.”
“Most parties occur at frat
houses, but the campus is
so small that they are open
to everyone.”
The Fort Natatorium
houses an impressive
14- lane swimming
pool, and the swim
team has had its
share of stars.
Overlaps
Augustana (IL),
DePauw, Allegheny,
Lawrence, College
of Wooster, Loyola
University Chicago,
Bradley, DePaul
If You Apply To ›
Illinois Wesleyan: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supple-
ment. Music and theater applicants must audition or interview. Art applicants are encouraged to submit portfolio.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Indiana University
300 North Jordan Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405
Though men’s basketball has traditionally been IU’s most famous program, it may not
be its best. That distinction could easily go to the world- renowned music school or
to the distinguished foreign language and business offerings. IU enrolls more out- of-
staters than the University of Illinois. Bloomington is a great college town, and most
students live off campus after freshman year.
With just over 34,000 undergraduates on its enormous campus, Indiana University
is the prototype of the large Midwestern school. With strong academics, a thriving
social scene, and some of the best sports teams around, this top- notch public insti-
tution is a testament to Hoosier determination.
Located in southern Indiana’s gently rolling hills, the 1,953- acre campus boasts
architecture from Italianate brick to collegiate Gothic limestone to the distinctive
style of world- famous architect I. M. Pei. Other unique campus features include
fountains, gargoyles, an arboretum of more than
450 trees and shrubs surrounding two reflecting
pools, a limestone gazebo, and the Campus River,
a pretty creek that runs alongside a shaded path.
Recent construction includes the Ludwig Mies
van der Rohe Building for the School of Art,
Architecture + Design, the new $17.5 million Ferguson International Center, which
houses programs supporting international students and overseas studies, and a
$23 million renovation of the Collins Living- Learning Center.
Founded in 1820, Indiana prides itself on its liberal arts education— many
freshmen are admitted not to individual schools but to University Division, and
students are encouraged to explore their interests. General education coursework
includes math, science, arts and humanities, social and historical studies, English
composition, world languages and cultures, and additional requirements that vary
by school.
IU’s schools and colleges offer more than 200 undergraduate majors, interdis-
ciplinary study, a design- your- own- major option, and intense honors and research
programs. The highly touted Kelley School of Business, with its respected global
studies component, is among the most popular on campus, and the School of
Education is also strong. Overall, the management, marketing, biological sciences,
and computer and information technology majors enroll the most students. When
it comes to the performing arts, the Jacobs School of Music is top in its field, set-
ting the, ahem, tone for much of the campus, and the dance program is solid. The
notable Media School gives students the language, communication, research, and
technological skills they need to excel in media- related careers, while the O’Neill
School of Public and Environmental Affairs is a top choice for those interested in
public policy. The Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies brings
together language, area studies, and international studies programs to prepare stu-
dents in the global competencies of the 21st century. The internationally known
Kinsey Institute, which studies critical issues in sexuality, gender, and reproduction,
is housed on IU Bloomington’s campus as well. Recently added academic offerings
include majors in organizational and business psychology, environmental geosci-
ence, and counseling and student services.
Students describe the academic climate as rigorous but not cutthroat. “With
4,000 different courses per semester, a variety of intensity levels exists,” says
Website: www .indiana .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 41,762
Undergraduates: 34,537
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 76%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 40%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 50,016
Accepted: 83%
Enrolled: 24%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (812) 855- 0661
Email Address: admissions @
indiana .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Education
Music
Dance
Management
Marketing
Biological Sciences
Computer and Information
Technology
“There is a balance [at
IU] with room for both
competitive overachievers
and laid- back, carefree
individuals.”
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352 INDIANA UNIVERSITY
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a marketing major. “There is a balance with room for both competitive over-
achievers and laid- back, carefree individuals.” Students say they regularly share
ideas with each other, and group projects are commonplace. Faculty members
bring their research results directly to students, and some profs, especially in
math and the sciences, bring undergrads into their labs to assist with ongoing
projects. “The professors here are remarkable,” says an art history major. As for
advising, many students seem surprised by the personal attention they receive
at such a large university, and they soon learn that many available resources are
helpful to those students who seek them out. For those seeking study abroad
opportunities, the university offers more than 380 programs in 70 countries and
17 languages for students in nearly every field of study; about 20 percent of stu-
dents take part.
Fifty- six percent of IU undergraduates are from in state, and 5 percent are
international. Black students account for 4 percent of the student body, Hispanics/
Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans 9 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent.
And while IU does not guarantee that it will meet the full demonstrated financial
need of every student, it does admit on a need- blind basis. Merit scholarships
average $7,700 annually, and more than 300 athletic scholarships are available
for qualified jocks.
Housing is guaranteed to all incoming freshmen and ranges from Gothic
quads (co- ed by building) to 13- floor high- rises (co- ed by floor or unit). One stu-
dent explains the housing situation this way: “All dorms have laundry facilities,
cafeterias, computer clusters, and undergradu-
ate advisors, and some even have special ame-
nities like language- speaking floors.” Learning communities—
including both Liv ing Learning Centers and
Thematic Communities— are popular with stu-
dents who wish to explore common interests like civic leadership, public health,
and the arts. Dining options range from all- you- care- to- eat to food courts with
outlets offering international and healthful menus sprinkled among the fast food.
Alcohol is prohibited in the dorms, which may help explain why 65 percent of
the student body lives off campus. Most off- campus residents choose apartments
or small houses with big front porches within walking distance of the campus or
the IU bus system. A number of student- driven initiatives, including Culture of
Care, Step UP! IU, and It’s on Us, are working to promote student wellness and
safety on campus.
Although IU’s more than 800 campus organizations host numerous events,
the most active on- campus groups, in terms of social life, seem to be the Greeks,
which attract 18 percent of the men and 20 percent of the women. Some com-
plain of a polarized atmosphere. “There is a large separation between the Greek
community and the rest of the student body,” says a senior. With concerts, bal-
lets, recitals, and festivals right on campus, students are not lacking for distrac-
tions. Indiana Memorial Union is one of the largest student unions in the nation,
and the range of extracurricular organizations is also impressive. Modeled after
the Indianapolis 500, the Little 500 bike race in the spring, in which teams of IU
undergrads race around a quarter- mile track, is one of the most highly attended
events of the year; 2023 marked the 72nd running of the race. The 36- hour
Dance Marathon in the fall raises money for Riley Children’s Hospital in
Indianapolis. Various cultural centers and community partnerships provide
plenty of opportunities for students to make a difference on campus and in
the community.
Students say Bloomington (population 80,000) is a great college town. There are
many excellent bars, shops, art venues, and ethnic restaurants, including one of the
The new Ferguson
International
Center houses
programs supporting
international students
and overseas studies.
“All dorms have laundry
facilities, cafeterias,
computer clusters, and
undergraduate advisors.”
A number of student-
driven initiatives are
working to promote
student wellness and
safety on campus.
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INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES 353
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
International Universities
Do you thrive on new experiences? Like to meet new people? Want to learn about different cultures? You can
do all that at a college or university in the United States, but if you really want to jump in with both feet, think
about attending a school in a foreign country. This section highlights the opportunities available in Canada,
Great Britain, and Ireland, by far the most common destinations outside the United States for degree- seeking
undergraduates.
The absence of a language barrier is the most obvious reason why these three countries are the preferred des-
tinations for study abroad. Plenty of students do a junior year abroad where the language is Spanish or Swahili,
but only a handful can realistically expect to earn an entire degree in a foreign tongue. A growing number of
European universities are offering instruction in English, not only to Americans but to students from through-
out the world. A smattering of American universities do exist in places ranging from Paris to Cairo, but most are
small and the majority of their enrollment is students from other countries seeking an American- style education.
If you’re willing to venture halfway around the world, Australia is an English- speaking destination that might be
worth a look for its combination of beautiful scenery, quality universities, and, at least by American standards,
reasonable tuition.
Look for coverage of Australian institutions in a future edition of the Fiske Guide. The following sections exam-
ine Canada, Britain, and Ireland in more detail, followed by full- length articles on selected institutions.
few Tibetan restaurants in the country. Locally, the area offers some impressive lime-
stone quarries, miles of public forests, and three nearby lakes. Spelunkers will find
heaven down below in the many nearby caves. Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis,
St. Louis, and even New Orleans are popular road trips.
Although dozens of intramural and club sports are available, recreational
sports pale in comparison with Division I varsity athletics here; basketball is an
established religion in the state of Indiana. Students and faculty are all eligible
for men’s basketball tickets, but they’ve got to
get requests in early. In recent years, the
Hoosiers men’s basketball, baseball, and soccer
teams and the men’s swimming and diving
team have claimed Big Ten championships; the
women’s basketball team has been a contender for the national title. Even the
football team draws cream- and- crimson crowds. Purdue has been IU’s main ath-
letic rival since 1891, and their football teams battle annually for the Old Oaken
Bucket, found on a farm in southern Indiana in 1925 and alleged to have been
used during the Civil War. The winner of the game with Michigan State takes
home the Old Brass Spittoon.
Along with IU’s reputation as a basketball powerhouse, it also provides commit-
ted students with stellar academics spanning a wide range of disciplines and a lively
social scene. Those who don’t mind its large size will find a welcoming atmosphere
and ample opportunities for more intimate learning experiences, not to mention
plenty of Hoosier pride.
“There is a large separation
between the Greek
community and the rest of
the student body.”
Overlaps
UT Austin, UC
Berkeley, CU
Boulder, University
of Iowa, University
of Kansas,
Purdue, U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
UW– Madison
If You Apply To ›
Indiana: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
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354 CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Canadian Universities
Horace Greeley told ambitious young men of his generation to “go West.” Today his admonition to young men
and women seeking a quality college education at a relatively modest cost would probably be to “go North”— to
Canada. A growing number of American students are discovering the educational riches that lie just above their
northern border in this huge land of 38 million people that is known for its rugged mountains, bicultural politics,
spirited ice hockey, and cold ale. What’s drawing them is easy to discern.
The top Canadian universities are the academic equals of most flagship public universities and many leading
privates in the United States. Canadian campuses and the cities in which they are located are safe places, and unless
one opts for a French course of study, there are no language and few cultural barriers. Canadian schools are strong
on international exchange programs, and their degrees carry weight with U.S. graduate schools.
Canada has 90 institutions of higher learning, ranging from internationally recognized research universities to
the small undergraduate teaching institutions in the country’s more rural areas. Most of the larger universities are
located in highly urban centers, but some are situated in smaller towns where they dominate the life of the com-
munity. Most are almost literally next door to the United States, within 100 miles of the Canada– U.S. border. In
this guide, we feature four of Canada’s strongest universities: the University of British Columbia, McGill University,
Queen’s University, and the University of Toronto.
Institutions of higher learning in Canada were established from the earliest days of French settlement in the
mid- 17th century, making them some of the oldest in North America. The precursors to the public universities in
Canada were the small, elite, denominational colleges that sprang up in Quebec, in the Maritimes, and later in
Ontario. A few private denominational colleges and universities still exist in Canada, but most have been subsumed
into affiliations or associations with the larger universities. Education in Canada, including university education,
became the exclusive jurisdiction of provincial governments.
One of the key differences between Canadian and U.S. universities is that Canadian universities (and this is
what they are, not “colleges”) are primarily funded from public monies. Calculating the cost for an American
to attend a Canadian university can be tricky. For one thing, the exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian
dollar fluctuates (at this writing, it significantly favors the U.S. dollar). Moreover, tuition and fee rates vary by
field of study. The cost of pricey majors such as medicine and other hard sciences can easily be double or triple
that of less expensive ones such as social work or theology. Canadian citizens, of course, pay far less than visi-
tors from south of the border. Depending on the factors just described, tuition and fees at the four universities
included in the Fiske Guide range from less than US $15,000 to more than US $70,000. For many U.S. students,
education at one of the top Canadian universities is comparable to out- of- state rates at a flagship public univer-
sity in the States.
Federal and provincial loans and grants that are readily available to Canadian students are generally not avail-
able to students from the United States and other countries. However, the majority of universities with competitive
admissions, particularly those featured in the Fiske Guide, offer merit- based awards and scholarships to students of
all nationalities. American students who attend leading Canadian schools can apply their U.S. student assistance
funds, including Federal Direct Loans and Pell Grants.
The criteria for obtaining a degree are set by each institution, as are the admissions requirements and prereq-
uisites. Unlike the United States, Canada does not offer nor require its own students to take a Canadian college
entrance test. Some Canadian universities admitting students from the United States will ask for SAT or ACT scores
along with high school marks from academic subjects in the last two or three years of high school. In general, top
universities are about as selective as their American counterparts.
Application fees vary by institution, as do deadlines. Canadian universities are aware of the May 1 dead-
line operative in the United States, and they try to accommodate. Applications to the University of Toronto and
Queen’s University in Ontario are handled centrally through the Ontario Universities’ Application Service, although
Queen’s also accepts the Common Application as an alternative for students applying from the U.S. McGill and
British Columbia handle their own applications directly. Canadian universities differ widely in the amount of
credit and/or advanced standing they offer for Advanced Placement examinations or International Baccalaureate
Higher Level examinations.
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UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 355
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The following admissions requirements apply to applicants from an American school system. In response to
the COVID- 19 pandemic, many Canadian schools have relaxed their SAT and ACT testing requirements for appli-
cants from the United States. Prospective students are advised to consult universities’ websites or contact admis-
sions officers directly for the most up- to- date information regarding testing requirements. Aside from SAT and ACT
scores, the University of British Columbia bases admissions decisions on the average of eight full- year academic
courses over the last two years of high school. McGill bases its assessment of American high school graduates on
the overall record of marks in academic subjects during the final three years of high school and their class standing.
Queen’s looks at class rank. Toronto’s Arts and Science faculties want a high grade point average. These universi-
ties generally have additional program- specific requirements for STEM fields that may be more stringent. ACT and
CEEB Advanced Placement Examination scores are also considered.
It is hard to beat Canadian universities for the quality of student life. Although many students commute,
most of the universities in Canada offer on- campus housing; some even guarantee campus housing for first-
year students. Universities offer active intramural and intercollegiate sports programs for both men and
women, and the usual student clubs, newspapers, and radio stations provide students with opportunities to
get involved and develop friendships. As in the United States, student- run organizations are active partici-
pants in university life, with leaders serving on university committees and lobbying on issues ranging from
creating more bicycle paths to keeping tuition low. Few Canadian campuses are troubled by issues of student
safety or rowdiness. In the larger urban centers, Canadian campuses reflect the rich diversity of Canada’s
cultural mosaic, and most encourage their students to gain international experience by spending a term or a
full year abroad.
Americans wondering about the currency of a Canadian degree in the United States should be reassured that
top American and multinational companies— the likes of Chase, IBM, and Microsoft— actively recruit on Canadian
campuses, as do American graduate schools. According to the Institute of International Education in New York,
more than 10,000 Canadians are currently enrolled in graduate schools in the United States.
The one thing that is different for U.S. and other international students intending to study in Canada is that
they will have to obtain a Student Authorization, equivalent to a visa, from Canadian immigration authorities as
well as a passport. Getting a Student Authorization is fairly straightforward for American citizens, but this slight
bureaucratic hurdle is a reminder that Canada, for all of its similarities in language and culture with the United
States, is still a separate country.
Universities Canada, a nonprofit organization representing Canada’s colleges and universities, has more infor-
mation at www .univcan .ca.
Canadian universities are currently playing host to about 1,600 American students on their campuses, and as
a result of funding cutbacks and internationalization policies in the early 1990s, they have become increasingly
active in recruiting students from south of the border. This is but one more reason why it makes sense for more
young Americans to check out the “Canadian option.” Canada, eh?
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1 CAN
Natural beauty is the first thing that draws Americans to Vancouver— and Canada’s
premier western university. A similar scale to places like University of Washington but
with two major differences— no big- time sports to unite the campus and limited dorm
life. The university is active in recruiting overseas, which creates an international
ambience.
What do three prime ministers of Canada, three provincial premiers, an astronaut, a
world- renowned opera singer, and two Nobel Prize winners have in common? They
are all graduates of the University of British Columbia. Founded in 1908, UBC offers
students hundreds of solid programs, such as business, science, engineering, the
social sciences, and fine arts, as well as ready access to beaches and mountains and
Website: www .you .ubc .ca
Location: City Outskirts
Public
Total Enrollment: 52,944
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356 UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a diploma with instant name recognition. Though the massive campus can some-
times feel isolating, students are nevertheless happy to be here in such illustrious
company.
Located just 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver, UBC’s striking Point Grey
campus covers a peninsula that borders the Pacific Ocean and is bounded by an old-
growth forest. Mountains— perfect for skiing— loom in the distance. Architectural
styles are a mix of Gothic and modern, and students can enjoy a leisurely stroll
through the university’s botanical gardens. Notable campus facilities include the
Kaiser Building (the central hub of engineering), the Barber Learning Centre, the
Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Arena, and the Nest (a $106 million student union
building). The university also has a smaller campus— UBC Okanagan— located in
Kelowna, in the Okanagan Valley.
UBC offers more than 260 undergraduate degree options, and popular majors
include psychology, biology, English, and political science. Programs in anthropol-
ogy, First Nations and indigenous studies, and Asian studies are highly regarded and
enhanced by the university’s excellent Museum
of Anthropology, which features one of the
world’s best collections of Northwest Coast First
Nations art. Music majors benefit from the Chan
Centre for the Performing Arts. Economics, geog-
raphy, international relations, microbiology, and commerce are strong too.
Additional programs include majors in applied animal biology, applied plant and
soil sciences, geographical biogeosciences, and zoology.
Freshmen are offered a wide array of first- year programs, including Imagine UBC
and Create UBC Okanagan, a first- day orientation. Arts One and the Coordinated
Arts programs offer enriched, integrated approaches to broad interdisciplinary
themes in arts and humanities. Qualified students can take advantage of Science
One, featuring team- taught courses in biology, chemistry, math, and physics. The
UBC study abroad program has more than 200 institutional partners in 40 coun-
tries, and co- op programs in engineering, science, arts, commerce, and forestry give
students an opportunity to earn while they learn. In addition, honors and double-
honors programs are available to superbrains and budding geniuses.
The academic climate is exactly what you would expect from a university of
UBC’s international stature. “Courses can be hard,” says one student, “but success is
based on your interest and willingness to learn.” One student grumbles about his
8 a.m. philosophy lecture: “Who can focus on the big questions at that time of the
morning?” Most classes have fewer than 50 students, while larger lectures are sup-
plemented with smaller labs and discussion groups. Overall, the faculty receives
good marks. “The professors are extremely intelligent people who are truly dedi-
cated to their disciplines,” says a junior. Academic advising is a mixed bag, with
some students complaining that finding a knowledgeable advisor can be
time- consuming.
With more than 40,000 undergraduates attending the Vancouver campus, it’s
no surprise that UBC’s student population is a melting pot— 27 percent come from
outside Canada. “There is a huge diversity here that many smaller schools may
lack,” says a sophomore. The typical UBC stu-
dent is bright, hardworking, and gregarious.
Students of color are well represented (Asians
make up the largest contingency), and the uni-
versity encourages diversity through a series of special programs and active recruit-
ing. Hot political issues include LGBTQ, women’s, and human rights. The
International Scholars program offers financial support, as well as special service
projects, workshops, and other opportunities to top international students.
(continued)
Undergraduates: 42,330
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 25%
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 38,197
Accepted: 57%
Enrolled: 51%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (604) 822- 8999
Email Address: international @
askme .ubc .ca
Strong Programs:
Anthropology
First Nations and Indigenous
Studies
Asian Studies
Economics
Geography
International Relations
Microbiology
Commerce
“Courses can be hard, but
success is based on your
interest and willingness to
learn.”
Qualified students
can take advantage of
Science One, featuring
team- taught courses
in biology, chemistry,
math, and physics.
“There is a huge diversity
here that many smaller
schools may lack.”
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MCGILL UNIVERSITY 357
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Roughly one- third of the students currently live on campus. A major expansion
of on- campus housing, estimated at US $650 million, has taken place, and UBC
guarantees a spot to all incoming first- time, first- year students. On- campus options
include co- ed complexes (primarily for freshmen), theme houses, university apart-
ments, and family units for upperclassmen. A history major says on- campus living
is worth it to “enjoy the community spirit.” Those seeking off- campus accommo-
dations must contend with Vancouver’s pricey rental market. Hungry students will
find an endless variety of meal options at the school’s 45 dining locations, including
“Japanese, Lebanese, Italian, and vegetarian” plates, according to one student. The
Sexual Assault Support Centre provides support services and educational program-
ming related to sexual violence.
On such a large campus, isolation is a real threat. “You need to get in touch with
other students quickly when you get here or you could feel lost on such a big campus,”
says a freshman. Social life happens mostly on campus but largely “depends on the
crowd you hang with,” according to one student. For partying types, there are the
requisite bashes, courtesy of UBC’s small but active Greek scene— one of the few places
where underage drinkers may sneak a sip of booze. Alternatives include university-
sponsored events, such as movies and guest speakers. Popular campus events include
Storm the Wall, long- boat racing, and the Arts County Fair.
Vancouver, with its population of 675,000, offers students countless opportunities,
though one health science major says, “It isn’t a college town. It is a well- developed
semicosmopolitan city.” Another adds, “Vancouver is one of the most livable cities in
the world and UBC is located in the nicest, most beautiful part— it’s not too hard to
imagine what a pleasure it is to go to school here.” Gorgeous weather draws students
outdoors and to nearby beaches and mountains for in- line skating, snowboarding,
and swimming. Eleven recreational sports leagues and multiple intramural events
are a huge draw for students at the Vancouver campus; popular sports include sail-
ing, skiing, and cycling. UBC has 36 varsity teams (the Thunderbirds), which have
brought home more than 122 national championships— the most of any institution
in Canada. Men’s and women’s volleyball and swimming, along with women’s ice
hockey and field hockey, have been particularly competitive in recent years.
Spending four years at this mammoth university can be intimidating for the shy
student. But for those willing to take control of their social lives, UBC offers an
impressive academic milieu. A history major offers this point of view: “I think that
the school’s biggest strength is its size; there are so many opportunities here.”
Hungry students will
find an endless variety
of meal options
at the school’s 45
dining locations.
Overlaps
University of
Washington, UCLA,
University of
Colorado Boulder,
NYU, UC Berkeley,
University of
Victoria, University
of Toronto, Simon
Fraser
If You Apply To ›
British Columbia: Rolling admissions. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to specific program. Please consult
British Columbia’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
McGill University
Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C8 CAN
The Canadian university best known south of the border. Though instruction is in
English, McGill is located in French- speaking Montreal, a world- class city that has it
all. Individualism is encouraged, and there’s a strong international flavor. Just over
10 percent of students live in university housing, and anyone coming here will be on
their own for housing after freshman year.
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358 MCGILL UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
With such strong preprofessional programs and a diverse student body, it’s easy
to see why enterprising men and women from around the world flock to McGill
University, which was founded in 1821 by a bequest from Scottish merchant
James McGill. But beware: this is not a cookie- cutter school, and fitting in actu-
ally seems to be discouraged. “McGill is a university where people are allowed
to become individuals,” a senior says. “Difference and creativity are celebrated
here.”
Montreal’s climate alternates between hot summers and freezing winters. A
junior describes McGill’s 80- acre main campus as “an oasis in the heart of the city.”
Located in downtown Montreal amid the hustle and bustle, the campus provides
students with ample green space and a welcome respite from the decidedly urban
atmosphere of the city. A free outdoor skating rink adds charm in the frigid winter
months. Campus buildings range from “Gothic- like” structures with vines grow-
ing up the sides to more modern structures. Trees and greenery dot the campus
landscape, and the sprawling recreation trails of Mount Royal rise to its immedi-
ate north. Notable facilities include a $71 million life sciences research complex.
The Schulich School of Music offers an ultramodern symphony and multimedia
hall that functions as a recording studio, performance venue, and research studio.
A short drive west of downtown, the Macdonald Campus occupies 1,600 acres of
woods and fields on the shores of Lac St- Louis, providing unique opportunities for
fieldwork and research.
To fulfill the university’s general education requirements, students must
first choose which discipline (or faculty) to enter. A senior says, “It is important
to consider the university on the basis of which faculty you would be interested
in, because they vary greatly and operate
almost as independent units.” Freshmen must
accumulate six to 12 credits in three of four
disciplines, including languages, math and science, social sciences, and human-
ities, and declare a major before their sophomore year. Upon entering their
major, students have a menu of course options that includes honors programs
and double majors.
Though the most popular majors are psychology, political science, commerce,
and education, there is no denying that the university’s strengths lie in preprofes-
sional programs such as medicine, law, and engineering. The sciences receive uni-
form praise, as does the School of Environment. A double- degree interdisciplinary
program allows students to combine a bachelor of arts program with one in the
sciences. Several programs help freshmen with the transition to college, and some
are tailored to international students, which includes those from the United States.
For those who want to escape Montreal’s brutal winters, there are internships; field
studies in Barbados, Africa, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in
Panama; and exchange programs with more than 150 partner universities around
the world.
Regardless of major, students can expect classes to be demanding. “McGill has a
very stressful and competitive atmosphere,” a finance major says. Classes tend to be
large— some introductory courses enroll up to 1,000 students— and students must be
willing to seek out professors and advisors. “The quality of teaching is generally
above average,” a student says. “Many of the professors are kind, intelligent, and
devoted to their students.” Students grumble that academic advising is a bureau-
cratic tangle. “There is way too much red tape and dealing with the administration
can be horrible,” says one senior.
Forty- seven percent of undergraduates are Quebecers (or Québécois, as
Francophones would say), and 30 percent are international, representing more
than 135 countries. Indeed, McGill students are a diverse lot, and the only
Website: www .mcgill .ca
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 31,876
Undergraduates: 23,811
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 24%
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 44,534
Accepted: 38%
Enrolled: 37%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (514) 398- 7878
Email Address: N/A
Strong Programs:
Medicine
Law
Engineering
Environmental Studies
Psychology
Political Science
Commerce
Education
“Difference and creativity
are celebrated here.”
A double- degree
interdisciplinary
program allows
students to combine
a bachelor of arts
program with one
in the sciences.
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MCGILL UNIVERSITY 359
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
common thread among them seems to be their fierce independence. A geogra-
phy major says McGill students are “hardworking, driven, very intellectual, and
research- oriented.” Environmental issues are a big concern, and students report
that political and social issues receive ample attention on campus. Qualified
students are eligible for merit scholarships and a limited number of awards
for athletes. There is also a work- study program for those in need of financial
assistance.
The university’s traditional and alternative residence halls house about 13 per-
cent of undergrads in dorms, apartments, and shared facilities houses. Dorms run
the gamut, but one recent acquisition is, according to a senior, a “four- star hotel,
turned into a six- star dorm.” Party animals will feel free to crank up the stereo in
Molson or McConnell, while bookworms might be better suited for Gardner. Off-
campus apartments are a popular alternative for upperclassmen, who take advantage
of Montreal’s clean, affordable housing. “The dining facilities are good,” says a soph-
omore. Despite its urban location, the McGill campus is safe and security receives
positive reviews. “There are student organizations like ‘Walksafe’ and ‘Drivesafe’
that will walk or drive students to their residences at night regardless of where they
are or where they are going,” reports one student.
“McGill students are very sociable and love to party!” says one student. Though
there are “considerable on- campus social activities, with many clubs and associa-
tions,” many students venture off campus into Montreal for fun and adventure. “A
cultural epicenter, Montreal is home to some of
the world’s best museums, galleries, restaurants,
shops, and music,” a senior says. “There are
always free concerts and festivals all over the city throughout the year.” Drinking
is a popular pastime, but underage drinkers are few and far between since the legal
age in Quebec is 18 and, a senior says, “McGill treats its students as mature, edu-
cated adults.” Greek organizations sign up about 2 percent of the students, and
McGill boasts Canada’s first social fraternity for gay, bisexual, transgender, and
progressive men. Well- attended campus events include homecoming, Winter
Carnival, and Frosh activities during orientation week. New York City, Ottawa,
and Toronto are popular road- trip destinations, and ski slopes are less than an
hour away.
Men’s and women’s basketball and ice hockey, men’s rugby, and women’s
soccer are among the most popular varsity sports; men’s baseball and women’s bas-
ketball and synchronized swimming have captured recent national championships.
According to one student, “The McGill– Harvard rugby match is a must- watch.”
Intramurals offer would- be jocks an opportunity to blow off steam after classes and
on weekends, with soccer and ice hockey attracting the most interest.
In recent years the government of Quebec has been less than enthusiastic about
funding its English- speaking academic gem, and large classes and mountains of red
tape are undeniably part of the McGill experience. Nevertheless, most denizens
seem happy. “The students who go to McGill are very invested in their academic life
and are proud of their school,” a student says.
Off- campus
apartments are a
popular alternative
for upperclassmen,
who take advantage
of Montreal’s clean,
affordable housing.
“McGill students are very
sociable and love to party!”
Overlaps
University of
British Columbia,
Concordia,
University of
Montreal, NYU,
Queen’s University,
University of
Toronto
If You Apply To ›
McGill: Rolling admissions. Does not accept the Common Application. Please consult McGill’s website for the most up- to-
date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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360 QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Queen’s University
Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6 CAN
With about 18,000 undergraduates, Queen’s is the smallest of the major Canadian
universities. It is also the only one set in a metropolitan area of modest size.
Engineering and business are the strongest areas of study, followed by nursing.
Toronto and Montreal are both about three hours away. With 90 percent of its first-
year students in the dorms, Queen’s has a more active residential life than other
Canadian universities.
Students at Queen’s University approach work and play with equal zeal and enjoy
a potent mix of school spirit and intellectual drive. Success requires energy and a
willingness to get into the thick of things. “People who aren’t interested in being a
part of the school community are better off at a school that isn’t such a big family,”
warns a sophomore. Solid academics, a pervasive school spirit, and long- standing
traditions make life at this storied university unique— and demanding. “Getting
into Queen’s is just the first challenge,” says a senior. “Succeeding at Queen’s is
another battle.”
The 161- acre Queen’s campus is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario,
just minutes from the heart of Kingston, Ontario (“the limestone city”), and directly
between Montreal and Toronto. “Almost all buildings are constructed using lime-
stone,” explains a senior. Historically significant buildings have been maintained,
and “there are some modern buildings with a lot of glass to provide a bright and
welcoming atmosphere.” Ample greenery and open spaces provide students a place
to stretch out under the sky and hit the books. The 80,000- square- foot Isabel Bader
Centre for the Performing Arts features common teaching rooms and shared public
spaces designed to encourage interactivity.
Established by the Church of Scotland in 1841 under a Royal Charter of Queen
Victoria, Queen’s University offers undergraduate degrees in a variety of faculties,
including science, engineering, commerce, education, music, nursing, and creative
arts. Academics are unilaterally solid, but the
most demanding are engineering and commerce,
and nursing is popular. The bachelor of com-
merce program was the first of its kind in Canada
and provides students with an internationally
focused liberal business education, enhanced by leadership modules and the inte-
gration of technology. The School of Computing offers bachelor of computing
degrees in biomedical computing, cognitive science, and software design, as well as
B.A. and B.S. degrees. Computing and the Creative Arts is a multidisciplinary pro-
gram that allows students to use cutting- edge software programs for music, drama,
art, and film production. General education requirements vary by program, but all
students can expect to confront a rigorous series of core and elective courses.
Students participating in programs at the Queen’s Bader International Study Centre
are whisked away to the university’s campus in East Sussex, England, where they
enjoy small classes and integrated field studies while residing in a 15th- century
castle. In addition, there are exchange programs with 180 universities in 45 coun-
tries around the world. Queen’s is considered a leader in study abroad; 20 percent of
students participate. Opportunities for undergraduate research are abundant as well.
“The academic climate is quite competitive, and the courses are often theory-
driven and require a substantial amount of work to prepare for class and complete
assignments,” says one senior. The general consensus among struggling students
Website: www .queensu .ca
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 25,757
Undergraduates: 20,996
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 58%
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 34%
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 46,061
Accepted: 49%
Enrolled: 28%
Grad in 6 Years: 87%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (613) 533- 2218
Email Address: admission @
queensu .ca
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Commerce
Nursing
Biomedical Computing
Cognitive Science
Software Design
Education
Creative Arts
“The courses are often
theory- driven and require a
substantial amount of work
to prepare for class.”
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QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY 361
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
is that As are hard to come by. “After working your butt off and reading stacks of
textbooks, your grades pale in comparison to the marks of students at other univer-
sities,” gripes a biology major. The QSuccess program helps orient first- year students
academically and socially, and Bounce Back is an opt- in academic support program
for first- year students who earn low GPAs in their first term. Participating students
are paired with Bounce Back Facilitators, peer mentors who help them set goals and
identify strategies for academic success.
Classes tend to be large for freshmen and sophomores but dwindle in size as one
approaches graduation. The majority of classes are taught by full professors, who
receive praise for their accessibility and intelligence. “The teachers I have had have
been thorough, challenging, and concerned about my success,” says a junior. Office
hours and special “wine and cheese” functions give students ample opportunity to
mingle with faculty. Students report that there is little trouble getting into desired
classes, and “there is lots of counseling available for students who need it.”
Queen’s students are an industrious, intelligent group, and most are used to
academic success. School spirit runs high and campus issues include rising tuition
fees— and determining just who is responsible for the cost. Undergraduates come
from every Canadian province and 94 countries;
80 percent are from Ontario and 11 percent are
international. A sociology major says that
“Queen’s is very PC and inclusive, regardless of
gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.” Though there are no athletic scholar-
ships, hundreds of merit awards averaging $2,000 are handed out annually. “I have
had great help through scholarships and financial aid,” relates a senior. “There is
quite a lot of money for you. You just have to go after it.” International students are
automatically considered for available merit awards.
Ninety percent of undergraduates live in 17 residence halls, and all freshmen are
guaranteed a place to hang their hats. Co- ed and single- sex dorms are available, and
students say all accommodations are well maintained. A mandatory meal plan gives
freshmen a wide variety of foods to choose from, and the surrounding city also
offers a plethora of dining options. After freshman year, most students pack their
bags and head off campus to the “student village,” where comfortable apartments
are available. Most Queen’s students live within a reasonable walk of campus. Safety
is practically a nonissue on campus; students report that they feel quite safe and that
security is more than adequate.
Make no mistake about it, Queen’s students know how to have a good time. One
says, “Campus pubs and city pubs have both found their niche.” On Thursday nights,
students flock to the campus pub, the Underground, for a drink or two, while Saturday
nights are reserved for city bars and nightclubs. The legal drinking age is 19, and kid-
dies will have a tough time skirting the law. “The bouncers in Kingston actually have
a couple of brain cells and can spot a fake ID from 90 kilometers away,” says a senior.
Nonalcoholic alternatives include school- sponsored movies and extracurricular clubs
(there are more than 300). “Extracurricular activ-
ities are a must, not an option!” says one student.
Frosh Week is a favorite event, with “cheers that
even the most blasé of students will be shouting out with pride by the end of the
week.” The school is steeped in Scottish tradition and modeled on counterparts in
Edinburgh and Glasgow, and it’s normal to see kilt- wearing bandsmen at important
campus events.
Once the capital of Canada, Kingston is described as “very much a univer-
sity town.” There are several universities in the area (including the Royal Military
College), and downtown provides students with shops, clubs, museums, and movie
theaters. The city’s relative isolation makes it the favored stomping ground for
Classes tend to be
large for freshmen
and sophomores
but dwindle in size
as one approaches
graduation.
“There is lots of [academic]
counseling available for
students who need it.”
The annual “kill
McGill” football game
against rival McGill
draws pigskin- crazed
students from every
corner of campus.
“Extracurricular activities
are a must, not an option!”
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362 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
students without wheels. Town/gown relations are good, and students are very
active in the community. Toronto and Montreal (less than three hours away) are
popular road trips.
With 13 varsity teams, 35 varsity clubs, and 30 recreational clubs, Queen’s ath-
letic program is not only the largest in Canada but also ranks with Harvard and MIT
for the largest programs in North America. Competitive Gaels teams include men’s
and women’s rugby, ice hockey, soccer, and volleyball. The annual “kill McGill”
football game against rival McGill draws pigskin- crazed students from every corner
of campus; homecoming is a lively affair. Intramural competition is fierce too, and
nearly half of the students are involved on some level. A student says, “There is so
much school spirit, sometimes it makes you sick.”
Life at Queen’s University is one of extremes. Though the academic climate can
be tough and the winters long, students here find much to celebrate. “One of the
great things about Queen’s is that it’s constantly growing and expanding to meet
the needs of its students,” says one senior, “but at the same time, it never loses sight
of where it came from or what it stands for.”
Overlaps
Western University
of Ontario,
University of
Toronto, McMaster,
McGill, University
of Alberta,
University of
British Columbia,
Dalhousie
If You Apply To ›
Queen’s: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to particular program. Please consult Queen’s web-
site for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1 CAN
U of T is one of the largest institutions in the Fiske Guide and one of the biggest
in the world. If ever there were a place where go- getterism is a necessity, this is it. In
the absence of American- style school spirit, U of T students cut loose to find their
fun in the city. Toronto is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the
world, with nearly half of its 3 million denizens born outside of Canada.
Students at the University of Toronto avoid getting lost in the shuffle by taking
part in a unique residential college system that allows them to model their educa-
tional experience after their own personalities. Each college has a distinct character
and appeal yet blends seamlessly into the university’s overall academic milieu. And
when it comes to academics, the U of T delivers, says a senior: “The students were
likely at the top of their class in high school and are very competitive— more so than
at Queen’s or York universities.”
The University of Toronto, founded by royal charter in 1827, is so large that it
spans three campuses. The St. George campus in downtown Toronto features Gothic
architecture and historic buildings. The suburban
campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough feature
more modern structures. A spate of new research
buildings, athletic facilities, and student residences
have opened in the last few years, and construc-
tion is underway on a 23- story, 508- bed residence hall on the St. George campus,
scheduled for completion in 2024. As befitting such a gargantuan institution, the uni-
versity’s endowment is the largest of any Canadian college or university.
Students apply directly to one of Toronto’s nine colleges— seven of which are
Website: www .utoronto .ca
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 85,747
Undergraduates: 69,085
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 20%
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 66,476
Accepted: 45%
Enrolled: 31%
Grad in 6 Years: 77%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
½
“Students are from all over
the world and represent the
full spectrum of values and
backgrounds.”
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UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 363
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
on the St. George campus— and choose from more than 700 undergraduate degree
programs. The most popular programs include social sciences, math and physical
sciences, computer science, engineering, commerce, and management; majors in
international relations, biochemistry, and forensic science and a minor in food stud-
ies are notable as well. The Faculty of Arts and Science offers a wide array of disci-
plines that span the arts, science, and business, while the Faculty of Music is the
oldest in Canada and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in all of their
programs. The concurrent education program allows undergraduates to complete
the requirements for a bachelor of education, professional teacher certification, and
a second undergraduate degree simultaneously. Distinctive learning options include
First- Year Learning Communities and a wide range of research opportunities.
Optional first- year seminars (called First- Year Foundations: The One Programs) are
“a good transition from high school to university,” says a senior, and give incoming
freshmen the chance to learn from leading faculty members in a less intimidating
environment of around 25 to 50 students (a majority of classes have more than
200 students). Topics range from public policy to urban environments to geological
fieldwork.
Courses require a great deal of reading outside the classroom and are typically
demanding. “During exam periods and the final weeks of each semester, the aca-
demic climate can understandably become quite intense,” says one senior. Large lec-
ture classes are accompanied by smaller tutorials, facilitating personal attention, and
professors get high marks for their teaching skills and their smarts. “Even in classes
of 1,500 students, professors have been consistently engaging and well- versed,” says
a student. Faculty- led Summer Abroad courses are an option for students who wish
to venture farther afield.
“Students are from all over the world and represent the full spectrum of values
and backgrounds,” says an anthropology major. “U of T is very diverse and the stu-
dent body is generally intelligent, progressive, and open- minded.” Thirty percent of
undergraduates are international— from outside Canada, that is— including more
than 700 Americans. The most significant issues on campus include “tuition fees,
unequal pay, the environment, and critical social justice,” according to one student.
The Ontario Public Interest Research Group and Amnesty International attract
sizable followings. A limited number of competitive academic scholarships are avail-
able for the most high- achieving international students.
Roughly 14 percent of students live in campus housing, and first- years are guar-
anteed rooms. “There are new buildings and historic old buildings that are beauti-
ful,” says an anthropology major. “They are cozy and comfortable and pretty well
maintained.” All of the dorms are affiliated with
one of the nine undergraduate colleges, which
act as “local neighborhoods” and center on spe-
cialties, such as Buddhism, Celtic studies, and
criminology. “Every cafeteria always has a vege-
tarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten- free, or dairy- free option,” a junior reports.
“Security is pretty good on campus, and our campus is in a good part of Toronto,” a
bioethics major says.
“Social life here revolves around the very energetic city in which the school is
located,” says a sociology and English major. Another student adds, “Social events
are balanced between off- campus pubs, clubs, skating rinks, banquet halls, and sta-
diums to on- campus pubs, event spaces in Hart House, and student lounges.”
Toronto boasts great culture, super shopping, a clean and safe nightlife district— and
the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario, lovely in warmer weather. The legal drinking
age here is 19; students who are of age may have alcohol in their rooms but not in
common spaces, and anyone caught violating local laws or the open- container
(continued)
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (416) 978- 2190
Email Address: future
.students @ utoronto .ca
Strong Programs:
International Relations
Biochemistry
Forensic Science
Music
Physical Sciences
Computer Science
Engineering
Commerce
Thirty percent of
undergraduates are
international— from
outside Canada, that
is— including more
than 700 Americans.
“Social life here revolves
around the very energetic
city in which the school is
located.”
The intramural
program is one of the
largest in Canada,
involving more than
10,000 students.
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364 BRITISH AND IRISH UNIVERSITIES
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British and Irish Universities
If going to college in Canada sounds adventuresome, you’ll need even more moxie to venture overseas. But give
it some thought. As the most popular overseas destination, Great Britain currently has about 4,500 Americans
enrolled in undergraduate degree programs, and another 40,000 per year are pursuing shorter study abroad stints.
Hundreds more have found their way to the Republic of Ireland. Depending on your course of study, studying in
Britain or Ireland may or may not turn out to be less expensive than a flagship public university in the U.S., but
the top British and Irish universities offer a richer international experience, infused with historical and cultural
perspectives, than you will find on this side of the Atlantic.
Before we go further, here’s a word to parents and guardians: you may get queasy at the thought of sending
your little cherub across a 3,000- mile ocean, but a flight to Dublin or London is quicker than driving 10 hours to
get to First Choice U. Once you’re there, the cities are at least as safe as those in the U.S., and the small towns have
a crime rate roughly equivalent to that of the town of Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show. The best part for parents:
you’ll need to visit at least once— and preferably more.
For those who are hazy on their geography, England, Scotland, and Wales make up Great Britain; throw in
Northern Ireland and the moniker changes to the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland, occupying the south-
ern part of the Emerald Isle across the Irish Sea, used to be part of Great Britain but won its independence in 1921.
policy is reported to the dean of the residence. But according to one student, “There
isn’t much of a party culture at U of T, because we are much more focused on study-
ing.” Students looking to unwind on campus will find plenty of school- sponsored
events, such as movies and guest speakers, and while there are no fraternities or
sororities, there is a club for nearly every interest. Students turn out in droves to
celebrate PRIDE, reputedly the largest gay pride event in North America, along with
Frosh Week, which includes wacky fun such as bed races between the colleges, and
the annual Fireball formal dance.
Varsity sports are not a focus of campus life at Toronto, though ice hockey,
volleyball, and basketball draw something of a following, especially when the oppo-
nent is Queen’s University or the University of Western Ontario. The Varsity Blues
women’s swimming team is a recent national champion, and the men’s and wom-
en’s water polo and fencing teams are also competitive. The intramural program,
however, is another story. It’s one of the largest in Canada, involving more than
10,000 students in more than 20 sports, with 57 leagues and 20 tournaments each
year. Residence halls and groups of friends compete in everything from badminton
to indoor cricket, karate, dodgeball, squash, and eSports. Students can also be found
cheering the city’s many professional teams, including the Blue Jays (baseball), the
Raptors (basketball), and the Maple Leafs (hockey).
Toronto’s biggest liability, its sheer and sometimes overwhelming size, may also
be its biggest asset, students say— as long as they learn to speak up and proactively
take advantage of all of the school’s resources. Says a senior, “A prospective student
should choose the University of Toronto due to its outstanding academic reputation
and convenient location in the social hub of Toronto’s downtown core.”
Overlaps
UC Berkeley,
UCLA, University
of Chicago, Johns
Hopkins, MIT,
University of
British Columbia,
McGill, University
of Michigan
If You Apply To ›
University of Toronto: Regular decision. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to specific program. Please
consult University of Toronto’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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Ireland is the closest European nation to the East Coast of the U.S. and the only English- speaking country in the
eurozone. Britain and Ireland make the most sense for American students interested in studying English literature,
history, foreign languages, and anything related to international studies. If medieval history is your passion, why
not go to school where the remains of that long- ago world still dot the landscape? If you’re looking for a career
in international business, perhaps consider a country where the global village has been a way of life and you can
make lifelong friends from around the world. Though Britain is an English- speaking country, it offers far better
instruction in European and other languages than you can get in the U.S., and Ireland’s favorable corporate tax
rates have led U.S. companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta to make it their European headquarters (think
internships). No matter what your academic interests, your classmates will include a cross section of nationalities
that would be the envy of any North American institution. Most importantly, study in Britain and Ireland has the
potential to be a life- changing experience that will broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of our
increasingly interconnected world. With cheap flights and trains readily available, travel to Continental Europe
and beyond becomes second nature.
With all of these benefits come some challenges. American students in Britain need to adjust to a different
tenor of academic life than is found at U.S. colleges and universities. Students are treated as adults and expected to
behave accordingly. The legal drinking age is 18, which obviates the need for fake IDs but puts the onus on students
to behave responsibly. Dorms are generally the domain of first- year students; expect to find a “flat” (apartment) for
subsequent years. “Sport” means playing, not watching. The student body will not come out on a Saturday after-
noon for the big game for a simple reason: there are no big games. Most faculty members (a.k.a. tutors) are ready
to help you if you are struggling with your studies, but only if you take the initiative. There is no Dean of Student
Hand- Holding in British universities (nor do they offer landing pads for helicopter parents).
Americans thinking about studying in Britain and Ireland should also be aware of differences in the academic
system “across the Pond.” Most important: whereas American universities generally require students to sample a
variety of fields for two years before choosing a major, British and Irish institutions expect students to identify a
field of concentration before they set foot on campus. That’s because students take their general education courses
in high school. Thus students in Britain and Ireland take only two or three courses at a time, mostly related to their
major. American- style distribution requirements are all but unheard of— good news for students who want to get
out of those nasty math or foreign language requirements. But keep in mind that since British and Irish students
tend to take courses only in subjects that seriously interest them, all classes are taught at a high level, even intro-
ductory ones. Moreover, although students get fewer hours in class, they are expected to put in more hours of study
per course outside of class. Anyone who wants to change majors after a year or two may encounter difficulty.
Another important academic difference is that British and Irish universities evaluate applicants almost
entirely on the basis of academic credentials, with emphasis on demonstrated ability in their field of study. (Only
St Andrews does holistic reviews.) No essays about page 236 of your autobiography or need to present yourself as
a well- rounded overachiever who will enrich the campus environment. As one administrator put it, “We don’t do
social engineering.” Along with Trinity College Dublin, the top British universities, especially the four “ancient”
Scottish universities, are thus a good bet for U.S. students who may have the smarts to do Ivy League work but
whose résumés do not include an Olympic medal or building a school in Belize during spring vacation. Standards
are high. In response to the COVID- 19 pandemic, however, some British and Irish schools have relaxed their SAT
and ACT testing requirements for applicants from the United States. Prospective students are advised to consult
universities’ websites or contact admissions officers directly for the most up- to- date information regarding testing
requirements. Aside from SAT and ACT scores, some schools may require scores from AP exams. For the application
essay, the British usually ask about commitment to your intended major and why you want to study it. They view
American- style personal essays as fluff.
As with Canadian universities, the cost for an American studying at one of the leading Scottish and Irish uni-
versities will vary with fluctuating exchange rates, which currently reflect a strong dollar. To complicate matters,
tuition and fee levels vary not only across universities but also according to the course of study and academic level
within each institution. Total tuition and fees among the five universities described in the Fiske Guide range from
US $22,000 to more than US $50,000 per year— roughly equivalent to the costs for out- of- state students at flagship
public universities in the U.S. but less than the sticker price of many highly selective privates. The downside is that
the sticker price is also the final price; academic scholarships are scarce and institutional financial aid all but non-
existent. British and Irish students, along with those from the European Union, generally receive government fund-
ing. Federal aid such as Federal Direct Loans and Pell Grants can be transported, but many, if not most, families
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366 BRITISH AND IRISH UNIVERSITIES
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
will find themselves paying the full freight. For a searchable database of the few scholarships available for study in
Great Britain, visit the British Council at www .britishcouncil .org/ usa. One reason that financially strapped British
universities have recently begun showing a greater interest in recruiting U.S. students is that they are a source of
much- needed revenue. By and large, the academic bars for U.S. students are slightly lower than for native Brits.
If you are considering a British university, you may be picturing yourself in England, the most populous region
of Great Britain that includes London as well as fabled universities Oxford and Cambridge. But here’s the rub: the
English have a system of higher education that makes degree study impractical in many cases. In England, under-
graduate degrees are completed in three years, not four, and students are generally assumed to have completed
13 years of schooling rather than 12. As a result, the most selective English universities are reluctant to admit
American high school graduates— some refuse to admit any— and the students who do get in will find themselves
navigating a world more appropriate for juniors and seniors in college. One note on terminology: in Britain and
Ireland, a program of study is called a “course.” The British word for what we call a course is “module.”
The University of Cambridge (www .cam .ac .uk) is particularly blunt about “the possible mismatch between
the broad liberal arts curriculum of the North American high school and the specialist emphasis of British degree
courses.” The University of Oxford (www .ox .ac .uk) does offer a glimmer of hope for a select few superachievers
arriving with American dollars; Oxford will consider American students who graduate in the top 2 percent of their
class, and it has recently stepped up its recruiting efforts in U.S. high schools. In a recent year, it enrolled about
70 U.S. students. Even so, the odds of admission to Oxford are lower than at any college in the U.S., including
Harvard. The vast majority of American undergraduates at both Oxford and Cambridge are there for a second
bachelor’s degree after earning one from an American institution. Students with their hearts set on the Oxbridge
institutions should consider them for graduate school, where both welcome Americans (and their dollars) in sig-
nificant numbers.
Students will hear a similar story at the third- most recognized name in English higher education, the London
School of Economics (www .lse .ac .uk), which enrolls about 5,000 undergraduates. The LSE says it will not normally
consider U.S. students until they have a year of higher education under their belts. Less selective English institu-
tions are more receptive to Americans, but once again, only those who feel certain of what they would like to study
should apply. If you are in this category, there is one potential benefit to an English degree: the three- year degree
program will save you a year of tuition bills.
So what to do? One answer is to cast your gaze on Scotland, England’s less populous neighbor, where univer-
sities offer four- year degrees that are much better suited to the needs of American high school graduates. Scotland,
which lies north of England, was an independent nation until 1706 and has its own parliament that exercises con-
siderable power when it comes to domestic policy. It has an illustrious intellectual history and has produced the
likes of David Hume, Adam Smith, Rudyard Kipling, Robert Louis Stevenson, J. K. Rowling, and the world’s most
famous ogre, Shrek. Scotland is more egalitarian in feel than England— less hung up on social class.
The Scots take great pride in their universities, which are central to their national identity and have deep
historical ties with American higher education. The American- style liberal arts institution was imported directly
from Scotland in the person of John Witherspoon, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh who was lured to the
U.S. in 1768 to head Princeton University. With the model of his alma mater in mind, Witherspoon transformed
Princeton from a small- time school for ministers into a broad- based institution that taught philosophy, history,
geography, science, mathematics, and theology. Like their U.S. counterparts, Scottish universities offer four- year
programs; thus, they represent something of a middle ground between the American system and that of Oxford
and Cambridge with their three- year, entirely specialized programs. Scottish universities expect early specialization,
but there is some room to explore fields outside your major during the first two years. One downside of studying in
Scotland is its northern location, which makes for long winter nights. Scotland has also been historically regarded
as a “dreich” corner of Britain— a Highland term referring to weather variously described as dull, overcast, drizzly,
cold, misty, and miserable, or a combination thereof. Scottish higher education is noted for its four “ancient”
universities— Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St Andrews— each of which is profiled in the pages that follow.
There are seven universities in Ireland, but Trinity College Dublin is by far the most distinguished, and it is the
only one that operates on a four- year system for undergraduates. TCD was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth
as an Irish counterpart to Oxford and Cambridge to train Anglican clergymen. While TCD follows the Scottish
system, its cultural ties remain distinctly English, and graduates who subsequently enroll in Oxford or Cambridge
are automatically entitled to an “ad eundem” courtesy degree from the English university. TCD was founded as the
University of Dublin with the expectation that it would serve as “the mother of a university” and other colleges
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UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN 367
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
would grow up around it à la Oxbridge. Alas, this never happened, so for all practical purposes, Trinity College
Dublin is the University of Dublin. Roman Catholics make up the overwhelming majority of students despite the
fact that up until 1972, they needed special permission from church authorities to attend this bastion of Anglican
scholarship.
Students applying to UK institutions should generally use the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
(UCAS, www .ucas .com), which functions like the Common Application group in the U.S. The UCAS form asks you
to list all your courses and the grades you received in them, as well as your SAT and/or ACT scores. It also requires
an essay and a letter of recommendation. Most institutions will accept applications through the spring, though we
recommend that you apply by the deadline for British students, January 15. The deadline for applying to Oxford
and Cambridge, or to apply to any program in medicine, is October 15 for entrance the following fall. Many
institutions have rolling admissions, another reason to apply early. A few institutions— Aberdeen, Glasgow, and
St Andrews— now accept the Common Application as an alternative for American students. Applicants to Trinity
College Dublin apply directly to the university, which has rolling admissions.
A high proportion of U.S. students currently enrolled in British universities come from families with interna-
tional connections, such as close relatives living in other countries or diplomat parents, but prior international
experience is by no means required. College in Britain is not for the faint of heart, but it can be richly rewarding
for those with the initiative to take the plunge. After college in Britain, students will have the skills and savvy to
succeed almost anywhere in the world.
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, Scotland AB24 3FX UK
Located in Scotland’s third largest city, Aberdeen is the most accessible— and
least competitive— of the four “ancient” universities. Notable for the flexibility of
its curriculum and emphasis on independent learning. Major attractions include
engineering, life and health sciences, and anything related to Europe. City of
Aberdeen combines charm with the bustle of a small city. Outdoor enthusiasts will
love the Scottish Highlands.
The University of Aberdeen was founded in 1495, three years after a certain well- known
explorer sailed from Spain to the New (to him) World. Students seeking the flavor of
old Europe will not be disappointed. With plenty of cobblestone streets and buildings
made of ancient stone (it’s the Granite City), the university has a distinctly medieval
aura. It offers top- notch academics, a curriculum that is unusually flexible by UK stan-
dards, and a slice of life far richer than any U.S. institution can muster. “It’s great fun
and has a lot of opportunities,” says a senior, “both academically and socially.”
With a population of 230,000, the port city of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest
city. Once a hub for fishing, shipbuilding, and textiles, it is now a center for the thriv-
ing oil extraction business in the North Sea. With
two universities— the other is Robert Gordon— it is
the educational capital of Northeastern Scotland.
Aberdeen is perched at a latitude roughly the same
as Juneau, Alaska, but because of the Gulf Stream,
winter temperatures are generally milder than those on the East Coast of the United
States. December days are short in winter, but sky- gazers are often treated to glimpses
of the fabled northern lights.
Most university buildings are concentrated in a quiet enclave known as “Old
Aberdeen.” The campus is crowned, literally, by a 16th- century tower in the shape
of an imperial crown. Lightly traveled streets pass through the campus, and the mul-
titude of green lawns and picturesque courtyards are ideal for lounging on sunny
Website: www .abdn .ac .uk
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 14,500
Undergraduates: 12,000
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: N/A
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 13,000
Accepted: 27%
Enrolled: N/A
Grad in 6 Years: N/A
Returning Freshmen: N/A
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (+44) 1224
272000
“The academic climate
at Aberdeen is largely
collaborative. We do a lot
of group work.”
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368 UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
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days. The university has invested $450 million in infrastructure and facilities in
recent years, including the Sir Duncan Rice Library, the Sports Village, the Aquatics
Centre, and a $47 million Science Teaching Hub.
Academics at Aberdeen are organized across 12 schools that encompass disci-
plines in the arts and social sciences, life sciences and medicine, physical sciences,
and business. The relative broadness and flexibility of the university’s curriculum is
more in line with the academic systems of
Harvard, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and other top
universities around the world than it is with
Aberdeen’s three “ancient” counterparts in the
UK. Students are expected to sample a series of
interdisciplinary Sixth Century Courses, such as Science and the Media or Oceans
and Society, during their first two years. Other curriculum innovations are designed
to encourage students to pursue interests outside their core disciplines— what might
be called “electives” in an American context. Popular majors include English litera-
ture, biology, religious studies, environmental science, and a joint international
relations/politics concentration. Engineering is also strong, especially for programs
related to the oil industry. The Centre for Learning and Teaching helps faculty mem-
bers find ways to enhance the learning experience, while the Student Learning
Service helps students develop their academic skills.
With approximately 14,500 undergraduate and graduate students, Aberdeen is a
medium- sized university by U.S. standards. “The academic climate at Aberdeen is
largely collaborative. We do a lot of group work, and student interaction is really
key,” says a business major. Courses in the first two years generally consist of lectures
supplemented by smaller weekly discussion sections. “In my first year I was taught by
a mixture of Ph.D. students and lecturers (professors). In my honours years, my lec-
turers were leading experts in their fields and widely published,” says a student.
Professors typically team- teach introductory “modules,” with each covering the
topics that are his or her specialty. As in other Scottish universities, students gener-
ally take only three subjects at a time in the first two years, with extensive reading
and research outside of class generally taken for granted. “Often we are expected to
come to class prepared to discuss certain topics, but given no minimum reading
assignment. The professor gives out a list of selected readings from which we can
choose,” explains a history major. Grades are typ-
ically determined by end- of- the- term evaluations
with few intermediate assignments. At the end of
their second year, students must typically pass exams in order to advance to “honors
level,” the equivalent of the junior and senior years of college in the States. Upper-
level science students typically spend long hours in the lab. One nice feature: there is
generally no limit to the number of students who can enroll in a particular course,
thereby giving students the freedom to sign up for anything that strikes their fancy.
Overall, about 56 percent of undergraduates hail from Scotland, 13 percent come
from the rest of the UK, and 30 percent arrive from more than 100 different coun-
tries. “We have a very international student body,” says one senior. The political
climate on campus is described as conservative and relatively subdued. Upon their
arrival at the university, students partake of Freshers Week, when student organiza-
tions sponsor informational meetings. Aberdeen is a selective institution for U.S. stu-
dents, though less so than the other “ancient” universities.
On- campus housing at Aberdeen is varied and guaranteed to all first- year students
who apply before the deadline. A majority of the international students live in single
rooms in the recently refurbished Hillhead Student Village, a complex of houses and
flats that is about a 20- minute walk from the campus. Students may elect catered rooms
(two meals per day) or self- catering, wherein they cook their own food with kitchen
(continued)
Email Address: ugadmissions @
abdn .ac .uk
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Health Sciences
English Literature
Biology
Religious Studies
Environmental Science
International Relations
Politics
“In my first year I was
taught by a mixture of Ph.D.
students and lecturers
(professors).”
“We have around 200
societies and sports clubs.”
Students are expected
to sample a series
of interdisciplinary
Sixth Century Courses,
such as Science and
the Media or Oceans
and Society, during
their first two years.
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facilities generally located down the hall from the rooms. Many students choose to
move off campus after their first year, and a variety of housing options are available
near the campus. Only a few students own cars, as the university is within easy walking
distance of the city center and the North Sea and is on a regular bus route.
“Social life is great,” raves one student. “There’s always something going on.”
Another adds, “We have around 200 societies and sports clubs, and most students are
involved in at least one.” Since the drinking age in Britain is 18, social life at Aberdeen
entails relaxed, legal consumption. You may find yourself doing what Britons call
“the pub crawl,” which means sampling the refreshment of several pubs before head-
ing home in the wee hours. Popular campus social events include periodic formal
balls, to which the men wear kilts and the women wear evening gowns. Perhaps the
biggest event of the year is the Torcher’s Parade, which is held every spring and fea-
tures floats made by various student organizations. Sports are mainly for playing,
rather than watching, with more than 50 sports clubs at students’ disposal. Individual
sports rather than team intramurals are the staple of weekend warriors, and students
can purchase passes for various athletic facilities, depending on their interests.
Aberdeen is described by one student as “a fantastic college town!” The city
center offers a variety of pubs and clubs to suit all tastes, as well as inexpensive cine-
mas, music, and theater. The city has plenty of old- world charm, and outdoorsy types
will love the dramatic scenery that is everywhere in northeast Scotland. Picturesque
cliffs overlooking the North Sea are within an easy bus or train ride. Fifteen miles
south of Aberdeen is breathtaking Dunnottar Castle, a 14th- century ruin set high on
a rocky outcrop that was the set for Mel Gibson’s film rendition of Hamlet. Within a
half- hour ride inland is the edge of the legendary Scottish Highlands. Famous castles
abound in all directions, including the royal family’s summer hideaway, Balmoral.
For the Scottish version of the big city, Glasgow and Edinburgh are close by, and two
hours on a plane will get you to most places in Western Europe.
Though Aberdeen may lack some of the conveniences of home, most Americans
are happy they came. “Between classes on a sunny day, students will buy something
from the bakery and sit on the grass in the midst of 500- year- old buildings and cob-
blestone streets. It is such a carefree atmosphere with that special touch of Scottish
tradition,” says a satisfied history major. If you’re the kind of person who likes to
meet new people and learn about different cultures, you might thrive on the
Aberdeen air.
The city has plenty
of old- world charm,
and outdoorsy
types will love the
dramatic scenery.
Overlaps
Dundee, University
of Edinburgh,
University of
Glasgow, University
of St Andrews,
Harvard
If You Apply To ›
Aberdeen: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular program. Please
consult Aberdeen’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland EH8 9JS UK
With close ties to the city that created it in the 16th century, Edinburgh is the most
prestigious of Scotland’s major research universities. Combines deep roots in
Scottish culture and history with the cosmopolitan flavor and cultural riches of a
sophisticated capital city. Competitive admissions for top British students but better
odds for Americans with Ivy- level academic credentials. More diverse student body
than St Andrews.
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370 UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
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The largest and best- known of the “ancient” Scottish universities, the University
of Edinburgh is part and parcel of Scotland’s most vibrant urban center. The
city of Edinburgh is home to the Scottish Parliament, the national museum,
abundant historical sites, winding streets, and countless restaurants and pubs.
The university, like the city, has an unmistakable international feel, including
long- standing connections across the pond. In addition to the likes of Charles
Darwin and J. K. Rowling, eminent graduates include two signatories of the U.S.
Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Rush and John Witherspoon.
Edinburgh is unique among the major Scottish universities in that it was
founded (in 1583) by a municipality rather than under religious auspices. Its build-
ings are spread throughout the city, which, despite having about 525,000 residents,
is really an overgrown town. The two main
campus areas are known as the Central Area,
home to George Square, the main library, and
humanities courses, and King’s Buildings, hous-
ing science and engineering courses. Public
transport is good, but just about everything is
within walking distance. The older university buildings are Georgian and tend to
bear names from the Scottish Enlightenment (David Hume and Dugald Stewart),
while more modern ones date to the ’60s and ’70s. The recently expanded and ren-
ovated Health and Wellbeing Centre operates as a hub for student health, counsel-
ing, residential life, and other services.
The university is organized around three colleges: Arts, Humanities, and Social
Sciences; Science and Engineering; and Medicine and Veterinary. Edinburgh has tradi-
tionally been strong in the sciences, and historical ties to economists like Adam Smith
and philosophers like John Locke have contributed to strong programs in those fields.
English literature, international relations, veterinary medicine, international business,
and law attract a lot of U.S. students, and computer science, linguistics, sociology, and
history (Scottish and otherwise) are strong. Unlike in the U.S., the programs in veter-
inary medicine and medicine are five- and six- year programs, respectively, for under-
graduates. Veterinary graduates can go on to practice immediately in the U.S. Research
opportunities are available for undergraduates, including summer placements in animal
biology through the Roslin Institute. Edinburgh also offers some 200 study abroad pro-
grams at leading universities around the world.
Applicants apply to study a particular subject, such as physics or English liter-
ature, but unlike the situation in the leading English universities, it is possible to
make changes once enrolled. There is no core curriculum, and no one has to endure
a class on science or any other subject in which they have little interest. Students
normally take three courses for each of their first two years in a variety of fields and
then concentrate on one or two subjects the last two years. Most courses involve a
combination of lectures, which are taught by full professors, and weekly tutorials,
or groups of 10 to 20 students led by tutors. Professors and tutors alike get generally
high ratings from students. One student notes, “The faculty is very international.”
Coursework throughout the year mostly involves essays, with final exams in late
April or May accounting for most of the final grade. In their final year, all under-
graduates complete a research project or thesis. The academic system is built around
self- study. “As an American student, I find the
academics very rigorous in comparison to my
friends’ at American universities, because all the
work is independent even from the beginning of
your first year,” explains an English literature major. The academic pressure at
Edinburgh is said to be intense, with little grade inflation, and although faculty
members do not view their role as seeking out students who may need help,
Website: www .ed .ac .uk
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 33,090
Undergraduates: 22,950
Male/Female: 38/62
Financial Aid: N/A
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 60,983
Accepted: 46%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 96%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (+44) 131 650
4296
Email Address: international
.enquiries @ ed .ac .uk
Strong Programs:
Economics
Philosophy
English Literature
International Relations
Veterinary Medicine
International Business
Law
Computer Science
“I find the academics very
rigorous . . . because all the
work is independent even
from the beginning of your
first year.”
Students normally take
three courses for each
of their first two years
in a variety of fields
and then concentrate
on one or two subjects
the last two years.
“The university’s culture
is progressive, engaged,
academic, and open.”
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“professors and tutors are more than happy to help out when you ask,” says one
American denizen.
Edinburgh is the leading destination for top- performing Scottish students, who
face tighter admissions standards than North Americans. Thirty percent of under-
graduates hail from Scotland, 29 percent from elsewhere in the United Kingdom,
8 percent from the European Union, and 32 percent from other foreign countries.
There are roughly 1,700 regular American undergrads and 900 postgrads. Edinburgh
students tend to be more middle class than their counterparts at St Andrews, which
is more upper class. Edinburgh is slightly more expensive than the other “ancient”
Scottish universities but a bargain compared to the Ivies in the U.S. The university
makes scholarships available to international students, and American students can
use their U.S. student loans to attend. Given the nature of the student body, there is
plenty of discussion of global issues. “Scotland is inherently left- leaning as a coun-
try,” reports a language student, and recent student activism has focused on diver-
sity, inclusion, and climate action.
About a quarter of undergraduates live in university housing, and Edinburgh
guarantees housing to all international first- year students. Many American and
international students live in Pollock Halls, a collection of houses with mostly single
rooms that are centered around a common cafe-
teria. Accommodations at Pollack are catered,
meaning that residents get 14 meals per week in
the cafeteria— breakfast and dinner during the
week and brunch on the weekends. Students can also choose self- catered options in
which they make their own cooking arrangements. Self- catered flats (apartments)
generally consist of three to five students, each with an individual room, sharing a
large common living and kitchen area. All university accommodations are described
as clean and well maintained. Most students move off campus after their first year;
the Student Union Advice Place will help you find a flat. “Edinburgh is a very com-
petitive city when it comes to flat pricing,” cautions a second- year American stu-
dent, “and sometimes the cost of living for international students can be expensive.”
Cafeteria food is described as “fine but not that diverse,” although several cheap
cafés nearby offer alternatives. Students report that both the university and the city
are safe: “Edinburgh has always made me feel secure,” says one.
Since the university is so closely tied to the city, it’s no surprise that social life
takes place both on and off campus. “First- years tend to explore club life in the city
center,” explains an American student, “and as they get into their second and third
years, the partying transfers homeward into flat parties.” Two student unions, Teviot
and Potterrow, offer cafés, coffee shops, and bars; on weekend nights, a large, open
study area in Potterrow is converted into a nightclub for dancing. Frequent comedy
nights, student productions, and pub crawls are other options. Since the drinking
age is 18, the university has no school policy on the serving of alcohol. The city of
Edinburgh offers its own menu of ancient and contemporary traditions. The Beltane
Fire Festival, with roots in pagan times, celebrates the arrival of spring, and every
August, the city is host to the huge Fringe Festival, which draws artists and specta-
tors from all over the world. Thanks to affordable trains and low- cost airlines like
Ryanair and easyJet, trips throughout Britain and all over Europe are easy to arrange.
“You get good at traveling,” says one American undergrad.
The Edinburgh University Student Association and the Edinburgh University
Sports Union combine to offer what one American describes as “just about
every sport, charity, or special interest society/club conceivable.” A fair is held
during Welcome Week to give first- year students a sense of the options. Does the
Chocolate Lovers Society sound tasty? Edinburgh’s sports clubs, which compete
against other Scottish and European universities in sports like rugby, soccer, and
Edinburgh is slightly
more expensive than
the other “ancient”
Scottish universities
but a bargain
compared to the
Ivies in the U.S.
“Professors and tutors are
more than happy to help
out when you ask.”
Every August, the
city is host to the
huge Fringe Festival,
which draws artists
and spectators from
all over the world.
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372 UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
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rowing, do well, but compared to varsity sports in the U.S., one student says, “the
competition is laid- back.” Most attention goes to the “very strong and popular
intramural sports program, which, depending on the sport, has quite a high cali-
ber of play.” Many of the teams are co- ed, and there are eight levels of rugby. The
Centre for Sport and Exercise boasts sports equipment, studios, weight rooms, a
climbing wall, and archery ranges. In all, Edinburgh hosts more than 280 societies
and 64 sports clubs.
Much of the fun of going to college in Scotland comes from taking part in
centuries- old traditions, of which Edinburgh has an abundance. Various societies
and degree programs sponsor weekly or monthly ceilidhs (pronounced “kaylees”),
or traditional Scottish Dance Nights. Robert
Burns Night is a big deal, as is Guy Fawkes Night
on November 5, when students set off fireworks
throughout the city. Whereas American com-
mencements feature students moving the tassel of their mortarboards from one side
to the other, Edinburgh places a common cap on the head of each student in turn
that contains a piece of the trousers of John Knox and a NASA emblem that accom-
panied an Edinburgh graduate on a space mission.
American students, especially those who are self- motivated, tend to do well at
Edinburgh. “They are smart and well- traveled and tend to be independent thinkers,”
observes a faculty member. A philosophy and English literature major comments,
“The university’s culture is progressive, engaged, academic, and open.” Another
American transplant hails the fact that Edinburgh is “incredibly international but
still Scottish,” adding that “the bagpipes playing in the city streets, the ethereal
castle, and the wee pubs constantly remind me where I am.”
“The ethereal castle and
the wee pubs constantly
remind me where I am.”
Overlaps
University of
Glasgow, University
of St Andrews,
King’s College
London, Oxford,
Cambridge, UC
Berkeley, Columbia,
UCLA
If You Apply To ›
Edinburgh: Rolling admissions. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to particular program. Please consult
Edinburgh’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Glasgow
University Gardens, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland G12 8QQ UK
A major urban research university located in the bohemian section of a friendly
working- class city. U of Glasgow is slightly smaller than U of Edinburgh and its
atmosphere somewhat more laid- back. The West End is student- friendly, with lots
of cafés and shops. Glasgow is a financial, cultural, and shopping center also known
for its nightlife. Locals claim “you can have more fun at a Glasgow funeral than at an
Edinburgh wedding.” Glasgow students get the point.
The second oldest of Scotland’s major universities (after St Andrews), the University
of Glasgow shares the history and culture of Scotland’s largest city. Glasgow (popu-
lation 635,000) was a major center of the 18th- century Scottish Enlightenment and
the 19th- century Industrial Revolution, and it now ranks as Britain’s largest finan-
cial center after London. The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 with quar-
ters in Glasgow Cathedral before moving to its own main campus in Gilmorehill
in the city’s West End in 1870. In contrast to the elitist traditions of the other
“ancient” British universities, Glasgow pioneered in serving the educational needs
Website: www .gla .ac .uk
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 32,963
Undergraduates: 19,800
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: N/A
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UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW 373
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of the growing urban and commercial classes and in 1894 became the first Scottish
university to grant degrees to women.
Not surprisingly for a place with more than five centuries of history, the dom-
inant architectural style on campus is brownish neo- Gothic, with a healthy mix
of Victorian thrown in. While other sections of Glasgow retain the feel of a hard-
scrabble industrial area, the West End is a bohe-
mian residential area with an abundance of
restaurants, cafés, and shops catering to the
college crowd. “The area is very student-
oriented, with plenty of venues offering student discounts,” reports one student.
The city center, a 15- minute walk from the university, offers a multitude of his-
torical sites and world- class museums as well as the best shopping in Britain out-
side London. Kelvingrove Park and the Botanical Gardens are down the street
from the university’s main gate. The university has embarked on a $1.2 billion
development plan that will double the 15- acre campus footprint by 2026. The
first phase of the ambitious plan is underway, with the $115 million Smith
Learning Hub already opened. New business and engineering schools and science
facilities are on the way.
Students describe the academic climate as balanced and supportive. “There
is an air of camaraderie between students,” comments an archaeology major.
“Some courses are more competitive than others, but overall it’s not nearly
as intense as I perceive some U.S. schools to be.” But another warns, “Specific
assignments aren’t given. You’re told which books go with the course, and you’d
better read them on your own!” The workload is said to increase noticeably in
later years, but because students apply to study in a particular field, they “rarely
find themselves in courses they would prefer to avoid.” All undergraduates com-
plete a dissertation or research project based on independent research. First- year
students go through a Fresher’s Week, with tours of the university, concerts,
and other events, and special orientation is also provided for international
students.
Glasgow is the only Scottish university with the full range of both profes-
sional and academic offerings. The university is divided into four colleges: Arts;
Social Sciences; Science and Engineering; and Medical, Veterinary, & Life Sciences.
Befitting the alma mater of physicist Lord Kelvin (of absolute temperature fame),
the sciences are strong, notably veterinary medicine, nursing, and geography. The
economics department is proud that it turned out Adam Smith, and history is well
regarded. English language and literature is a traditional strength, and Glasgow
maintains the only department of Scottish literature anywhere. Eastern European
languages like Czech and Polish are specialties. Newer offerings include an interna-
tional relations program and an undergraduate degree in common law for students
who intend to practice law outside Scotland. About half of the 450 full- time U.S.
undergraduates major in veterinary medicine; a five- year undergraduate degree is
accredited by the Veterinary Medical Association. Other popular majors tend to
be psychology, business (especially accounting and finance), politics, history, and
English literature.
Students describe faculty members as respected and knowledgeable. “Many pro-
fessors practice in their fields daily, so they teach us not only the theory but also the
practical application,” explains a veterinary medi-
cine major. Lectures are offered by full professors,
and tutorials of about 15 students are occasionally
handled by graduate students. Twenty- five per-
cent of Glasgow undergraduates take advantage of semester- long or yearlong study
abroad programs, especially through the Erasmus program, which allows students to
(continued)
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 5,900
Accepted: N/A
Enrolled: N/A
Grad in 6 Years: N/A
Returning Freshmen: N/A
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (+44) 141 330
2000
Email Address: student
.recruitment @ glasgow .ac .uk
Strong Programs:
Veterinary Medicine
Nursing
Geography
Economics
History
English Literature
Scottish Literature
Business
“There is an air of
camaraderie between
students.”
The university is
divided into four
colleges: Arts; Social
Sciences; Science
and Engineering; and
Medical, Veterinary,
& Life Sciences.
“You’re told which books go
with the course, and you’d
better read them on your own!”
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374 UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
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take courses at European universities. A year of study abroad is mandatory for foreign
language students during their third year.
According to a sociology major, Glasgow students are “hip, hardworking, wel-
coming, and fun- loving.” Consistent with the university’s cosmopolitan setting
and traditions, the student body is a diverse lot with regard to nationality, race,
religion, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Twenty- three percent of undergradu-
ates are international, hailing from the U.S., the European Union, and dozens of
other countries; 63 percent are native to Scotland, and the balance come from
elsewhere in the UK. Support services for international students are strong. “You
don’t have an exclusive student body,” reports a sophomore. “Dealing and work-
ing with people from different backgrounds is the norm.” The university offers a
fourth- year tuition waiver as a merit scholarship for qualified international stu-
dents, including those from the U.S., and it also accepts U.S. federal loans, as
determined by the FAFSA.
Freshmen usually live in university housing, which is not on campus but spread
throughout the northwest sections of the city, and then move into readily available
independent housing in later years. Overall, 17 percent of undergraduates live in the
dorms, which are generally comfortable and well maintained; international students
are guaranteed housing. As for dining, only one of the seven residence halls offers
catered food, and it is located away from the main campus. The others are self-
catered, which means that students cook for themselves (and save money) or savor
the offerings of dining facilities sprinkled throughout the campus. “The on- campus
dining is very good, and they have a range of foods from Indian to Scottish on vari-
ous days,” reports one denizen. Students describe campus security as good. “I always
feel safe on campus,” says an archaeology major. The university’s Let’s Talk cam-
paign aims to educate the community on issues of sexual assault and provide
resources to survivors.
Social life is equally divided between on- and off- campus activities. Glasgow
offers an abundance of quality restaurants, clubs, and pubs. There are plenty of cei-
lidhs (pronounced “kaylees”) or Gaelic social gatherings, and the city sponsors an
International Comedy Festival each March.
Glasgow has a vigorous music scene that hosts
an average of 130 music events every week. Much
of the on- campus social life revolves around the
two student- run university unions, the Glasgow University Union (GUU) and the
Queen Margaret Union (QMU), which host student organizations, provide dining
and social activities, and, of course, have their own bars. Since most students are
above the drinking age of 18, underage imbibing is a nonissue. GUU favors sports,
debates, and formal dances, while QMU is big on live music. One popular event is
GUU’s Daft Friday, a black- tie affair at the end of the first term where the entire
building is elaborately decorated around a secret theme.
The Student Representative Council sponsors an annual Raising and Giving
week to aid volunteer organizations and raise awareness of volunteer opportunities.
Social activism tends to be most vigorous when the issue involves cuts to the univer-
sity budget and increases in tuition levels, but there are plenty of student groups
organized around issues such as the environment, gender equality, and LGBTQ
rights. Travel is a major attraction of studying in Scotland. “It’s easy to get to visit
Europe while studying in Glasgow with cheap flights and accommodations,” reports
one student. Loch Lomond, a 45- minute drive, offers watersports, hiking, and
camping.
Intercollegiate debating is taken seriously, and the university has won the
world championship several times. A majority of students belong to the Glasgow
University Sports Association, and more than 4,000 students play in over 50 sports
All undergraduates
complete a
dissertation or
research project
based on independent
research.
“Other than the weather,
Glasgow is a great city to
live in.”
Glasgow has a
vigorous music
scene that hosts an
average of 130 music
events every week.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
clubs. Competitive team sports include field hockey, rugby, soccer, basketball,
American football, cricket, and many others, and recreational clubs are available
for everything from cycling to skydiving to surfing. The only athletic rivalry of any
consequence in town is the impassioned (to put it mildly) off- campus competition
between the two Glasgow soccer clubs, Celtic (Roman Catholic) and the Rangers
(Protestant). A student warns, “It’s better not to get involved, as the games are just
staging grounds for sectarian hatred. Much of the city’s police funding goes to mon-
itoring these violent affairs.”
The city of Glasgow is shedding its rough reputation, and undergrads describe
their experience living and studying in the West End as rewarding. One American
sums up her experience as follows: “Glasgow offers a good mix of academics and
fun. It’s a highly rated school with many good departments, not too competitive,
and has all types of students. And other than the weather, Glasgow is a great city to
live in.”
Overlaps
University of
Edinburgh, University
of Dundee, University
of Aberdeen,
University of
St Andrews,
University of
Manchester, King’s
College London,
Boston University,
NYU
If You Apply To ›
Glasgow: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Glasgow’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of St Andrews
St Andrews, Scotland KY16 9AX
The most international of Scotland’s four “ancient” universities and the most popular
overseas degree destination in the world for U.S. students. Small by British standards
and comparable in feel and stature to Brown, St Andrews has pulled even with Oxford
and Cambridge in UK university rankings. Major drawing cards range across English
literature, international relations, history, the sciences, and modern languages.
St Andrews is inseparable from the town, which boasts the famed “Old Course.” With
more than 600 years to gestate, traditions reign supreme.
Harvard likes to brag about the fact that it was founded way back in 1636. Think
that’s old? Try 1413, the date Pope Benedict XIII issued a Papal Bull recognizing the
University of St Andrews as Scotland’s first university and the third in the English-
speaking world. Set in an ancient town on the North Sea opposite Norway, St Andrews
is an ideal spot for adventuresome Americans who want a world- class education and an
introduction to life outside North America. It now numbers roughly 1,900 Americans
(19 percent of the student body). Success here requires a go- getter mentality. Support
services are available, but students on this side of the Atlantic are accustomed to being
treated like adults. “They don’t hold your hand,” says one U.S. student.
St Andrews is the only institution in the Fiske Guide whose most prominent
landmark is the spot where a student was burned at the stake. In 1528, a Protestant
reformer named Patrick Hamilton fell victim to
the local archbishop. Tradition deems that if you
step on the stones that mark the spot where he
was martyred, you will fail your final exams,
unless you submerge yourself in the North Sea
just before dawn the first day of May as part of a tradition called the May Dip.
Academic buildings are interspersed through the town’s narrow medieval streets,
Website: www .st -andrews
.ac .uk
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 10,423
Undergraduates: 8,451
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: N/A
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 24,042
Accepted: 14%
Enrolled: 70%
Grad in 6 Years: 100%
Returning Freshmen: 99%
“Pick your courses
carefully. You can’t major
in something you haven’t
taken the first year.”
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376 UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
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and for all practical purposes, says one student, “The university is the town.”
Buildings are constructed of ancient stone and include the ruins of a 13th- century
castle and a cathedral. Narrow alleys, called “wynds” by the Scots, lead to secluded
gardens and courtyards that add to the old- world charm. A number of academic
buildings are perched on cliffs overlooking the North Sea, and white beaches are a
two- minute walk from some of the dorms.
Though more flexible than most British universities, St Andrews offers less lat-
itude to explore a variety of subjects than U.S. institutions and so is best suited to
those who arrive with clear academic goals in mind. Students typically take three
courses, or “modules,” per semester in each of their first two years and then opt for
a single or double honors program in the final two years. (The course structure and/
or number of class hours varies for students in the sciences, medicine, and arts and
divinity.) “Pick your courses carefully,” counsels one U.S. student. “You can’t major
in something you haven’t taken the first year.” First- year modules generally consist
of three lectures per week with 100 or more students and a tutorial with 10 to 20,
while honors- level (third- and fourth- year) courses are generally taught in seminar
format. Fewer courses means less time in class but also significant outside reading
and individual work. Modules typically end with papers or exams that account for
most of the grade.
More so than in the United States, the onus is on the students to keep current
with their rigorous workload and seek help from faculty when necessary. Nevertheless,
the faculty gets high marks. “The lecturers expect a lot from their students,” says an
English and German major, adding, “St
Andrews’ system of mandatory weekly tuto-
rials enables a close interaction with fellow
students and tutors, diving deeper into the
material.” Academic and personal support is
also available from Student Services, wardens (RAs) in the residence halls, and
ramped- up career services that are, according to a school official, working with
American companies to ensure that “U.S. students are returning to the States as com-
petitive in the job market as their peers who studied in the U.S. are.”
Signature offerings at St Andrews include international relations, classics, art his-
tory, geography, economics, and physics. Psychology (especially neuroscience),
English literature, history, and modern languages are strong, and the university is a
world leader in the study of international terrorism. The most popular majors include
medicine, international relations, English, history, and economics and finance.
Americans at St Andrews tend to cluster in a few departments, notably psychology
and international relations. Standards in foreign language are higher than in the
United States, an opportunity but also a challenge. A new joint degree in Chinese
studies allows students to study Chinese culture and language in combination with a
second major in one of 14 fields, ranging from modern history to film studies. Students
in the International Honours joint- degree program spend two years at William &
Mary in Virginia and two years at St Andrews and earn degrees in classical studies,
economics, English, film studies, history, or international relations from both institu-
tions. Four percent of undergraduates study abroad during their time at St Andrews.
“St Andrews students are generally bold and excited to try new things, and take
risks like moving across the world,” says an international relations and French major.
St Andrews is one of the world’s most international universities, with roughly 31 per-
cent of its students from Scotland, 29 percent from elsewhere in the UK, and 40 per-
cent from the rest of the world, including sizable contingents from Scandinavia,
Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and, of course, the U.S. In fact, Americans rep-
resent the largest international group and are typically given a warm welcome, stu-
dents say. Still, says a junior, “There is a pretty high population of wealthy, English
(continued)
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (+44) 133 446
2150
Email Address: admissions @
st -andrews .ac .uk
Strong Programs:
International Relations
Classics
Art History
Geography
Economics
Physics
Psychology
English Literature
“St Andrews’ system of
mandatory weekly tutorials
enables a close interaction with
fellow students and tutors.”
While it is competitive
for European students,
who must be in the
top 10th academically,
it is more accessible
for U.S. students.
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UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS 377
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private or boarding school graduates”— remember, Prince William and Catherine,
Princess of Wales (a.k.a. Kate Middleton), met there— which lends a more conser-
vative tenor to the campus than some Americans might expect. “St Andrews feels
preppy but inclusive,” muses an American third- year student, “and the endless string
of social events tends to include things like formal balls, sailing races, and charity
polo matches.”
While it is competitive for European students, who must be in the top 10th aca-
demically, it is more accessible for U.S. students who have the brains to make it into
the Ivies but can’t also throw a football or play a Liszt concerto. Tuition varies
depending on the course, but the bill for a year at St Andrews is likely to be roughly
$36,000, depending on the exchange rate. The university now fixes rates for each
incoming class so that tuition won’t increase over a student’s four years.
Housing is guaranteed for first- year students only, and students can request a
single or shared room. Forty- two percent of students reside in university housing, and
those who do choose between the university meal plan or self- catering, in which they
use kitchens in the dorms to prepare their own food. Catered and shared- bathroom
halls are the most central and ancient, and students give the food generally positive
reviews. Meals are served at specified times with standard portions, so don’t expect
the glitzy food courts or all- you- can- eat service typical in the States. After their first
year, students generally move to one of the many flats (apartments) in town, which
“[are] very expensive and difficult to get,” says a first- year student.
Given the symbiosis of town and gown, gathering with friends in local pubs is a
favorite activity on weekends. “Parties are thrown by halls of residence and the stu-
dent union,” adds a computer science major. A peek inside the student union reveals
something never seen on a U.S. campus: a fully
equipped bar with, of course, an ample array of
scotch. The drinking age is 18 in Britain, and
St Andrews boasts 18 pubs. Though there may
not be more alcohol than at an American institution, it is certainly more out in the
open and thus less of an issue. Black- tie balls and fashion shows are also staples, as
are ceilidhs (pronounced “kaylees”), which feature traditional Scottish dancing akin
to square dancing. Like other Scottish universities, St Andrews offers “a society for
everything you can think of,” says a student. Interested in philosophical debate? A
cappella singing? Belly dancing? Harry Potter? Stargazing from the university obser-
vatory? Then there’s a society just waiting for you. The St Andrews debating society
was founded in 1793 and continues to do well in international competitions.
Political activism is muted, but the annual Charities Campaign raises £100,000 a
year for local charities.
As befitting a 600- year- old institution, St Andrews is rife with traditions. Red
gowns, once the student uniform, are only worn on special occasions, but pubs are
still forbidden to serve anyone wearing one. The aforementioned May Dip, aimed at
purging oneself of academic bad luck, has roots in pagan times. One student explains
that during Raisin Weekend in October, “Academic parents [older students who take
first- years under their wings] will dress their children up in funny costumes and
send them on a scavenger hunt around town, doing silly, slightly embarrassing
tasks.” Students emerging from their last exam are greeted by their friends and
doused with buckets of cold water.
“Every student I have ever talked to has shared their love for our lovely little
University town above all else,” shares a student. “[The] historical buildings and
events, its traditions and beaches make the town a buzzing place- to- be despite being
so little.” The nearest road- trip destination is the medium- sized city of Dundee,
about 20 minutes away, which offers shops, nightclubs, and movie theaters. “The
public transport links in town are really good for students to get around and visit
St Andrews is best
suited to those
who arrive with
clear academic
goals in mind.
“St Andrews students are
generally bold and excited
to try new things.”
The May Dip involves
submerging yourself
in the North Sea just
before dawn the
first day of May.
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378 TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
different places in Scotland,” notes an English major. Scotland’s two largest cities,
Edinburgh and Glasgow, are about an hour away, and for outdoorsy types, the leg-
endary Scottish Highlands are within easy reach. The Student Association helps with
overseas travel.
Soccer, a.k.a. football, is the national sport, and students congregate to watch pro
teams in the pubs or on the big- screen TV at the union. Rugby, tennis, golf, soccer,
rowing, and water polo are among the school’s most competitive sports teams, although
these draw fewer spectators than do varsity sports
in the U.S.— “you don’t have 40,000 screaming
fans,” points out one student. Students tend to be
much more enthusiastic about their “hall sport”
competitions (the equivalent of intramurals in the
U.S.), in sports ranging from rugby and ultimate Frisbee to shinty, a violent Scottish
mix of field hockey and lacrosse. Students can also join the sports center, which has
recently been renovated and upgraded with top- of- the- line facilities and equipment.
The fabled Old Course, where golf was invented in the 1500s, offers student discounts,
but the sport is not as popular among students here as one might assume.
“St Andrews is a modern institution set in a medieval past,” comments an
ancient history major. “Students still embrace their gowns, walk the cathedral, and
hang out on the beach below the castle.” Although St Andrews comes the closest of
any of the Scottish universities to having the feel of a liberal arts college, this is not
the United States. Those who come here must be ready to adjust to a different way
of life, and the tight identification of the university and the town can eventually
make for a bit of claustrophobia. But these are small prices to pay for the richness of
living abroad among the best and brightest from all corners of the globe. “The
University’s motto ‘Ever to Excel’ describes the institutional personality quite well,”
affirms a student. And with its hauntingly beautiful backdrop, St Andrews will
remain forever etched in the minds of all who come here.
“Every student I have ever
talked to has shared their
love for our lovely little
University town.”
St Andrews now
numbers roughly 1,900
Americans (19 percent
of the student body).
Overlaps
University of
Edinburgh, Brown,
University College
London, Durham
University, Oxford,
University of
Glasgow, University
of Warwick,
Cambridge
If You Apply To ›
St Andrews: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult St Andrews’s website
for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Trinity College Dublin
College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
The oldest four- year university in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin belongs to a peer
group consisting of Oxbridge and the four “ancient” Scottish universities— albeit with
a more European feel. Trinity combines rich academic offerings across the curriculum
with life in one of the world’s most vibrant capital cities. Traditions abound, academic
and otherwise. Where else do honors students get the right to graze their sheep on
the college green?
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth as an Irish Protestant counterpart to Oxford
and Cambridge, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin is the largest and
most distinguished of the seven universities in Ireland and one of the strongest
anywhere. Although best known for its offerings in the humanities and social sci-
ences, Trinity is strong across the curriculum, including in new specialties such as
Website: www .tcd .ie
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 17,895
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nanoscience. The university has produced enough distinguished alumni to fill an
encyclopedia (Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Edmund Burke, Samuel Beckett, Ernest
Walton, Mary Robinson, and Sally Rooney for starters), and its students bathe
in centuries- old academic traditions while enjoying life in one of Europe’s most
vibrant capital cities.
Trinity College Dublin occupies a 47- acre oasis in the heart of Dublin,
within easy walking distance of the national museums, government buildings,
and other major cultural attractions. “When you pass under the archway you
move from the bustle of the city to a tradi-
tional liberal arts setting, complete with rugby
and cricket pitches,” explains a sophomore.
Most of the central buildings are built of light
gray Georgian stone, including its iconic
Campanile. The college’s Old Library, with its
oak- ceilinged Long Room, is home to the Book of Kells, an illuminated Latin
manuscript of the Gospels that draws a steady stream of tourists onto the
campus. The library, which has been in constant use since 1732, closed in fall
2023 for a three- year, $95 million restoration. Another library bears the name
of James Ussher, the university’s first student, who went on to make a name for
himself by devising a Biblically based calculation that the world started at
6:00 p.m. on October 22, 4004 BC. A student describes Dublin as “a compact
and friendly city with lots to do,” while a freshman cautions, “Let’s not go
overboard. There is also a lot of rain.”
Trinity is organized around three schools in each of the traditional areas: arts,
humanities, and social sciences; engineering, math, and science; and health sci-
ences. Unlike other universities in Ireland, Trinity offers a four- year undergraduate
program parallel to the four “ancient” universi-
ties in Scotland. There are no “core” courses, but
all students must complete an undergraduate
research project in their final year in order to
graduate. The college has traditionally been best
known for its English and literature courses, along with history, political science,
European studies, and international studies. Mathematics and the sciences are also
strong, especially molecular biology, genetics, immunology, nanoscience, and
chemistry. The Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute is a state- of- the- art research
facility, while the Trinity Long Room Hub accommodates research in the arts and
humanities. The BESS program (Business, Economics, and Social Studies) and global
business are particularly popular among American students, who are also begin-
ning to pursue the sciences in greater numbers. Trinity has a strong interdisciplin-
ary culture, and the Trinity Elective option encourages students to exercise their
curiosity in a module (course) outside their specialty, such as film studies or global-
ization. An incubation program for student- run companies encourages an entrepre-
neurial spirit.
Trinity’s academic climate is described as “academically rigorous.” The academic
year runs for 11 weeks each in the fall and spring, followed by three to four weeks of
exams. Students accumulate 60 credits per year through modules offering various
numbers of credits, with strong weight given to final exams, although the balance
of continuous and final assessment varies by module. A final- year capstone project
brings 20 credits. “The major difference between Trinity and American universities
is that the onus falls much more on the students,” says a junior. Lectures coupled
with weekly tutorials are common the first two years but then give way to small
seminars the last two years. An English major observes, “There are regular continu-
ous assessments, labs, tutorials, etc., to help students to learn. And lecturers are
(continued)
Undergraduates: 13,505
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: N/A
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 22,564
Accepted: 14%
Enrolled: 74%
Grad in 6 Years: 95%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (+353) 1 896
4500
Email Address: academic
.registry @ tcd .ie
Strong Programs:
English Language and
Literature
History
Political Science
European Studies
International Studies
Classics and Ancient History
Biological Sciences
Global Business
Mathematics
“The major difference
between Trinity and
American universities is
that the onus falls much
more on the students.”
“Lecturers are generally
friendly and willing to
answer questions students
have.”
Trinity participates
in the U.S. federal
student loan program
and offers a number
of scholarships,
including one for
U.S. students.
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380 TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
generally friendly and willing to answer questions students have.” Each entering
student is assigned a peer mentor and a personal academic tutor, not one of his or
her professors, who will be available for personal, academic, and professional advice
over four years and, if necessary, become an advocate. American students can also
sign up for the weeklong Trinity Smart- Start Program to help them get the hang of
the university and its setting.
Trinity students are encouraged to take advantage of the nearly 300 foreign
study options, including those with leading institutions in Australia, Canada, India,
China, and Singapore; 30 percent take part. Trinity participates in the Erasmus
Program with other European universities and has special relationships in the U.S.
with such prestigious institutions as Brown, Chicago, and Columbia. Dublin serves
as the European headquarters for several major companies, such as Google, Airbnb,
Microsoft, and Meta, which frequently recruit students for internships, summer
jobs, and postgraduation careers.
As the top university in Ireland, Trinity is highly competitive academically.
Twenty- six percent of undergraduates are international students from more than
120 nations, with the U.S. and Canada making up the largest group. Many U.S. stu-
dents hail from elite public high schools and prep schools, and have traveled abroad.
Trinity is an ideal option for top students who are strong enough academically to
qualify for Ivy League schools but who neglected to star on the soccer team or do
community service in Bujumbura. Trinity draws heavily from New York and New
England, but it is attracting an increasing number of Texans and Californians who
find access to the University of California frustrating. A neuroscience major describes
Trinity students as “very academic, well- read, and very inclusive, especially toward
the LGBTQ community.”
Trinity participates in the U.S. federal student loan program and offers a number
of scholarships, including one for U.S. students. All students can try their luck in a
series of competitive tests that sophomores can take just after Christmas known as
the Foundation Scholarship Exams. More than
400 students typically sit for the exams, with
about 90 becoming either “scholars” or “founda-
tion scholars.” Scholars become members of the
university’s governing board. Other benefits
include five years of free or heavily discounted tuition, free accommodations and
evening meals, and, best of all, the rumor goes, the privileges of carrying a sword
into an exam and grazing their sheep on the campus green.
One drawback of Trinity’s self- contained campus is the limited space for
housing— only 33 percent of undergrads reside in university- owned facilities. Most
first- year students live in Trinity Hall, a modern apartment building about 20 min-
utes away by bus. After that, preference for on- campus rooms goes to students in
their final year. “Trinity helps with off- campus housing to an extent (they have
connections with some of the private student accommodations in Dublin),” shares
a student. But housing in Dublin is pricey. Strong public transportation makes
access to affordable accommodations feasible, and the college’s Global Room
stands ready to help out. Given that residences include communal kitchens,
Trinity offers no university- wide meal plan, “so students tend to be pretty self-
sufficient when it comes to food,” says an English major. Some head to the two
main restaurants or smaller cafés on campus, which provide simple meals. And as
a senior points out, given the school’s prime location, “Trinity students are spoiled
for choice in terms of eating establishments extremely close to the university.”
Despite its urban setting, the campus is said to be safe, and an engineering major
comments, “Trinity has started to introduce sexual consent workshops to incom-
ing students.”
All students must
complete an
undergraduate
research project in
their final year in
order to graduate.
“People tend to do sport
mainly as an extracurricular
activity. It’s not really a
status symbol.”
American students
can sign up for the
weeklong Trinity
Smart- Start Program
to help them get the
hang of the university.
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Extracurricular activities may not help you get into Trinity, but they play an
important role in campus culture once you get there. There are more than 170
student societies devoted to activities from yoga to traditional Irish music to entre-
preneurialism. The most famous are the Philosophical Society (“the Phil”), which
is the oldest debating club in the English- speaking world (1684), and its rival, the
Historical Society (“the Hist”). The two groups share a building, sponsor weekly
public debates, and award medals to notable visiting speakers. The Metaphysical
Society (“the Metafizz”) also gives students a chance to show off how much they
know about Plato or Bertrand Russell. The Student Union is active in campaigning
for a variety of political and social causes; divestment from fossil fuels has been a
hot topic of late.
Social life takes place both on and off campus. Student societies are mandated
to throw events once a month, so there is plenty to choose from every day of the
week. The drinking age is 18, and most students attend “Pav Fridays,” where the
lively on- campus Pavilion Bar offers cheap beer and cider. Later in the evening,
socializing usually spills out into the surrounding city and its vibrant music and
cultural scene. As a senior puts it, “All of Dublin’s nightclubs, bars, and pubs are
pretty much a stone’s throw away.” (Where else can you go pub crawling in the
footsteps of Bram Stoker, of Dracula fame, and James Joyce?) St. Patrick’s Day is
always a time to celebrate, but unquestionably
the biggest event is Trinity Week. It starts on
Monday, when the new Scholars are announced,
given black robes, and invited to take on cur-
rent Scholars in a game of marbles on the steps
of the chapel. Festivities culminate on Friday
with the Trinity Ball, “an annual, black- tie mini– music festival that’s organized by
the Trinity Student Union,” says a graduate student. “It’s incredibly popular and
tickets for it sell out immediately every year.” Trinity is ideally located for travel to
European and other destinations. “There are cheap buses from Dublin to any
corner of Ireland,” reports a senior. “It is also possible to fly to continental Europe
or the UK for well under 50 euros.”
Sports here are for playing, not watching, at the local, national, or intercol-
legiate level. Says a history major, “There is no school mascot or particular set of
colors that students wear. People tend to do sport mainly as an extracurricular
activity. It’s not really a status symbol.” Nevertheless, there are at least 50 club and
intramural sports; men’s rugby and women’s field hockey are the most competitive
club teams. Although the English invented rugby, students at Trinity started the
first club, and the boat (rowing) club is also one of the oldest. The university does
hire coaches for some intercollegiate sports, such as rugby and soccer, and team
leaders are eligible for scholarships. The annual dodgeball tournament is also a
highlight.
Trinity College Dublin combines strong academics with the benefits of a beau-
tiful campus in the midst of a thriving capital city that is also a gateway to the rest
of Europe. “You get a top- tier degree that costs less than most private colleges in
the U.S. and gives you the international experience of a lifetime,” comments one
American denizen. “And I met the nicest, most interesting, and hilarious people—
the Irish.”
Where else can you
go pub crawling
in the footsteps
of Bram Stoker,
of Dracula fame,
and James Joyce?
“Trinity students are spoiled
for choice in terms of
eating establishments
extremely close to the
university.”
Overlaps
University of
St Andrews,
University of
Cambridge,
University of
Oxford, University
of Edinburgh, King’s
College London,
University College
Dublin, Brown,
Columbia, NYU
If You Apply To ›
Trinity: Rolling admissions. Does not accept the Common Application. Please consult Trinity’s website for the most up- to-
date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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382 UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Iowa
108 Calvin Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242
A bargain compared with other Big Ten schools such as Michigan and Illinois.
Iowa is world- famous for its creative writing program and Writers’ Workshop.
Other areas of strength include health sciences, social and behavioral sciences,
and business. Future scientists should check out the Research Fellows Program.
The university is a regional draw, although more students are now arriving from
outside the Midwest.
At first glance, one might dismiss Iowa as a standard- issue Midwestern State U.
But look beyond the state’s endless miles of fields and corn and you’ll find one
of the most dynamic schools in the country— and one of the best values to boot.
Iowa is known for producing stellar nurses, future doctors, and, of course, wrestlers.
Founded in 1847, Iowa was the first public university in the 19th century to admit
men and women on an equal basis and the first to accept theater, music, and the
other arts as equal to more traditional areas of academic research. The university
has long been a major player in the creative fields, particularly writing, and its
small- town atmosphere is just one of many reasons students nationwide flock to
this “budget Ivy.”
The 1,770- acre campus is located in the rolling hills of the Iowa River valley.
Among the 300 major buildings is Old Capitol, the first capitol of Iowa, a national
historic landmark and the symbol of the univer-
sity. The primary architectural styles of the campus
buildings are Greek Revival and modern. Notable
newer facilities include a 216,000- square- foot,
state- of- the- art recreation and wellness center, the Voxman Music Building, Hancher
Auditorium, and the Visual Arts Building.
Seven of Iowa’s 11 colleges offer either direct or delayed admission to under-
graduates, with requirements varying by college. Liberal arts students must fulfill
comprehensive requirements that include general education courses in the areas of
communication and literacy; natural, quantitative, and social sciences; and culture,
society, and the arts. The three- day On Iowa! program immerses incoming fresh-
men in the campus culture and introduces them to popular activities and traditions.
Optional First- Year Seminar courses help students hone their discussion skills in a
small- group setting.
Iowa has a long tradition in creative arts and is the home of the famed Writers’
Workshop, a two- year graduate program for emerging authors whose graduates
have included Jane Smiley, John Irving, and Yaa Gyasi. The school also prides
itself on its International Writing Program. “The English department is stellar,”
raves one English major. “It’s possibly the best in the country— at least for creative
writing.” Iowa’s programs in dance, music, and theater arts are also well respected.
The university’s on- campus hospital is one of the largest teaching hospitals in the
United States. Undergraduates benefit from strong programs in the health profes-
sions, such as nursing, physician’s assistant, and medical technician. The most
popular majors are finance, enterprise leadership, health studies, and psychology.
Iowa is also strong in business, education, and sustainability science. Combined
degree programs permit students to earn degrees in liberal arts and their choice of
business, engineering, nursing, or medicine. Agriculture, veterinary medicine, for-
estry, architecture, and animal science are only taught at Iowa’s sister institution,
Iowa State.
Website: www .uiowa .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 25,158
Undergraduates: 20,136
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 80%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 25,729
Accepted: 86%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (319) 335- 3847
Email Address: admissions @
uiowa .edu
Strong Programs:
Creative Writing
Performing Arts
Business
Education
Sustainability Science
Finance
Enterprise Leadership
Health Studies
“I have had a few really
amazing teachers become
mentors.”
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Half of the classes have fewer than 20 students, and “freshmen do tend to spend
a majority of their time in large lectures,” says a senior. The level of academic rigor
tends to depend on the program, and professors are a mixed bag, students report. “I
have had a few really amazing teachers become
mentors, and I’ve had more than a few terrible
teachers who don’t care,” a journalism major
says. The university’s Four- Year Graduation Plan
guarantees that students who fulfill certain
requirements will not have their graduation delayed by unavailability of a needed
course. The University Honors Program provides special academic, cultural, and
social opportunities to students who maintain a cumulative grade point average of
3.3 or higher. About 150 undergraduates— across all disciplines— are chosen each
year to be ICRU Research Fellows, earning scholarships of up to $2,500 to engage in
faculty- mentored research. Undergrads who take advantage of study abroad pro-
grams can pack their bags for any of nearly 50 countries worldwide, mostly in UI-
sponsored programs.
“Generally, students are very open- minded and kind,” says an English major.
Sixty percent of undergraduates hail from Iowa, with most of the rest coming from
contiguous states, especially Illinois; 2 percent are international. Black students
account for 3 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans 5 percent, and
multiracial students 4 percent. Students describe the left- leaning campus as toler-
ant and supportive of a community atmosphere in and out of the classroom.
In addition to more than 400 athletic scholarships, there are academic scholarships
averaging $6,400 for eligible students. Twenty Carver Scholarships are awarded
each year to juniors who have “overcome unusual or debilitating circumstances
in life.”
“The residence halls range from hotel- like (Catlett and Petersen) to antiquated
but charming (Currier and Hillcrest) to slightly gross (Burge, a.k.a. ‘Dirty Burge,’
and Mayflower),” explains a sophomore. All are co- ed by floor or wing, and first-
years can opt to live in one of nearly 20 living/
learning communities, such as Global Mosaic,
Living Literature, and Justice for All. Twenty-
eight percent of undergrads live in university
housing; most students move off campus after
their first year, often to apartments or houses adjacent to the campus. The “very
nice” dining halls are “set up like food courts, with numerous options for varying
ethnic and special tastes,” says a senior. The student union includes a coffee shop,
two cafeterias, and the State Room Restaurant. Regarding safety, a student notes,
“The university talks a lot about preventing sexual assault and other forms of
violence/intimidation.”
Students often venture to Iowa City’s lively downtown area, across the street
from campus, which “is built with the college student in mind,” a student says.
“There are two university theaters right on campus and many affordable cultural
events take place at Hancher Auditorium. Mickey’s, Sports Column, and George’s
are all popular hangouts with students.” Thirteen percent of the men and 17 percent
of the women belong to fraternities and sororities, respectively. Policies against
underage drinking are strictly enforced, and alcohol is only permitted at Greek
events if there is a licensed, third- party vendor checking IDs, serving drinks, and
providing security. “Students disobey the policy,” says a student, “but there are fines
and academic ramifications.” Students look forward to the annual Iowa City Jazz
Festival, homecoming, Dance Marathon, and Big Ten football, especially the game
against Iowa State. For a change of scene, Chicago, Kansas City, or St. Louis are all
within four to six hours by car, a short road trip by Midwestern standards.
“The residence halls
range from hotel- like to
antiquated but charming to
slightly gross.”
The three- day On
Iowa! program
immerses incoming
freshmen in the
campus culture.
“The English department
is . . . possibly the best in
the country— at least for
creative writing.”
The football team is a
national powerhouse
and regularly appears
in New Year’s Day
bowl games.
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384 IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
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Iowa’s Hawkeyes compete in the Division I Big Ten Conference. The foot-
ball team is a national powerhouse and regularly appears in New Year’s Day bowl
games. Hawkeye fans are serious about their team: “The whole town is basked in
black and gold,” a freshman says. The wrestling program also enjoys a national
reputation, a varsity women’s wrestling team was added for the 2023– 24 season,
and a state- of- the- art, $31 million wrestling facility was slated for completion in
2024. Women’s basketball was the national runner- up in 2023, and the men’s team
claimed the Big Ten title in 2022. Students are active in 38 club sports and the
extensive intramural program, which offers more than 40 individual, dual, or team
sports; basketball, sand volleyball, and indoor soccer are some of the most popular
intramural leagues.
Much more than a campus among the cornfields, Iowa is an ever- evolving uni-
versity where scientific innovation thrives alongside artistic creativity in a relatively
progressive college town. “No one has to be ‘just an engineer,’ or ‘just an artist,’”
remarks an English major. The scope of Iowa’s academic programs is broad and
social activities abound— especially when it comes to rooting for their Hawkeyes.
Overlaps
U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
Indiana University,
Michigan State,
University of
Minnesota,
UW– Madison, Iowa
State, University
of Michigan,
University of
Arizona
If You Apply To ›
Iowa: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Applicants have the option of selecting pre-
ferred gender pronouns, preferred name, and sexual orientation. SATs or ACTs: optional.
Iowa State University
100 Alumni Hall, Ames, IA 50011
Agriculture and engineering are the twin pillars of Iowa State’s curriculum, and the
university is a magnet for preveterinary medicine students. Ames is a small city, and
ISU must still endure barbs from certain snobby people in Iowa City. In truth, ISU is
relatively cosmopolitan, with students hailing from more than 100 countries. While
others retrench, ISU continues to expand.
Love for Iowa State University runs as deep as its Midwestern roots. Strong programs
in engineering, technology, and agriculture attract students from around the globe.
The close- knit, small- town atmosphere fostered at this school of more than 24,000
full- time undergraduates keeps them here. At a time when many state universities
are tightening the purse strings and retrenching, Iowa State has expanded major
research initiatives focused on areas like bioeconomics, food safety and security,
human/computer interaction, and animal health.
The university has lavished attention on its parklike setting, located on a 1,984-
acre tract in the middle of Ames, population 66,000. The campus, which boasts a
combination of dignified old buildings and award- winning new ones, is a model of
landscape design with numerous shady quadran-
gles with floral plantings and artwork that create
a garden- like quality. History and tradition pre-
vail, from the campanile, which serenades the campus with its carillon bells, to the
huge public art collection, including murals by native Iowan Grant Wood (think
American Gothic) and sculptures by Danish artist Christian Petersen. Much of the
campus is closed to cars, largely for the benefit of walking and bicycling, as well as
the swans (Sir Lancelot and Lady Elaine) and ducks that reside on Lake LaVerne. The
Website: www .iastate .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 26,960
Undergraduates: 23,931
Male/Female: 55/45
Financial Aid: 87%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 57%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 21,919
Accepted: 90%
Enrolled: 29%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
“We have a lot of farmers
and small- town Iowans.”
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free- to- students CyRide bus system delivers students around campus and the city.
Recent additions include an $84 million Student Innovation Center.
All undergraduates must take two semesters of foundational courses covering
written, oral, visual, and electronic communication and demonstrate proficiency in
English prior to graduation, in addition to taking a half- credit course on the use of
the library and satisfying a three- credit requirement in diversity. Other general edu-
cation requirements vary by college. When Iowa State opened its doors in 1869 as
a land grant university, agriculture and engineering ruled the academic roost, and
these colleges still field outstanding programs in animal science, agribusiness, agron-
omy, and agricultural engineering. These days, though, the liberal arts are nearly
as popular, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest of ISU’s seven
undergraduate colleges. Other colleges include business, design, veterinary medicine,
and human sciences. Among the university’s 100- plus majors, mechanical engineer-
ing is the most popular, followed by marketing, kinesiology and health, and finance.
Programs in supply chain management; industrial, civil, aerospace, and software
engineering; and elementary education are also strong.
Thirty- one percent of all undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, and
students report that academic intensity varies by program. Despite the university’s
size, professors teach most classes, with the exception of some English gen- eds. “We
have some world- class profs here who are doing important research,” one senior
says. Academic and career counseling draw praise, too, and advisors are “always
readily available” to help students. Seventy- nine percent of first- year students join
ISU’s 90 highly touted learning communities, taking a common set of classes or
living together on the same residence hall floor with other newcomers who share
similar academic interests. The Honors Program enrolls about 1,400 outstanding
students, who take special seminars, complete an independent honors research proj-
ect or creative work, and have the option of living in honors housing. Roughly
5 percent of undergrads study overseas in programs offered in more than 50 coun-
tries; popular destinations include Italy, the United Kingdom, China, Australia,
and the Netherlands. Fourteen percent take advantage of undergraduate research
opportunities with faculty members.
Sixty percent of ISU’s undergraduates are Iowans, though all 50 states and more
than 100 countries are represented here. According to an animal science major, the
atmosphere on campus is inclusive and respectful, and “people tend to keep their
political ideas to themselves.” International students make up 3 percent of the stu-
dent body. Iowa State was the first co- ed land
grant institution, but attracting students of color
has proven more difficult: Hispanics/Latinos
account for 7 percent, Asian Americans 4 per-
cent, Black students 3 percent, and multiracial students 3 percent. “We have a lot of
farmers and small- town Iowans,” says a senior. “This is a pretty white campus.” To
help remedy this situation, ISU launched a $25 million campaign aimed at increas-
ing the number of scholarships available for students of color, athletes, and student
leaders. In addition to need- based financial aid and more than 400 athletic scholar-
ships, thousands of merit awards, which average $4,600 annually, are available.
Thirty- one percent of students live in on- campus residence halls and apart-
ments; most others find their own apartments near campus. Single- sex, co- ed, and
suite- style dorms are available, as are special floors for international students, teeto-
talers, and particularly studious undergraduates, and rooms are said to be well main-
tained. “The dorms are sterile to begin with but the traditions are very strong here
and students transform them into home with their own personal touch,” explains a
junior. Students dine at 26 campus locations, including four main dining centers.
Campus safety receives good ratings, and students say educational and training
(continued)
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (515) 294- 5836
Email Address: admissions @
iastate .edu
Strong Programs:
Food Science and Technology
Engineering
Animal Science
Agribusiness
Supply Chain Management
Elementary Education
Marketing
Kinesiology and Health
ISU launched a
$25 million campaign
aimed at increasing
the number of
scholarships available
for students of
color, athletes, and
student leaders.
“Everyone dresses in red
and gold in support of our
teams.”
The College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences is
the largest of ISU’s
seven undergraduate
colleges.
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386 ITHACA COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
efforts, including the Green Dot initiative, have been effective in raising awareness
about campus sexual assault and violence.
Iowa State is not simply located in Ames— in many respects it is Ames, but
whether it qualifies as a college town depends on whom you ask. Des Moines, the
state capital, is about 30 minutes away, and Iowa City, Minneapolis, and Chicago
are other easy and enjoyable road trips. Socializing tends to stay on campus, though,
with big- name bands playing at Hilton Coliseum and parties always rocking. More
than 800 student organizations cater to just about any interest. Fourteen percent of
both the men and women go Greek. Students of legal age are allowed to have alco-
hol on campus, and students report that alcohol policies are well enforced. Across
the street from campus, Campustown offers several bars as well as a variety of cafés
and international restaurants. One long- held tradition is campaniling, where stu-
dents kiss under the campanile at the stroke of midnight. And students have learned
not to walk over the zodiac sign in the Memorial Union— it brings bad luck.
In sports, Cyclone basketball is king; the men’s and women’s teams are usual
invitees to the NCAA Division I tournament. The men’s team has won the Big 12
title four times in the last decade and the women won in 2023. Football, wrestling,
and men’s and women’s track and field and cross- country are also competitive. ISU’s
football stadium bears the name of Jack Trice, ISU’s first Black athlete, who was
fatally injured in a 1923 football game. The Cyclones’ rivalry with the University of
Iowa’s Hawkeyes is one of the strongest in the nation. “Everyone dresses in red and
gold in support of our teams,” cheers a first- year, and “Beat Iowa” paraphernalia
is ubiquitous. Thirty- six percent of students participate in nonvarsity sports; the
intramural program, which is one of the largest in the country, offers around 50
sports— and if that’s not enough, students have their pick of 50 club sports too.
From its first class of 28 men and two women in 1869, Iowa State has taken to
heart Abraham Lincoln’s land grant ideal: to open higher education to all, to teach
practical courses, and to share that knowledge beyond the borders of the school.
According to one junior, it’s this dynamic combination that draws “hardworking,
kind students” from near and far.
Overlaps
U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
Kansas State, Ohio
State, Penn State,
Purdue, University
of Iowa, Michigan
State, UW– Madison
If You Apply To ›
Iowa State: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Ithaca College
953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Ithaca offers an unusually wide array of programs for a smallish university.
The common thread: solid preprofessional programs rooted in the liberal arts.
Communications and music are traditional strengths, along with physical therapy
and other health sciences. Crosstown neighbor Cornell adds curricular and social
opportunities.
Located in the picturesque center of the beautiful upstate New York Finger Lakes
region, Ithaca College was founded in 1892 as a music conservatory. Since then, it
has led the way in showing how to combine hands- on preprofessional training in
a wide range of fields, from communications and theatre to health sciences, with a
solid grounding in the liberal arts. Recent enrollment declines have led to reductions
Website: www .ithaca .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 4,929
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ITHACA COLLEGE 387
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
in the size of the faculty and the elimination of some majors and the honors pro-
gram, but IC’s new Center for Student Success and Retention is working to change
that. Ithaca’s size continues to allow for easy friendships with peers and professors
alike. Ithaca’s special approach to hands- on learning helps prepare students for life
outside institutional walls.
Ithaca’s campus, midway between Syracuse and Binghamton, lies on the city’s
southern hill overlooking Cayuga Lake. The college did not move to its present loca-
tion, a sprawling 757- acre property, until the 1960s. The surrounding area is dotted
with forests, rolling hills, some 150 waterfalls,
and, of course, those ever- present gorges. Author
Tom Wolfe dubbed the college “the emerald emi-
nence at the fingertip of Cayuga Lake.” Campus
facilities afford students access to more than 100 labs, smart classrooms, studios, prac-
tice rooms, and performance spaces, not to mention 560 acres of natural lands.
Ithaca has five schools— business; communications; health sciences and human
performance; humanities and sciences; and music, theatre, and dance. Together, they
offer 70 undergraduate majors and 70 minors. All students complete the Integrative
Core Curriculum (ICC), which is designed to help them connect concepts across
disciplines. All first- year students take a four- credit Ithaca Seminar during their first
semester; recent examples of the nearly 100 offerings include Inquiring Minds Want
to Know and Hello China: Preparing for the Future. These classes are limited to
about 15 students each, and professors and students decide together how to use the
fourth hour of instruction each week, covering topics related to the transition to
college life, such as personal, social, and academic responsibility.
Ithaca is best known for its preprofessional programs— especially music, which
dates to the college’s founding. “The school attracts people who are interested in
those fields even if they aren’t planning on majoring in something within the arts,” a
senior says. The school, which now encompasses theatre and dance programs in addi-
tion to music, requires an audition, making it a destination for already- accomplished
performing artists. Professional programs in the School of Health Sciences and
Human Performance range from speech- language pathology and public and commu-
nity health to the highly regarded physical and occupational therapy programs. The
Park School of Communications houses two of the college’s most popular programs:
television and digital media production and advertising, public relations, and mar-
keting communications. The business school offers undergraduate programs in busi-
ness administration and accounting. The School of Humanities and Sciences recently
added a major in race, power, and resistance. The physician assistant program has
a newly dedicated state- of- the- art facility in downtown Ithaca. Students who are
undecided on a major enroll in the Exploratory Program, which helps them find an
academic path through advising, workshops, and courses in a variety of fields. Cross-
registration is available at nearby Cornell University and Wells College, and Ithaca
also offers a 3– 2 physics and engineering program.
“The teaching approach here is discussion- based and hands- on. Students don’t
learn from simply reading and listening, we learn from applying course material,”
says a junior. Sixty- six percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and professors
are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm.
A sophomore says, “If you do struggle, as I have,
there are lifelines in the form of TAs, free tutor-
ing (in most cases), and persistent professor
interaction.” Research opportunities in the sci-
ences and psychology are plentiful; students in other departments generally do
research as part of an independent study course. Those seeking immersive real- world
experience may apply for a semester- long program in Los Angeles that combines an
(continued)
Undergraduates: 4,519
Male/Female: 45/54
Financial Aid: 97%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 72%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 12,446
Accepted: 75%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 83%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 429- 4274
Email Address: admission @
ithaca .edu
Strong Programs:
Music
Music Education
Theatre
Communications
Clinical Health Studies
Business Administration
Television- Radio
Integrated Marketing
Communications
“The teaching approach
here is discussion- based
and hands- on.”
The biggest annual
athletic tradition
is the “Cortaca
Jug” football game
that pits the Ithaca
Bombers against rival
SUNY– Cortland.
“[Learning communities let
you] meet new people and
become more involved in
the Ithaca area.”
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388 ITHACA COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
internship with industry- related courses. Ithaca offers study abroad programs at the
Ithaca College London Center and in more than 50 countries.
What defines a typical Ithaca student? A senior says they are “creative, driven,
passionate, outdoorsy, and welcoming.” Forty- three percent of Ithaca students hail
from New York State; the rest come from 48 other states and 3 percent come from
44 countries. Black students represent 6 percent
of undergraduates, Asian Americans 4 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent, and multiracial
students 4 percent. Politically, the campus is liberal, and according to one student,
“Hot- button issues include LGBTQ+ rights, the Black Lives Matter movement, cli-
mate change, and fighting antisemitism.” Merit scholarships averaging $19,800 are
available to top- performing applicants; there are no athletic awards. Students apply-
ing for financial aid no longer need to submit a CSS profile.
Eighty percent of Ithaca’s students live on campus, thanks in part to the col-
lege’s Circle and Garden Apartments, which have full kitchens and space for 630
upperclassmen in units that house two to six students each. First- year students par-
ticipate in the First- Year Residential Experience and may choose to live in commu-
nities focusing on themes like multiculturalism, health and wellness, and outdoor
adventure. A junior recommends learning communities as a way to “meet new
people and become more involved in the Ithaca area.” Campus residents can eat in
any of the dining halls, each with a different daily menu and options for those with
special dietary needs; the meals get mixed reviews. An integrated marketing commu-
nications major reports, “Campus is overall very safe— Public Safety has a noticeable
presence on campus.”
Ithaca recognizes only academic fraternities and sororities, not social ones, but
that doesn’t slow down the campus social scene. “Between music school concerts,
theatre performances, Student Activities Board movies, club events, open- mic nights,
comedy shows, or athletic events, it is impossible to be bored on campus,” one
sociology major says. Nearly 200 student organizations also keep students busy.
Students agree that the party scene is low- key; those looking for livelier bashes check
out Greek life at neighboring Cornell. The city of Ithaca caters well to college stu-
dents, with a variety of coffee shops, bars and clubs, live music venues, a mall, a
bowling alley, and movie theaters. “Ithaca is the best college town in the whole
state!” cheers a junior. Each fall brings Applefest, a local downtown festival that
celebrates the harvest, and in the winter, Chilifest helps students warm up. The
area’s hilly terrain provides abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, sledding, and
skiing. Popular road trips include Syracuse and Binghamton, each an hour away,
and New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Toronto, each
between a four- and six- hour drive.
Ithaca fields 27 competitive Division III varsity athletics programs. The Bombers
(a nickname of obscure origin) have claimed recent Liberty League conference cham-
pionships in men’s and women’s track and field, baseball, and women’s basketball,
swimming and diving, and crew. The wrestling team, which competes in the Empire
Collegiate Wrestling Conference, also brought home a conference title. The big-
gest annual athletic tradition is the “Cortaca Jug” football game that pits the Ithaca
Bombers against rival SUNY– Cortland. (The winner gets the jug- shaped stoneware
trophy, and the game is “the only Division III football game you can bet on in
Vegas,” boasts a sophomore.) More than 20 percent of students sign up for club and
intramural sports; popular options include rugby, ultimate Frisbee, swimming, flag
football, basketball, and volleyball.
If you can endure the harsh winters (“Come mid- February or so, we hate the
snow!” gripes one senior), you’ll appreciate the small size and personal attention
characteristic of Ithaca College. “Everybody who is part of the Ithaca College
“It is impossible to be bored
on campus.”
The physician
assistant program has
a newly dedicated
state- of- the-
art facility in
downtown Ithaca.
Overlaps
Elon, Emerson,
Gettysburg, Marist,
St. Lawrence,
Muhlenberg,
Syracuse,
Quinnipiac
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
community knows that they are part of something special,” observes one student.
“At other schools, you’re a number. At Ithaca, we know your name.”
If You Apply To ›
Ithaca: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
JMU has carved out a comfortable niche among Virginia’s superb system of public
universities. More undergrads than UVA and three times as many as William &
Mary. Strong in preprofessional fields such as business, health professions, and
education. Undergraduates rule the roost.
No doubt about it: students at James Madison University get down to business.
In fact, the school’s business programs continue to garner national attention and
attract top- notch students from coast to coast. The university has been growing at
a steady rate, causing growth pains. But an emphasis on undergraduate teaching,
close student/faculty interaction, and a warm and welcoming climate are still busi-
ness as usual here. “JMU is comfortable— everyone has a place, you just have to find
it,” says a senior.
Founded as a teachers’ college in 1908, JMU sits in the heart of the Shenandoah
Valley, two hours from both Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia. The univer-
sity straddles Interstate 81, an outlet to several
major East Coast cities. Three types of architec-
ture make up the campus. The buildings on front
campus have red- tile roofs and are constructed of
a distinctive limestone block known as bluestone.
Back campus has more modern, redbrick structures. The College of Integrated Science
and Technology campus features modern beige buildings. Newer facilities include a
three- story west campus dining hall and a 500- bed residence hall.
The General Education Program requires each student to take courses in several
clusters, including Skills for the 21st Century, Arts and Humanities, The Natural
World, Social and Cultural Processes, and Individuals in the Human Community.
The idea is to give students a basis for lifelong learning by challenging them to
become active in their own education and to explore the foundations of knowledge.
Freshmen are offered a variety of programs to help smooth their transition into the
university. Outdoor Adventures, held before classes begin, give first- year students an
opportunity to meet while hiking and climbing in the mountains.
JMU is recognized nationally for its College of Business, while education is also
strong. In addition to health sciences, some of the most popular majors include
health services administration, sport and recreation management, biology, nursing,
and psychology. Undergraduates in the biology department have employed recom-
binant DNA technology to help develop organisms that produce biodegradable plas-
tics, while a mathematical modeling laboratory helps undergrads solve real- world
applied math problems. Also worth noting is the geology department’s undergradu-
ate summer geology field course in Ireland.
Website: www .jmu .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 19,967
Undergraduates: 18,923
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 63%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 49%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 30,727
Accepted: 78%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (540) 568- 5681
Email Address: admissions @
jmu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Health Sciences
Education
Health Services Administration
Sport and Recreation
Management
Biology
Nursing
Psychology
“No matter where you go
on campus, you are always
going to find someone
wearing purple and gold.”
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With undergrads far outnumbering grad students, JMU’s main mission is under-
graduate teaching, and students say the classroom atmosphere is usually relaxed
and supportive. Thirty- seven percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and a
political science major reports that even in larger classes, “You feel like you can ask
questions, get to know your professors one- on- one, and make connections.” Student
support services get high ratings. “The counseling center offers a student oasis and
arts center where anyone can go free of charge to do yoga, rest, play relaxing games,
make crafts, etc.,” notes a senior.
Those looking for a more intense intellectual experience can apply for admis-
sion to the Honors College, which offers small classes and opportunities for
independent study. Many upper- level programs encourage undergraduate partic-
ipation with faculty research. Thirty percent of students study internationally;
JMU runs its own semester abroad programs in Belgium, England, Italy, Scotland,
and Spain, as well as dozens of short- term, faculty- led programs in more than 40
countries.
Students describe their classmates as cheerful folks who hold doors open for
each other, and a junior says JMU students are interested in “finding lifestyles that
they love instead of just jobs.” Most undergrads attended public high schools, and
81 percent are from Virginia. In fact, there’s a
conscious effort to keep out- of- state enrollment
below 30 percent; international students repre-
sent less than 1 percent. Racial and ethnic diver-
sity, although low, has been slowly on the rise;
Black students currently account for 4 percent of
JMU’s student body, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans 5 percent, and
multiracial students 5 percent. As for political inclinations, both sides of the aisle are
represented, but an economics major says most students are “rather apathetic.” JMU
offers limited merit scholarships averaging $7,200 and more than 300 athletic
scholarships.
Thirty- two percent of students live on campus, which is a requirement for
freshmen. On- campus housing runs the gamut from the old high- ceiling variety to
newer, air- conditioned dorms with fitness centers and apartments for sophomores.
For upperclassmen, “Off- campus housing is extremely easy to find,” reports a senior,
“and there is a wide range of prices and amenities available.” With 27 dining options
on campus serving all sorts of dietary needs and preferences, students rave about the
meal plan. “You’re supposed to miss your mom’s cooking when you go away, but I
end up missing my college’s food when I’m home,” says one student. (We won’t tell
Mom.) According to a math major, JMU’s Title IX office is “working hard to advance
services” and the Campus Assault Response student group “is a great nonreporting
resource for students” coping with sexual violence.
“Social life is really fun for a rural area,” observes one student. “The students
mostly gather at off- campus apartments via a bus system that runs into the late
hours.” Greek life attracts only 4 percent of the men and 5 percent of the women.
The school cracks down on underage drinking on campus, and after three strikes,
“students are asked to leave,” says a student. Favorite traditions include the holiday
tree- lighting ceremony, Spring Concert, the Madipalooza music festival, and taking
graduation photos with the various campus statues of James Madison (or “JMaddy,”
as he’s been dubbed by students). Most students find Harrisonburg a friendly, if not
always lively, Southern town. As for road trips, the University of Virginia, almost an
hour’s drive to the south, is a top destination, but equally enticing are the many
nearby natural delights of the Shenandoah Valley, including hiking, camping, and
even skiing.
Sports fans here are known as the JMU Nation, and to say they are enthusiastic
JMU runs its own
semester abroad
programs in Belgium,
England, Italy,
Scotland, and Spain.
“You’re supposed to miss
your mom’s cooking when
you go away, but I end up
missing my college’s food
when I’m home.”
A favorite tradition
is taking graduation
photos with the
various campus statues
of James Madison.
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about their Division I Dukes (named after a popular university president) would be
an understatement, especially when it comes to football. Women’s lacrosse, tennis,
golf, swimming and diving, and softball and men’s soccer are recent Colonial
Athletic Association champions. About half of the students participate in intramu-
rals and club sports. JMU’s debate team ranks as one of the top public debate pro-
grams in the nation.
Though JMU still has a ways to go before establishing itself as a front- rank
national university, it is making progress. The school is growing, but not outgrowing
its Southern charm. “The school spirit is really what sets us apart,” says an elemen-
tary education major. “No matter where you go on campus, you are always going to
find someone wearing purple and gold.”
Overlaps
Appalachian State,
Clemson, College of
Charleston, Grand
Valley State, Illinois
State, George Mason,
University of Virginia,
Virginia Tech
If You Apply To ›
James Madison: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Johns Hopkins University
3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
With fewer undergraduates than its world- class academic reputation might
suggest, Hopkins is a national leader in areas as diverse as biomedical engineering,
international affairs, writing, and public health. Befitting its 19th-century origins
as a graduate school, 80 percent of students engage in research. One of the first
elite schools to eliminate legacy admissions, Hopkins has used a $1.8 billion
grant for financial aid from billionaire alumnus Michael Bloomberg to enhance
socioeconomic diversity.
As the first research university founded in America, in 1876, Johns Hopkins University
has garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional professors, extensive resources,
and abundant research opportunities. Though the university has a reputation for
churning out premed students, the administration has been working to make it clear
that this midsized Baltimore university has plenty to offer undergrads whose interests
are decidedly nonmedical or nonscience based. Students who attend this elite uni-
versity burn the midnight oil, but a first- year student insists that they also “let loose
every once in a while.”
The arts and sciences and engineering schools are on the main Homewood
campus, 140 picturesque acres in Baltimore’s Charles Village neighborhood, just
three miles north of the vibrant Inner Harbor. Tree- lined quadrangles, open lawns,
and playing fields make for an idyllic setting on
the edge of a major urban center. The architec-
ture on this urban campus is mainly Georgian
redbrick, with several recently built, more modern
structures scattered throughout. The Imagine
Center and the SNF Agora Institute are new spaces
where students are encouraged to explore options for their future and engage in
inclusive dialogue about global democracy. Hopkins’s School of Medicine and
Peabody Conservatory are easily accessible from the Homewood campus via a cross-
town shuttle.
Although Hopkins is a firm supporter of integrative and interdisciplinary
Website: www .jhu .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 16,790
Undergraduates: 5,633
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 53%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 34%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 37,826
Accepted: 7%
Enrolled: 51%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (410) 516- 8171
Email Address: gotojhu @
jhu .edu
“[Intersession classes are
about] everything from
profiling mass murderers
to a Harry Potter literature
class to a chocolate lab!”
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scholarship, there are no university- wide requirements other than a four- course writ-
ing component. Each major has its own distribution requirements; students entering
the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences are required to take a first- year seminar. First-
years buckle down to a Herculean workload right from the get- go, but the university
has developed and strengthened several student support resources in recent years
to help ease the transition to college. First- years are assigned an academic advisor,
and arts and sciences students are encouraged to wait until at least their sophomore
year to declare a major. During the optional January intersession, students can take
courses or pursue independent study for one or two credits. “Intersession is one of
the best times of the year,” cheers an international studies major. “The classes are
pass/fail and so much fun: everything from profiling mass murderers to a Harry
Potter literature class to a chocolate lab!”
One in four Hopkins graduates head off for medical school, and public health
studies is among the most popular majors, along with biomedical engineering,
neuroscience, and molecular and cellular biology. The Johns Hopkins Hospital
and School of Medicine play such a major role in the identity of Hopkins that stu-
dents sometimes fear they “overshadow the vibrant undergrad life that exists at
Homewood.” But administrators say the university is paying more attention to
undergraduate programs and emphasizing interdisciplinary, cooperative approaches
to the coursework, and students seem to agree. “I constantly learn about things that
are done through the institution and the core of it all is improving humanity,” raves
an economics and math major, who adds Hopkins “is constantly innovating and
not slowing down for the applause.”
Engineering majors enjoy strong departments, such as mechanical engineering,
chemical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science.
New offerings include a major in systems engineering and a minor in energy.
Students can receive a B.A. in creative writing through the Writing Seminars pro-
gram, where they study with the likes of novelist
Alice McDermott and poet Andrew Motion. The
film and media studies program is notable, bol-
stered by the JHU- MICA Film Centre and indus-
try connections. Students who are advanced in the performing arts and academics
can pursue a dual degree with the university’s Peabody Conservatory. There also are
broad “area majors,” such as natural sciences and the reactivated Latin American,
Caribbean, and Latinx studies, and students can choose from a cluster of related
disciplines to design their own program. Students are generally happy with the qual-
ity of teaching, which is enhanced by small class sizes— 78 percent of undergraduate
classes enroll fewer than 20 students. “The professors here are awesome,” enthuses a
neuroscience and music double major. “I feel like I’m part of a conversation, engaged,
and enjoying my time in class.”
The well- developed graduate side of Hopkins proves to be a boon to undergrad-
uates as well. The international studies program, for example, is enriched by its
offerings at the university’s Bologna Center in Italy, its Nanjing Center in China,
and its Nitze School of Advanced International Studies in nearby Washington, D.C.
About 10 percent of undergraduates study abroad in these and other locations across
the globe. Undergraduate research is a Hopkins hallmark, with 80 percent of stu-
dents having at least one research experience. “Without any prior experience, any
student can get a meaningful research job,” says a political science major. The
Provost’s Undergraduate Research Awards offer funding and faculty support for
research projects. The Clark Scholars Program provides special academic and net-
working opportunities to top engineering students. Sixty- two percent of undergrads
engage with service organizations, community- based learning, and internships in
Baltimore through the Center for Social Concern.
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Public Health Studies
Engineering
Creative Writing
Film and Media Studies
Music
International Studies
Neuroscience
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Most juniors and
seniors choose
to scope out the
plentiful row houses
and apartment
buildings that
surround Hopkins.
“[Hopkins] is constantly
innovating and not slowing
down for the applause.”
Some of Baltimore’s
best attractions, such
as the Baltimore
Museum of Art and
the funky Hampden
neighborhood, are
right near campus.
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“Hopkins students are driven and motivated to succeed,” muses a neuroscience
major. “We have a special culture of genuine intellectual curiosity.” Geographically,
most students come from the Mid- Atlantic region and New England; only 14 per-
cent are Maryland natives, and 15 percent are international. Twenty- seven percent
of undergrads are Asian American, 9 percent are Black, 20 percent are Hispanic/
Latino, and 7 percent are multiracial. The proportion of first- generation students
(about 15 percent) has more than doubled over the last decade because of a $1.8 bil-
lion gift for financial aid from billionaire Michael Bloomberg to ensure a Hopkins
education is available to qualified students regardless of their ability to pay. “The
political climate is generally apolitical as most students are too into their studies for
politics,” says a first- year student. At more than $8 billion, Hopkins’s endowment is
among the top 15 in the country. In addition to moving to a need- blind admissions
process for domestic students, the university meets 100 percent of admitted stu-
dents’ demonstrated need with loan- free financial aid packages. Hopkins rewards
the extraordinarily talented with hefty Hodson Trust scholarships worth about two-
thirds of tuition annually, regardless of need. Forty athletic scholarships are also
awarded in women’s and men’s lacrosse, where Hopkins is a perennial national
powerhouse.
Thirty- seven percent of undergrads live in student housing; first- years and soph-
omores are required to do so. “The [first]- year dorms are classic and encourage social
interactions,” explains a student. “The sophomore- year dorms are spacious, new,
and have excellent amenities.” Most juniors and
seniors choose to scope out the plentiful row
houses and apartment buildings that surround
Hopkins, but some stay close to campus in the
Charles Commons or university- owned “luxury”
apartments. Campus dining gets positive reviews, as does security, thanks to the
consistent presence of security personnel. The Sexual Assault Resource Unit student
organization is active in raising awareness about sexual violence.
The image Hopkins students once had as antisocial bookworms is giving way to
a more balanced social life. The Hopkins Student Organization for Programming
puts on numerous events throughout the school year, and fraternity parties can be
found on the weekends; 14 percent of the men and 20 percent of the women belong
to the Greek system. There are also more than 450 clubs and student organizations
to pick from. Students speak fondly of the Lighting of the Quads celebration each
winter, but the biggest and most popular undergraduate social event of the year is
the student- organized Spring Fair. “Tons of Baltimore food vendors and shops line
up on the quads, there is a concert, and the campus is generally full of merriment,”
says an international studies major.
In addition to on- campus events like guest lectures and performances, says a
senior, “You have the whole city of Baltimore and its social scene to explore.” Fells
Point and Federal Hill, with a multitude of restaurants, bars, and shops, are not too
distant, and some of the city’s best attractions,
such as the Baltimore Museum of Art, Wyman
Park, and the funky Hampden neighborhood,
are right near campus. Students also head down-
town for plays, the symphony, films, clubs, restaurants, the zoo, and major league
sports; Camden Yards, home of MLB’s Orioles, is the most commodious park in the
country. Annapolis is less than an hour away by car, while Washington, D.C., only
an hour’s train ride, also beckons. In the warmer months, a trek out to the Delaware
and Maryland beaches takes the mind off the books.
When the nationally acclaimed Division I men’s lacrosse team hits the road,
students often take advantage of the opportunity to road- trip with them and cheer
One in four Hopkins
graduates head off
for medical school,
and public health
studies is among the
most popular majors.
“Without any prior
experience, any student
can get a meaningful
research job.”
Students in the
Writing Seminars
program study with
the likes of novelist
Alice McDermott.
“You have the whole city
of Baltimore and its social
scene to explore.”
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394 JUNIATA COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
them on. Women’s lacrosse is Division I as well, but the rest of the Blue Jays athletic
program competes in Division III. The women’s cross- country team has won eight
national titles since 2012, and women’s soccer also scored a national title in 2023.
Centennial Conference champs include men’s cross- country, women’s volleyball,
and field hockey. The Johns Hopkins Undergraduate Debate Council has also had
national success. Twenty- eight percent of undergraduates compete in intramurals
and club sports.
With one of the world’s premier medical schools, top science programs, and
first- rate programs in areas as diverse as writing, international studies, environmen-
tal engineering, and philosophy, Hopkins is clearly among the best schools in the
country. Students here take pride in the fact that they belong to the cream of the
academic crop. “Hopkins is a place of discovery and exploration, and it really embod-
ies creating new knowledge and expanding your horizons,” says a junior. “It’s a
place for people who like to go the extra mile and find out something new.”
Overlaps
University of
Chicago, Harvard,
MIT, Yale, UPenn,
Columbia, Cornell,
Duke
If You Apply To ›
Johns Hopkins: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Biomedical
engineering students must apply to that program. Please consult Johns Hopkins’s website for the most up- to- date informa-
tion regarding standardized test requirements.
Juniata College
1700 Moore Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Located in the middle of rural Pennsylvania and named after a nearby river, Juniata
boasts one of the best undergraduate science programs among liberal arts colleges.
Students are encouraged to customize their own education and to think globally.
Peace and conflict studies is a specialty. Lots of merit scholarships, but not much
diversity among students.
Set amid the ridges and valleys of central Pennsylvania, Juniata College offers stu-
dents a tantalizing mix of academic flexibility, small classes, and surprisingly solid
programs in the natural sciences. Students here chart their own course of study,
partner with faculty on research projects, and pack their bags for study abroad
opportunities around the world. “The types of students who are attracted to Juniata
are those who have a motivation to learn but are not interested in learning in the
conventional way,” says a psychology major.
Juniata’s quiet 110- acre campus features a central stand of structures reflecting
three architectural styles. The college was founded in 1876, and its landmark build-
ing, Founders Hall, is a colonial Revival structure, built of brick atop a stone founda-
tion. Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts,
Ellis Hall, and the von Liebig Center for Science
are all Classical Revival buildings, the prominent
pillars on each visible all over campus. The col-
lege also boasts a Beaux- Arts building, Carnegie
Hall, originally built as a Carnegie library in 1907
and redesigned on the interior to house the college’s art museum. Newer facilities
include the Integrated Media and Studio Arts building.
Under Juniata’s general education curriculum, all students complete coursework
Website: www .juniata .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,125
Undergraduates: 1,113
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 89%
Pell Grant: 29%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 65%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 2,563
Accepted: 76%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 71%
Returning Freshmen: 81%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
“Compared to schools
in New England, we’re
Bible- thumpers, whereas
compared to schools in the
South, we’re socialists.”
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in five “Ways of Knowing” (creative expression, formal reasoning, humanistic
thought, social inquiry, and scientific process) and four “Self and the World” courses
(on the U.S. experience, ethical responsibility, local engagement, and global engage-
ment), as well as a first- year composition class and a first- year seminar. As juniors or
seniors, students take one Connections course, which combines two ways of know-
ing and is team- taught by faculty from different departments. Every student creates
a personal portfolio demonstrating their knowledge, skills, and personal reflections
throughout their four years, and seniors complete a capstone project.
In lieu of preset majors, Juniata has flexible Programs of Emphasis (POEs). Each
student works with two advisors to either shape an existing POE to fit their aca-
demic interests or to create an entirely new program. Approximately one- third of
students take the latter path, designing their own customized POE. Of the more
than 60 established POEs, some of the most popular are biology, psychology, com-
puter science, environmental science, and social work. The physics and chemis-
try programs are well regarded, and strong offerings in environmental science and
wildlife conservation are enhanced by the college’s field station at nearby Raystown
Lake. “Juniata has long been known as a school for the natural sciences,” con-
firms a senior. In addition, peace and conflict studies, which is one of the oldest
and most comprehensive programs of its kind in the United States, includes study
abroad opportunities and internships. Museum studies teaches students how to
curate art (and provides internships at prestigious galleries around the nation),
while the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership bestows up to $15,000 in seed
capital to budding business leaders. New offerings include criminal justice, neuro-
science, and public health.
A psychology major describes the academic atmosphere as “flexible but chal-
lenging.” Sixty- eight percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, which allows
for plenty of interaction between professors and students. The Inbound program
allows new students to spend a week on campus as part of a particular club or activ-
ity in order to “make their first few days of immersion into college life easier,” says
a student. Juniata has international exchange/study abroad agreements with col-
leges and universities in 24 countries, and 48 percent of students participate. “Juniata
makes it super affordable and possible for every student to go abroad, no matter
what they’re majoring in,” cheers a sophomore. About 55 percent of students get
involved in faculty- guided research projects. The annual Liberal Arts Symposium
features student research presentations, art exhibitions, and a Multicultural Storyfest,
where international students share stories from their home cultures.
Sixty- one percent of Juniata students hail from Pennsylvania, and 8 percent
come from foreign nations. Black students account for 5 percent of the student
body, Asian Americans 2 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 4 percent. A junior comments that while
the school is still working to increase racial diver-
sity, it has also “put a lot more effort into making
people of color feel welcome.” Although the
campus leans left, students report that all viewpoints are represented and respected.
“Compared to schools in New England, we’re Bible- thumpers, whereas compared to
schools in the South, we’re socialists,” quips one student. Hundreds of merit schol-
arships are available, averaging $34,100, but there are no athletic scholarships. All
full- time, degree- seeking international students receive an automatic International
Friendship Award worth $2,000 per year.
Juniata requires students to live on campus for four years. “Student housing isn’t
glorious,” reasons a freshman, “but dorms are adequate.” Two living/learning com-
munities, Global Village and Eco House, are options for those interested in intercul-
tural exchange and sustainable living. For grub, Juniata provides two main dining
(continued)
Admissions: (877) 586- 4282
Email Address: admissions @
juniata .edu
Strong Programs:
Physics
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Wildlife Conservation
Peace and Conflict Studies
Museum Studies
Biology
Psychology
Students enjoy a
number of traditions,
including Lobsterfest
at the start of the
year, Madrigal Dinner
during the holidays,
and Mountain Day.
“Juniata has long been
known as a school for the
natural sciences.”
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396 KALAMAZOO COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
facilities, one buffet- style and one where meals are made to order, as well as several
à la carte stops around campus. Students say their rural location feels safe. A junior
reports that the SPoT (Safe Place to Talk), which “does a lot of programs to promote
safe sex and understanding of sexual assault and mental health awareness,” is prov-
ing to be an effective source of support.
Social life is mostly on campus, and activities include live bands, trivia contests,
dinners, and dances. “There are tons of events hosted by clubs all the time,” says a
chemistry major. Students of legal age may drink on campus, but students say the
drinking and party culture is low- key, especially with no Greek life. Students enjoy
a number of traditions, including Lobsterfest at the start of the year, Madrigal Dinner
during the holidays, and Mountain Day, on which classes are canceled for the day
and students attend outdoor activities at Raystown Lake (“Food, carnival games,
kayaking, Slip ’N Slides, and the president’s dog with a GoPro on— it is a great time,”
says a junior). Each year, students also take part in the “storming of the arch,” in
which “freshmen attempt to run into an arch defended by the rugby teams,” explains
a student. Huntingdon (population 7,000) provides the basic necessities, as well as
several restaurants, a movie theater, and a Mayfest street fair. Community service
is popular, as are road trips to Penn State (40 minutes away), Baltimore, Philadelphia,
and Pittsburgh.
The Juniata Eagles’ 22 varsity teams compete in Division III. The women’s volley-
ball team has dominated the Landmark Conference, winning 15 consecutive cham-
pionships and the 2022 national title. Men’s volleyball and women’s field hockey
are strong too. Students are also active in club and intramural sports; the men’s and
women’s rugby clubs and intramural basketball are among the most favored.
Although students sometimes complain about the limitations of attending a
small college in a small town, most seem excited to be part of such an inviting aca-
demic institution. Those seeking “big football games, raging frat parties, and a
vibrant urban setting” should look elsewhere, a senior observes. However, “if you
are more interested in an intensive and personal academic environment with an
extremely tight- knit and supportive community, then Juniata is the place for you.”
The Center for
Entrepreneurial
Leadership bestows
up to $15,000 in seed
capital to budding
business leaders.
Overlaps
Allegheny,
Susquehanna,
Ursinus,
Elizabethtown,
Muhlenberg,
College of Wooster,
Dickinson,
University of
Pittsburgh, Penn
State
If You Apply To ›
Juniata: Early decision, early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement.
Kalamazoo College
1200 Academy Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Kalamazoo College is a small liberal arts school that opens up the world to its
students. A majority of students study abroad thanks to the ingenious K-Plan, a
curriculum that allows them to study abroad for up to three academic terms. And
if you need an extra boost to round out that résumé, there is an extensive career
development program.
Kalamazoo College (also known as K) may be a small school in America’s heart-
land, but it pays to send the majority of students abroad during their four
years— making it a launching pad to the world. In addition to international edu-
cation, the school’s K-Plan emphasizes teaching, internships, and independent,
Website: www .kzoo .edu
Location: Small City
Private
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faculty- guided research. Students are exposed to a demanding academic schedule
and high expectations from faculty, but they say it’s well worth the challenge.
“Students at K really care about their studies,” says an international and area stud-
ies major. “We enjoy writing, we enjoy discussion, and we enjoy critical thinking
and inquiry.”
Life on K’s wooded, 60- acre campus centers on the Quad, a green lawn where
students ponder their destinies and play ultimate Frisbee with equal ease. With its
rolling hills, Georgian architecture, and brick- laid streets, the campus has the quaint
look more typical of historic New England than of the nearby city of Kalamazoo,
which, with surrounding communities, has 261,000 residents. Newer campus facil-
ities include a $18 million LEED- certified natatorium and a 30,000- square- foot fit-
ness and wellness center.
Founded in 1833 and formerly associated with the American Baptist Churches,
Kalamazoo is the oldest private college in Michigan. Many first- years begin the
year with a LandSea trip, which features a choice between three weeks of climb-
ing, rappelling, canoeing, and backpacking in
the mountains of the Adirondacks or a six- day
camping experience at Pretty Camp Lake out-
side of Kalamazoo. By the end, they’re con-
vinced they can survive anything, including the rigors of a Kalamazoo College
education and the long Michigan winters. Once on campus, they pursue a liberal
arts curriculum that includes language proficiency, a first- year writing seminar,
sophomore and senior seminars, as well as a senior integrated project— directed
research, a creative piece, or a traditional thesis— basically anything that caps off
each student’s education in some meaningful way.
After their sophomore year, most of K’s undergrads meet life’s challenges with
suitcase in hand, studying wherever their heart takes them, often for the regular tui-
tion price. The college offers three- , six- , and nine- month immersive study abroad
programs that are available to all students, regardless of major; almost all credit
earned during study abroad transfers back to K. “Kalamazoo College does study
abroad so well that it seems ridiculous not to take advantage of this opportunity,”
cheers a biology major. “They make it financially accessible and ensure that you
won’t fall behind by going abroad.” Students study abroad via 50- plus programs in
more than 25 countries.
Back on campus, students say the accelerated pace of K’s three 10- week terms
make for “a fast- paced environment that keeps me on my toes,” says a computer
science major. The natural sciences are exceptionally good, and interdisciplin-
ary programs in international and area studies, community and global health,
and critical ethnic studies are also strengths. Psychology, biology, business,
English, and biochemistry are the most popular majors, and students praise K’s
language departments. Professors, rated highly for their enthusiasm and acces-
sibility, give students lots of individual attention. “Professors in your intended
field will guide you through your four years here at K,” attests a math major.
Most students participate in career development programs like internships,
“Hornet Huddles” with K alumni, and K-Trek trips to visit industries around
the country.
“K students are social justice– oriented, academically focused, a bit hippie, and
overall a very supportive community,” muses a junior. Sixty- five percent of stu-
dents come from Michigan and 5 percent from foreign nations. The student body
is 16 percent Hispanic/Latino, 6 percent Asian American, 5 percent Black, and
6 percent multiracial. Many students crave more diversity on campus. The admin-
istration says it is continuing efforts to educate students on intercultural under-
standing, and the campus has a decidedly progressive tone. Merit scholarships
(continued)
Total Enrollment: 1,174
Undergraduates: 1,174
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 30%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 51%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 3,564
Accepted: 80%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 80%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 253- 3602
Email Address: admission @
kzoo .edu
Strong Programs:
Natural Sciences
International and Area Studies
Community and Global Health
Critical Ethnic Studies
Biology
Chemistry
Psychology
Business
“Professors in your intended
field will guide you through
your four years here.”
The first- year LandSea
trip features a choice
between three weeks
of adventure in the
Adirondacks or a
six- day camping
experience at Pretty
Camp Lake.
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398 KALAMAZOO COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
averaging $36,000 are available to qualified students. Athletic scholarships are
not available.
Sixty- three percent of students live on campus. “The dorms are not huge but are
big enough to live comfortably with another person,” an economics and political
science major explains. With so many students away each term thanks to the study
abroad program, a certain instability pervades all
activities, from athletics to student government
to living groups in the co- ed residence halls,
where suites hold one to six students. Dorms are
divided by class year, and three dorms are avail-
able for first- year students. Dining services get
mixed reviews, but students give good ratings to campus safety. While there are no
Greek organizations, 10 living/learning houses offer a more community- oriented
atmosphere, including family- style dinners. For those who tire of campus life, “Off-
campus housing is both cheap and located close to campus, so it is a popular option,”
reports a sophomore.
K’s campus is always buzzing with social activities like movies, concerts, speakers,
and other events, which one student raves “make going to parties [seem] like a total
bore!” Parties, often hosted by athletic teams in off- campus houses, are limited to the
weekends, and students agree that the atmosphere is pressure- free when it comes to
alcohol. Students look forward to the Monte Carlo casino night, when “our student
center is completely transformed into a casino with the professors as the dealers,”
lauds a junior. In spring, the Day of Gracious Living happens when, without prior
warning, classes are canceled and students can choose to head to the beach, work on
volunteer projects, or relax on campus. (One popular T-shirt: “The end of learning is
gracious living.”) A majority of students get involved in the community through
service- learning courses and student- led cocurricular activities, working with local
partners to address issues such as neighborhood development, sustainability, prison
reform, and migrant rights. “The local music and art scenes are huge in Kalamazoo,
with many free performances all year and Art Hop every month,” says a senior. In
addition to the typical collection of restaurants, theaters, and bars, K students benefit
from the physical proximity of Western Michigan University, where they may use
the library or attend cultural events. Students “also can take a bus or train to other
cities: Chicago, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Detroit, etc.,” notes a senior.
For those who equate college with athletics, K has something to offer— even if it’s
not nationally televised games or tens of thousands of screaming fans. With 18 var-
sity teams, the Kalamazoo Hornets have a long- standing rivalry with Hope College,
culminating in the football teams’ annual competition for the Wooden Shoes
trophy. The outstanding men’s tennis team has won the Michigan Intercollegiate
Athletic Association (MIAA) conference championship 88 (!) times, most recently
in 2023. Baseball and women’s tennis also won conference championships in 2023.
K offers intramural volleyball, soccer, and basketball, as well as several club sports.
Kalamazoo College is “very intimate and there is a gratitude surrounding the
institution,” says a senior. K’s academic terms may be fast- paced and the workload
demanding, but students are given the flexibility to pursue their interests through
individualized projects and off- campus exploration. The result, says a senior, is a
student body defined by “open- minded, global citizens.”
“Kalamazoo College does
study abroad so well that
it seems ridiculous not
to take advantage of this
opportunity.”
A majority of students
get involved in the
community through
service- learning
courses and student-
led cocurricular
activities.
Overlaps
Hope, College of
Wooster, Albion,
University of
Michigan, Michigan
State, U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
Grand Valley State,
Western Michigan
If You Apply To ›
Kalamazoo: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with optional writing supplement.
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UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS 399
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Kansas
1502 Iowa Street, Lawrence, KS 66045
Often overlooked because of its heartland location, KU has the sophistication of the
leading Big Ten universities but is much easier to get into. Stereotypes of Kansas to
the contrary, Lawrence is not flat as a pancake. Offers a solid slate of professional
schools and an honors program that is among the nation’s best. Jayhawk basketball
is legendary.
Despite its conservative Midwest location, the University of Kansas is a welcoming
oasis of progressive activism and tolerance. The school courts extremely dedicated
students with an impressive honors program that has helped raise its academic pro-
file. With sound academics and extracurriculars, winning athletics, and a stellar
social life, the University of Kansas has a bounty of opportunities for motivated
Jayhawks. “We put a strong emphasis on research and individualism, which is awe-
some for students to break out of the set curriculum and explore what they are pas-
sionate about,” says an international business major.
The 1,000- acre campus is set atop Mount Oread— a hill that was once a cross-
ing point for pioneer wagon trains— and spreads out on rolling green hills over-
looking river valleys. Many of the buildings are made of indigenous Kansas
limestone and are famed for their red roofs. But
the real beauty of the campus lies in its land-
scape, particularly the breathtaking autumn
foliage. The Dole Institute of Politics is home to
one of the world’s largest congressional archives
and a World Trade Center memorial. A massive
$350 million expansion of the campus’s Central
District features an integrated sciences building, a student union, a 550- bed resi-
dence hall, and a 700- bed apartment complex, among other facilities. KU’s impres-
sive new Jayhawk Welcome Center houses the KU admissions office and hosts
interactive exhibits for visitors.
Prospective KU freshmen may apply to the schools of Architecture & Design,
Business, Engineering, Journalism and Mass Communications, Music, and
Professional Studies, and to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Those not admit-
ted to one of the professional schools will automatically be considered for admis-
sion to the College, where 49 percent of the undergraduate population is enrolled.
Students wishing to enter the schools of Education and Human Sciences, Health
Professions, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Social Welfare must pass prerequisite courses
and meet the schools’ entry requirements. As part of their degrees, all KU under-
graduates must complete the university- wide KU Core curriculum, which spans the
entire undergraduate experience and culminates in a required capstone experience
that varies by major.
Some of the most notable undergraduate programs offered by KU’s 14 schools
include architecture, design, education, geology, journalism, music, social work,
and health- related majors. The School of Journalism and Mass Communications
perpetuates the legacy of famed journalist William Allen White, and the School of
Engineering has significantly expanded its resources and facilities, most recently
with the opening of the interdisciplinary Earth, Energy, and Environment Center.
Psychology, journalism, finance, nursing, and marketing are the most popular
majors. Accelerated bachelor’s/master’s programs in several fields, ranging from
environmental studies/urban planning to history of art, allow students to earn two
Website: www .ku .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 22,234
Undergraduates: 16,729
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 75%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 16,204
Accepted: 88%
Enrolled: 28%
Grad in 6 Years: 67%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (785) 864- 3911
Email Address: adm @ ku .edu
Strong Programs:
Architecture
Design
Education
Geology
Journalism
Music
Social Work
Engineering
Business
“We put a strong
emphasis on research
and individualism, which
is awesome for students
to . . . explore what they are
passionate about.”
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400 UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
degrees in five years. Citing budget issues, the university has eliminated its long-
standing undergraduate humanities program.
“The academic climate is very flexible and supportive,” says a microbiology
major. “It’s rigorous but not to the point of being unbearable.” Forty- three percent
of all undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, and while teaching assis-
tants do teach some classes, students often have
access to leading professors early on. “My calcu-
lus course freshman year was taught by the head
of the math department— showing that there
isn’t a time at KU where your academics and
instruction are not made a top priority,” says an architecture major. The Office of
Student Affairs, run by its own vice provost, wins praise for its academic advising
and for its help with internships, disability services, and extracurriculars. Career
services receive high ratings too.
Incoming freshmen can apply to the highly selective University Honors
Program, which provides more than 1,600 academically motivated students with
in- depth courses, specialized advising, early enrollment, and financial support for
opportunities like research projects. The study abroad programs get raves from stu-
dents, who may travel through 165 faculty- led, internship, direct enrollment, and
reciprocal exchange programs in more than 70 countries.
“Proud and passionate. These two words invoke to me what it means to be a
Jayhawk,” says one student. Sixty- four percent of undergrads are from Kansas, and
20 percent are fellow Midwesterners, while 4 percent are international. Black stu-
dents account for 4 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent, Asian Americans 6 per-
cent, and multiracial students 6 percent. Politically, “We are definitely a blue dot in
a red state,” says one student, but conservative views are well represented on campus
too. KU grants four- year renewable merit scholarships to eligible freshmen, and ath-
letes vie for more than 300 full and partial scholarships in 18 varsity sports. For Pell-
eligible students who also meet certain academic criteria, the KU Pell Advantage
program provides a combination of scholarships and grants to fund students’ tui-
tion and fees.
Twenty- five percent of undergraduates live in KU residence halls, scholarship
halls, or on- campus apartments. Most students live off campus in Lawrence apart-
ments, which are considered expensive only by Kansas standards. “Scholarship halls
are a popular and affordable option, where about
50 students live together in a massive house,”
advises a senior. Students take their meals at 16
dining locations across campus, ranging from
residential dining halls to retail cafés, coffee-
houses, and snack shops. “The food is a good
mix of different cuisines and is also healthy and nutritious,” says a junior. One stu-
dent explains, “KU SafeRide provides transportation for late at night, while Lawrence
police and university police constantly patrol the streets.” Additionally, the Sexual
Assault Prevention and Education Center conducts training on consent and
bystander intervention.
The Greek system, which attracts 18 percent of the men and 25 percent of the
women, is a conspicuous force in the social scene but doesn’t control it. According
to a behavioral neuroscience major, “KU is definitely a Midwest party school,” but a
human biology major cautions, “The university is a dry campus and maintains this
through room checks and the campus police.” About 500 organized groups keep
things lively; other activities include movies, poetry readings, game nights, cultural
events, and concerts. Scholarship halls, residence halls, and other student groups
also sponsor large campus parties and events. The university’s bus system is much
“There isn’t a time at KU
where your academics and
instruction are not made a
top priority.”
The Office of Student
Affairs, run by its own
vice provost, wins
praise for its academic
advising and for its
help with internships,
disability services,
and extracurriculars.
“Scholarship halls are a
popular and affordable
option, where about 50
students live together in a
massive house.”
KU’s impressive new
Jayhawk Welcome
Center houses the
KU admissions office
and hosts interactive
exhibits for visitors.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY 401
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
appreciated by tenderfeet, especially because that great big hill seems to double in
size during the cold, windy winters.
With its myriad boutiques, restaurants, and bars and its active music scene,
Lawrence is a favored destination for off- campus fun, and students also enjoy get-
ting involved in the community through KU’s Center for Community Outreach.
“Lawrence is the American college town,” asserts one enthusiastic Jayhawk. “Period.”
Topeka, the state capital, and Kansas City are each less than an hour’s drive, and the
area is also served by Amtrak.
KU varsity teams— the only ones in the nation that carry the name Jayhawks,
who were antislavery pioneers in the 1850s— compete in the rough- and- tumble Big
12 Conference. The men’s basketball team has earned more conference titles than
any other Big 12 team; they defeated North Carolina for the 2022 national title.
James Naismith, who invented basketball, was KU’s first coach. Women’s volleyball,
men’s and women’s golf, women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s track and field
are also competitive. Students take part in about 30 sports clubs and 30 intramural
sports, the most popular of which is— you guessed it— basketball. Sand volleyball,
soccer, and tennis are other student favorites.
Jayhawk traditions run deep. The school year kicks off with Hawk Week,
the official welcome for new students. To demonstrate their loyalty to the
Jayhawks, thousands of students show up for the first men’s and women’s bas-
ketball practices of the season. This nocturnal tradition is lovingly labeled “Late
Night in the Phog”— an allusion to the fieldhouse named after the late, great
basketball coach Forrest “Phog” Allen. The traditional “Rock Chalk Jayhawk”
KU cheer and steam whistle signaling the end of every class period are enough
to bring a pang of nostalgia to the heart of even the most grizzled Kansas alum.
“Anyone who becomes a Jayhawk joins something so much bigger than them-
selves,” opines one student.
With more than 200 undergraduate fields of study and a history that dates to 1865,
Kansas’s reputation (the nonbasketball one) continues to grow. Comprehensive study
abroad programs, a distinctive honors program, and a robust sense of school spirit are
just some of the reasons students choose to be Jayhawks. And as a satisfied sophomore
points out, “Once you become a Jayhawk, you can feel the family and support every-
where on campus. We really care about one another and make sure our flock is ready
to fly.”
The men’s basketball
team has earned more
conference titles than
any other Big 12 team.
Overlaps
Indiana University,
University of
Missouri, University
of Oregon,
Michigan State,
SUNY– Buffalo,
Kansas State,
University
of Arkansas,
University of
Nebraska– Lincoln
If You Apply To ›
Kansas: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply
to particular school or program.
University of Kentucky
100 Funkhouser Building, Lexington, KY 40506
The state of Kentucky is better known for horses and hoops than for higher education,
but its flagship public university, located in the heart of the Bluegrass, is working
to change that. The University of Kentucky is always a championship contender on
the basketball court, and its programs in business, engineering, health, and equine
sciences are just as competitive. About a third of students come from out of state,
mostly from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia.
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402 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
While the University of Kentucky Wildcats grab the most headlines, the university’s
claims to excellence stretch into outstanding medical and premedical programs, sci-
entific research involving both professors and students, and a social calendar packed
with enough Southern tradition to make even
the most composed debutante’s head spin. Over
the last decade, UK has undergone a more than
$2.3 billion campus transformation, much of it
focused on student life, including more than $450 million in high- tech residence
halls and the Gatton Student Center, complete with dining and a state- of- the- art
fitness center. UK is a national leader in efforts to support first- generation college
students and has established a dedicated living/learning community for them.
The University of Kentucky was founded in 1865 as the state’s land grant uni-
versity, and its campus contains a mixture of old and new, with traditional redbrick
buildings that date back to the late 1890s and modern designs using contemporary
glass and concrete. The well- maintained grounds are organized around comfortable
parklike spaces influenced by Frederick Law Olmsted’s design. The campus contains
a vast amount of mature trees and lawns set in a natural arrangement of open spaces,
typical of the great land grant universities. Of course, UK’s location in the heart of
one of the finest horse- breeding areas in the world makes it a natural place for the
Gluck Equine Research Center, a headquarters for research into horse diseases.
UK’s general education program, known as the UK Core, comprises the equiva-
lent of 30 credit hours in 10 course areas that address four broad learning outcomes.
Freshmen are encouraged but not required to take an academic orientation class
called UK101, designed to help them adjust to
college life. Students not ready to declare a major
may test the academic waters in “Exploratory
Programs” in a particular college. Business, engi-
neering, and health, especially nursing and premed programs, tend to be UK’s stron-
gest fields, but several unique programs stand out. The equine science and
management major prepares students for a wide range of careers in the horse indus-
try by teaching both science and business concepts. Students studying pre- vet and
animal sciences at UK will find coveted slots reserved for them at Auburn University
and Tuskegee in the advanced veterinary medicine program, at in- state tuition rates.
UK’s Gaines Center for the Humanities is unusual in its study of public higher edu-
cation, and the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce is one
of the smallest yet most respected schools of its type in the country. The Lewis
Honors College is housed in a dedicated quad of residence halls.
The academic climate is laid- back, but students shouldn’t expect easy As. Thirty-
six percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, but lower- level “monster” science
classes are common, and one student describes them as “extremely large and not at
all personalized.” When it comes time for course registration, a marketing major
says students “have difficulty if they are freshmen because most of them have to
take the same classes, and sometimes they don’t get the right times— or the classes
at all.” It’s hard to complete the engineering, health, business, and architecture pro-
grams in four years, students say. Term- time internships, known as co- ops, also
complicate— but enliven— the picture. The university has bolstered its advising ser-
vices in order to provide more personalized attention and to better coordinate career
and academic services. Teaching assistants and full professors teach about the same
number of freshman classes, and students praise UK’s faculty. “I’ve had many pro-
fessors whose lectures made me excited to go to class,” says a communication sci-
ences and disorders major. Seventeen percent of students study abroad in more than
200 available programs, including 52 that are directed by UK faculty.
“UK students are typically self- assured, slightly competitive, and outgoing,” says
“I’ve had many professors
whose lectures made me
excited to go to class.”
Website: www .uky .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 27,533
Undergraduates: 20,744
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 78%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 49%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 21,923
Accepted: 95%
Enrolled: 29%
Grad in 6 Years: 69%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (859) 257- 2000
Email Address: admissions @
uky .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Engineering
Nursing
Premed
Equine Science and
Management
Prevet
Education
International Studies
“UK students are typically
self- assured, slightly
competitive, and outgoing.”
Among the highlights
of any student’s
career at UK are
two one- month
periods when students
spend afternoons
at Keeneland Race
Track enjoying the
tradition of Kentucky
horse racing.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY 403
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a psychology major, and according to a classmate, “Southern hospitality abounds.”
UK undergraduates hail from all 120 Kentucky counties and more than 100 coun-
tries; 31 percent are from out of state and 2 percent are international. The student
body is predominantly white; Black students account for just 7 percent of under-
grads, Hispanics/Latinos 6 percent, Asian Americans 4 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 4 percent. Diverse political views are represented on campus, but a senior
says UK is “not really a politically charged university.” Merit scholarships averaging
$9,300 are offered to qualified students, as are more than 500 athletic scholarships.
The university has modernized all its residence halls and opened 14 new ones in
recent years. Dorms are located on two parts of the campus— north and central— and
offer suite- style rooms, with no more than four students sharing a bathroom.
“Students get really nice amenities, like Tempur- Pedic mattresses, granite counter-
tops, two sinks, and full- size closets,” reports a student. The only downside of such
plush accommodations, students say, is the cost. Students are not required to live on
campus, but 33 percent do so. Dining services get good reviews, and a communica-
tion major says, “There are so many options from sit- down, buffet- style to specialty
cafés to fast food,” as well as “worry- free zones”
for students with dietary restrictions. The Green
Dot Bystander Intervention program, designed
to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence on college campuses, originated at
the University of Kentucky and has been adopted by hundreds of colleges and uni-
versities across the country.
On campus, students enjoy movies, presentations, seminars, concerts, and ath-
letic events. Twenty- three percent of Kentucky men and 31 percent of the women
go Greek, and fraternities and sororities offer numerous on- campus social activi-
ties, as well as opportunities for volunteer work in the community. Students are
not allowed to have alcohol on campus, except for special events that have been
registered with the university. Students collaborate to mount one of the largest
student- run philanthropies anywhere: DanceBlue. The yearlong fund- raising effort
culminates in a 24- hour, no- sleeping dance marathon that benefits a local chil-
dren’s cancer clinic and pediatric cancer research. Among the highlights of any
student’s career at UK are two one- month periods— one in the fall, one in the
spring— when students spend afternoons at Keeneland Race Track enjoying the tra-
dition of Kentucky horse racing.
Despite the limited diversity on campus, Lexington abounds with a multitude
of ethnic eateries, as well as theaters, shops, and nightspots. The downtown area is
within walking distance of campus. “Downtown Lexington has a great social scene,
so lots of students will venture off campus for concerts, restaurants, festivals, farm-
ers markets, etc.,” says a senior. When it’s time for a road trip, UK students head to
Cincinnati or Louisville (one hour away) or to Atlanta or Chicago (six hours).
The best road- trip destinations, of course, are anywhere there’s a steamy, noisy
gym and a basketball team ready to do battle with UK’s always- solid Wildcats. Home
games at the legendary Rupp Arena— what one student calls “a magical experience”—
are consistently packed by the Big Blue Nation. “In Kentucky, basketball is like a
second religion,” agrees another true- blue Wildcat fan. Football and women’s bas-
ketball draw crowds too. The school fields 21 Division I teams in all, most of which
compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Intramurals range from soccer and
basketball leagues to dodgeball tournaments and hot- shot contests.
“The culture of UK is unique because it has the competitive energy of the SEC,
but it’s not an overly Greek- focused campus and it does a great job of supporting
every interest,” comments a senior. Indeed, students here find plenty of solid oppor-
tunities, from specialties in equine and animal science to support for first- generation
students to serious school pride. Whether it’s screaming themselves hoarse for five
“In Kentucky, basketball is
like a second religion.”
UK is a national
leader in efforts
to support first-
generation college
students.
The equine science
and management
major prepares
students for a wide
range of careers in
the horse industry by
teaching both science
and business concepts.
Overlaps
Indiana University,
University of
Louisville, Miami
University (OH),
Ohio State,
University of
Tennessee
Knoxville, West
Virginia University
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404 KENYON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
guys hitting the hardwood or for four- legged equines racing around an oval, for
many students, the mix of collegiate craziness and old- world Southern hospitality
found at the University of Kentucky is just what they want.
If You Apply To ›
Kentucky: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Kentucky’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Kenyon College
Ransom Hall, Gambier, OH 43022
Kenyon is a vintage liberal arts college plunked down in the middle of the Ohio
countryside. More mainstream than Oberlin, more intense than Denison, and
more selective than Wooster, Kenyon is best known for English and a small but
distinguished drama program. Located in a tiny village where faculty and staff are
the main residents. Swimming and diving teams make huge splashes.
The oldest private college in Ohio, Kenyon College provides students with an acces-
sible and pure liberal arts experience that rivals those of leading East Coast insti-
tutions. Students here are proud of what they see as setting Kenyon apart from
other liberal arts colleges. “One thing that unites us all is that we are passionate
about something,” explains one student. “Whether it be drama, physics, writing,
activism— Kenyon students care!” Though highly selective, the college continues to
build on its reputation as a supportive academic environment.
Kenyon’s 1,000- acre campus sits on a hillside overlooking a scenic view of river,
woods, and fields in a secluded village of roughly 2,500 residents. Old Kenyon, the
college’s original building, dating from 1826, is
said to be the first collegiate Gothic building in
America, and the campus is on the National
Register of Historic Places. The campus also boasts
a 500- acre nature preserve, featuring hiking trails and extensive perennial gardens.
The 98,000- square- foot, LEED Gold– certified Chalmers Library opened in 2021.
The hallmark of Kenyon’s academic philosophy is a fierce devotion to the liberal
arts and sciences. While there is no core curriculum at Kenyon, all students must
have proficiency in a second language and complete requirements in quantitative
reasoning. A bevy of academic counselors, including upperclassmen and professors,
help ensure that freshmen stay on the right track. The culmination of each student’s
coursework at Kenyon is the senior exercise, which may take the form of a compre-
hensive examination, an integrative paper, a research project, a performance, or
some combination of these. Approximately 12 percent of students graduate with
departmental honors.
English, a nationally renowned subject at Kenyon since the 1930s, is the
most popular major, and it, along with the department of dance, drama, and film
(which turned out the likes of Allison Janney and Paul Newman), sets the tone
of campus life. Kenyon is the home of the Kenyon Review, a prestigious literary
quarterly that offers internships to a few lucky students, and is a school about
which alum E. L. Doctorow said, “Poetry is what we did at Kenyon, the way at
Ohio State they played football.” John Green, the giant of young adult fiction,
Website: www .kenyon .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,877
Undergraduates: 1,877
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 46%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 39%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 8,116
Accepted: 34%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 86%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 848- 2468
Email Address: admissions @
kenyon .edu
Strong Programs:
English
Drama
Film
Modern Languages and
Literatures
Physics
“One thing that unites us all
is that we are passionate
about something.”
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is also an alum. Economics, psychology, political science, and biology round out
the list of popular majors, and the modern languages and literatures, physics, and
mathematics and statistics departments are also strong. Political science draws
many undecided majors with its yearlong introductory class, Quest for Justice. The
Integrated Program in Humane Studies concentration, the school’s oldest interdis-
ciplinary program, is also popular. Opportunities for independent study abound,
such as a unique farming program that places students on nearby farms for field-
work each week. Preprofessional opportunities include 3– 2 engineering programs
with several universities and high access to graduate programs in law, business,
and medicine.
“Despite the academic rigor of many classes and departments at Kenyon, I have
never felt competitive with my fellow students,” says a psychology major. Classes
are small, and even the larger introductory courses use a two- part format in which
students meet for lectures one week and split up for discussion sections with the
professor the next. “Kenyon’s professors are active researchers and exemplary teach-
ers,” says a math major. “They are passionate about their fields, and they love get-
ting their students excited about the material as well.” Many profs live close to
campus, which enhances the close- knit environment. On- campus summer research
scholarships in the sciences and humanities provide opportunities for collaborative
research for aspiring scientists, scholars, and doctors. Forty- three percent of Kenyon
students study abroad, choosing from nearly 200 programs in 50 countries, includ-
ing Kenyon- sponsored programs in England and Italy.
Twelve percent of students are Ohioans, one- third hail from New England
and Mid- Atlantic states, and 12 percent come from abroad. Black students account
for 3 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans
5 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent, and the college is actively working to
increase diversity. The liberal, friendly student body is politically engaged, especially
when it comes to social justice issues, and a sophomore says, “Students at Kenyon
thrive on open conversation and do not silence opinions that contradict theirs.”
Kenyon meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students and awards
merit scholarships averaging $15,900, but only 11 percent of incoming freshmen
qualify for Pell Grants. Newman’s Own Foundation Scholarships guarantee a loan-
free education for 25 selected students with the greatest need who bring the quali-
ties of creativity, community service, and leadership to Kenyon.
All students live on campus, with housing guaranteed for four years. Freshmen
start in five dorms at the north end of campus, and most move to the south end the
next year. Renovations and expansions are always
in the works, but students say some accommoda-
tions still need improving. Rooms are selected via
a sometimes harrowing housing lottery. Everyone,
including those in the apartments with kitchens, must buy the unlimited meal plan.
“Kenyon is in an isolated area of Ohio and is generally very safe,” a senior says.
Given the school’s rural location, social life happens on campus, with more
than 150 student clubs and a Greek system that draws 8 percent of both men and
women. The frats throw lively parties that are open to all, and a senior says, “Every
student performance— sports games, public presentations, music recitals, art
shows— is incredibly well attended.” With its deli, market, coffeehouse, inn, restau-
rant, couple of bars, bank, and post office, Gambier is at least quaint, even if it is a
bit of a culture shock for urbanites. Students enjoy buying real maple syrup, fresh
bread, and cheese from Amish farmers with stands on the main street on Saturdays.
There are a few more options 10 minutes away in Mount Vernon, to which the col-
lege runs a daytime shuttle bus, and two small ski areas lie near campus. Columbus
and Ohio State are a 45- minute drive south, and those seeking adventure farther
(continued)
Physics
Mathematics and Statistics
Political Science
Economics
Kenyon is the home of
the Kenyon Review,
a prestigious literary
quarterly that offers
internships to a few
lucky students.
“Kenyon’s professors are
active researchers and
exemplary teachers.”
Gambier is at least
quaint, even if it is
a bit of a culture
shock for urbanites.
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from home sometimes road- trip to Cleveland (home of the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame), Cincinnati, Chicago, or even Canada.
Kenyon remains defined by its traditions, the most hallowed of which is
renewed each year as incoming freshmen sing college songs to the rest of the
community from the steps of Rosse Hall. Departing seniors sing the same songs at
graduation. On Matriculation Day each October, after a formal ceremony, fresh-
men sign a book that contains the signatures of virtually every Kenyon student
since the early 1800s. Summer Sendoff is an outdoor concert celebrating the end
of spring semester classes.
Kenyon’s varsity teams are known as the Owls. Men’s and women’s tennis and
soccer are consistently competitive in the North Coast Athletic Conference, but the
flagship sport is definitely swimming. Kenyon’s
swimming and diving teams dominate Division
III competition, with the men’s team having
won 34 national titles and the women’s team
claiming 24, most recently in 2022. The annual
hockey game against Denison and soccer games
against Ohio Wesleyan draw large crowds. Club and intramural sports attract
30 percent of the students and sponsor everything from ultimate Frisbee to ball-
room dance.
Kenyon students are liberal, global thinkers who are as devoted to one another
as they are to their studies and their traditions. The Kenyon Review, the legend of
alumnus Paul Newman, and national- championship swimming give the college a
distinctive identity. As one sociology major advises, “It can be tough at times deal-
ing with the location or the intense academics, but if students embrace Kenyon, it is
a quirky school that can be extremely rewarding to attend.”
“Every student performance—
sports games, public
presentations, music
recitals, art shows— is
incredibly well attended.”
Overlaps
Swarthmore,
Williams, Hamilton,
Oberlin, Grinnell,
Wesleyan,
Macalester, Colby
If You Apply To ›
Kenyon: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Kenyon’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Knox College
2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
This friendly and progressive Illinois college was among the first in the nation to admit
Black students and women. Offers a strong creative writing program, exceptional
sciences, and a real- world atmosphere. More mainstream than Beloit and Grinnell
and smaller than Illinois Wesleyan. With a hugely diverse student body of about
1,100, Knox offers an unusual degree of personal attention, even by the standards of
small colleges.
With the unconventional Prairie Fire as its emblem, Knox College has long made
a name for itself by breaking away from the conventions of the day. Founded by
abolitionists in 1837 as the Knox Manual Labor College, this liberal arts college has
a tradition of debate that extends beyond the Lincoln– Douglas event that occurred
here in 1858. And through a warm, supportive academic community and emphasis
on “putting knowledge into practice through real- world experiences,” the college
continues to foster a strong sense of individualism.
Website: www .knox .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,049
Undergraduates: 1,049
Male/Female: 44/56
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Located in the heart of the Midwest— midway between Chicago and St. Louis—
the 82- acre campus has spacious, tree- lined lawns and a dynamic mixture of archi-
tecture that reflects the 164- year span of construction dates of existing buildings. Old
Main, constructed in 1857, is a National Historic Landmark and the only building
remaining from the 1858 Lincoln– Douglas debates. Recent campus projects include
the Whitcomb Art Center, which features a variety of art studios and workshops,
and major renovations to the Umbeck Math and Science Center.
Students say the academic relationships at Knox are infused with a spirit of coop-
eration and equality. Knox operates on an honor system that allows students to take
tests unproctored in any public area. Beyond the classroom, students, faculty, and
administrators make decisions on boards together,
each with identical voting power. As part of
Knox’s Blaze a Trail first- year experience program,
incoming students participate in new student ori-
entation and take First- Year Preceptorial, a small
seminar taught by professors from across the college that emphasizes critical analysis,
writing, and class discussion. They may also join an optional living/learning commu-
nity associated with their Preceptorial course.
All Knox students apply their learning to a real- world experience of their choice,
such as independent research or creative work, an internship, community service,
or study abroad, which serves as a capstone experience in their junior or senior
year. What’s more, through Knox’s Power of Experience program, every student
receives funding of at least $2,000 to support these experiences. The general educa-
tion curriculum, known as Elements, spans coursework in the arts, sciences, human-
ities, and social sciences, through which students learn how to communicate in a
second language, in numbers and symbols, and with people of diverse backgrounds.
Creative writing and biology are among the school’s strongest programs; the col-
lege’s biannual literary magazine, Catch, has won several national and international
awards, while biology attracts lots of research grant money. Other popular majors
include psychology, business and management, and anthropology and sociology,
and the theater and computer science departments are also notable. Knox offers 3– 2
or 3– 4 programs in engineering, nursing, medical technology, law, and architecture,
as well as a cooperative program with the George Washington University School of
Medicine and Health Sciences. Newer majors include journalism, public policy, and
data science, and a minor in Spanish translation and interpretation is now available.
Knox’s three- term system packs a great deal of studying into a short period, but
students are only required to take three courses per term, which keeps the course-
work “very manageable,” according to a biology major. Seventy- six percent of classes
have fewer than 20 students, and a political science and economics major says, “Due
to how intimate our campus is, the quality of instruction is very meaningful and
sincere.” Immersive terms give students the option of engaging in a hands- on explo-
ration of a single field of study for an entire term; available subjects include clinical
psychology, studio art, repertory theater, busi-
ness start- ups, and fieldwork and community-
building at the off- campus Green Oaks prairie
restoration site. Knox also offers more than 100
study abroad and off- campus programs around the world, and about half of students
participate. Students praise Knox’s academic advising system for helping them nav-
igate the multitude of options.
“Knox students are inquisitive and like to challenge themselves,” comments
an art history major. “Everyone picks up new hobbies and passions at Knox.” Fifty-
three percent of students come from Illinois, and an impressive 18 percent hail from
foreign countries. While Knox is not a hotbed of political protest, students here tend
(continued)
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 29%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 63%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 2,996
Accepted: 73%
Enrolled: 11%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 82%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 678- KNOX
Email Address: admission @
knox .edu
Strong Programs:
Creative Writing
Biology
Theater
Computer Science
Psychology
Business and Management
Anthropology and Sociology
“Due to how intimate our
campus is, the quality
of instruction is very
meaningful and sincere.”
“Everyone picks up new
hobbies and passions at
Knox.”
Knox operates on an
honor system that
allows students to
take tests unproctored
in any public area.
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to be progressive and engaged in current events, and a commitment to diversity is
evident across campus. Black students make up 6 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans 4 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, and multiracial students 6 per-
cent. Socioeconomically, 29 percent of freshmen qualify for Pell Grants, and a quar-
ter of undergrads are first- generation college students. Merit scholarships averaging
$28,900 are available, but athletic scholarships are not.
Eighty- six percent of students reside in campus digs. Most freshmen live in
single- sex suites, and a senior describes the dorms as “nothing to write home about”
but adds that the apartments and townhouses for upperclassmen are more comfort-
able. Those who move off campus must obtain permission, which can be difficult.
Dining services get good reviews, especially because the staff will “work with stu-
dents to create new recipes and bring new products to Knox,” explains a French and
history major. Students rate campus safety as strong.
Four percent of men and 1 percent of women go Greek, and weekends are filled
with on- campus club activities, cultural events, and fraternity parties, although all
parties must be registered and alcohol- free. Students warn that the administration is
quick to deal with underage drinkers. Annual events include the Lincoln Fest music
festival and International Fair, but a junior says Flunk Day is “the crown jewel of all
Knox traditions.” At 7:00 on a spring morning, Old Main’s bell rings, seniors bang
pots and pans, and classes are canceled to make way for lawn games, inflatables,
food trucks, karaoke, and other rollicking festivities.
Galesburg is a small Midwestern railroad town, and the Amtrak station makes
travel easy and relatively cheap. At one time, this city of about 30,000 was a center
of abolitionism, and the honorary degree that the college bestowed on then-
presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln was his
first. For those interested in service, Knox was
the first college in the country to establish an
official Peace Corps Preparatory Program. Now,
Knox students devote more than 80,000 hours of
service to the community every year. “Galesburg
has its fair share of locally owned businesses, restaurants, bars, etc., as well as lots
of green space,” reports a sophomore. Nearby Lake Storey offers boating, water
slides, and nature trails, and students looking for more excitement can travel to
Peoria, about 50 miles southeast, or Chicago, about 200 miles northeast.
Prairie Fire athletics’ 20 Division III teams generate a reasonable degree of enthusi-
asm, boosted by the school mascot, a fox named— you guessed it— Blaze. The men’s and
women’s soccer teams are strong, both having recently earned Midwest Conference titles.
Every fall, the football team endures lots of “hard Knox” against archrival Monmouth to
bring home the highly prized Bronze Turkey trophy, a throwback to the time when the
game was played on Thanksgiving Day. About a quarter of students participate in intra-
mural and club sports; basketball, volleyball, and ultimate Frisbee are the most popular.
As a Knox student, “You go to school in a small town in the Midwest, where the
winters are bitter and the fall and spring are all too short,” muses a junior. “But
despite these challenges, Knox students focus their pride on their academics and the
quality of their campus experience.” The result is a close- knit community, an empha-
sis on hands- on learning, and an open- minded atmosphere fostered by Knox’s nota-
bly diverse student body.
Knox was the first
college in the country
to establish an
official Peace Corps
Preparatory Program.
“Galesburg has its fair
share of locally owned
businesses, restaurants,
bars, etc., as well as lots of
green space.”
Overlaps
Beloit, Lawrence,
Kalamazoo,
Earlham, Cornell
College, Augustana
(IL), Grinnell,
Illinois Wesleyan
If You Apply To ›
Knox: Early decision, early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
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Geographically close to Lehigh but closer kin to Colgate and Hamilton and boasting
a strong global orientation, including for engineering. Compare to Bucknell, Union,
Swarthmore, and Trinity (CT), which also offer engineering. Attracts relatively preppy,
athletic students who work hard and play hard. One of the smallest institutions to
play Division I sports.
Lafayette College has become one of the small elite liberal arts colleges with a huge
presence abroad. A national leader in undergraduate faculty- mentored research,
it ranks among the top colleges in study abroad participation, and its liberal arts
curriculum mixes nicely with engineering in a small college atmosphere. Says one
satisfied junior, “Lafayette is a place that believes that we can be leaders, scholars,
athletes, and activists and that we don’t have to choose just one.”
Founded in 1826 and named for the famous Marquis, Lafayette is situated on
College Hill, a stately hill in Easton, Pennsylvania, just an hour and a half west of
New York City and even closer to Philadelphia.
The campus has an eclectic blend of architectural
styles and more than 125 species of trees. Open,
flexible learning and workspaces are a common
theme in many Lafayette buildings, including
the Skillman Library and the Acopian Engineering Center, which stays open all
night and on weekends. The $75 million, high- tech Rockwell Integrated Sciences
Center is the largest capital project in the school’s history.
A Common Course of Study includes a first- year seminar and courses in lab
science, social sciences, mathematics, humanities, writing, global and multicul-
tural proficiency, and a foreign language. “Classes are tough, and you have to
put in the effort to succeed in most,” reports a neuroscience major, but the atmo-
sphere is “not competitive.” Economics, mechanical engineering, neuroscience,
government and law, and biology are among the most popular majors; nearly
half of Lafayette’s students major in STEM fields. Students in the four- year engi-
neering and international studies dual- degree program earn two degrees in an
engineering field and foreign language of their choice in addition to completing
an international internship or study abroad experience. Programs in visual and
performing arts have grown with the opening of the Williams Art Campus. The
Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides hands- on, multidisci-
plinary opportunities for collaboration in the liberal arts and engineering. Sixty-
two percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. “Lectures are engaging and
not only do students learn about the content of the course, but professors provide
connections to how this information becomes relevant outside of the classroom,”
says a sophomore. The EXCEL program pays students who take research positions
with faculty.
Students can pack their bags for study abroad programs offered in more than
50 countries. Options include several semester- long, faculty- led programs as well
as short- term, faculty- led programs for credit during the January and May interim
terms. Even engineering students are encouraged to explore foreign cultures; pro-
grams led by Lafayette faculty in Bonn, Germany, and Madrid, Spain, allow them to
study abroad for a semester while maintaining normal progress toward their degrees.
A government and law major comments, “There’s a strong alumni network, and the
Career Center does good work connecting students with alumni.”
Website: www .lafayette .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,712
Undergraduates: 2,712
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 31%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 39%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 10,500
Accepted: 34%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 89%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (610) 330- 5100
Email Address: admissions @
lafayette .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Mechanical Engineering
Neuroscience
Government and Law
Biology
Engineering and International
Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
“Lafayette is a place that
believes that we can be
leaders, scholars, athletes,
and activists.”
Lafayette College
Easton, PA 18042
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“Students here are very outgoing, and are very active around campus,” says
a biology major, and a mechanical engineering major adds, “There is plenty of
support for students of marginalized identities.” Seventy- three percent of stu-
dents are from out of state, and 8 percent are drawn from abroad. Black students
account for 5 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Asian
Americans 4 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. A fairly diverse range of
political views are represented on campus. Around 20 to 40 incoming freshmen
receive merit- based Marquis Scholarships worth half tuition, while 10 to 15 top
achievers are awarded full- tuition Marquis Fellowships. About 100 to 150 smaller
merit- based Marquis scholarships are available as well, and athletes vie for over
200 scholarships in 10 of the school’s 23 varsity sports. Lafayette guarantees to
meet the full demonstrated need of admitted students, and it eliminates loans for
students from families with annual incomes less than $150,000. Just 11 percent
of freshmen qualify for Pell Grants, but administrators say ratcheting up that
number is a priority.
Ninety- three percent of students live on campus, and housing is guaranteed for
all four years. Possibilities include Greek houses as well as independent dormitories
and college- owned apartments with a variety of living and eating arrangements.
Housing is chosen via a lottery system, but most
get into the dorm of their choice. Ruef and South
College are more social, while Watson Hall and
Kirby House are quieter, students say. Campus
dining facilities get mostly positive reviews. One student remarks, “Lafayette does
not ignore the fact that sexual assault happens on campus, but rather works to con-
tinuously bring up the issue in order to put a stop to it.”
Greek life attracts 24 percent of the men and 30 percent of the women. All
sororities and some fraternities are dry, at least on campus; most parties occur off
campus. “It is possible to have a rich social life without participating in Greek life,”
confides a junior. The arts program brings a range of performers to campus, and the
most important nonathletic event of the year is Lafchella, a music and food festival
featuring student bands and popular musical acts. The 1,000 Nights dance for fresh-
men and the 100 Nights dance for seniors mark the number of days remaining until
graduation.
For students with cars or those willing to hop a bus or train, the bright lights of
Philadelphia and New York beckon on weekends; for a change of pace, there is also
hiking the Appalachian Trail. Blue- collar Easton “can entertain you for 4 years, but
you probably wouldn’t want to live here the rest of your life,” admits a senior. Adds
a neuroscience major, “Downtown Easton is beautiful and has great food if students
are able to spend a bit of money.” Students look forward to Easton’s annual
garlic and bacon festivals. From College Hill and Downtown to the South Side, the
city also offers plenty of opportunities for volunteer work in schools, prisons, reha-
bilitation centers, hospitals, and environmental sites under the auspices of Lafayette’s
Landis Center for Community Engagement.
Division I sports add flavor to the Lafayette experience. The Leopards play in
the Patriot League, and the field hockey, men’s soccer, and men’s basketball teams
regularly vie for conference titles. The annual football game against nearby Lehigh is
intense— dating to 1884, it’s the most- played rivalry in college football. An extensive
recreational program draws 18 percent of the students, buoyed by 33 club sports,
several intramurals, and the massive Kirby Sports Center.
Students seeking close contact with professors, research opportunities, and a
global outlook— and who aren’t afraid of some serious study— might take a look at
Lafayette. A freshman shares this anecdote: “I was once studying in a lounge area
when a student I never met before saw my textbooks, explained that he had taken
“It is possible to have a
rich social life without
participating in Greek life.”
Students in the four-
year engineering and
international studies
dual- degree program
earn degrees in an
engineering field and
a foreign language.
Students look
forward to Easton’s
annual garlic and
bacon festivals.
Overlaps
Bucknell, Colgate,
Union, Wellesley,
Bowdoin, Villanova,
Fordham, Lehigh
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the course the year before, and proceeded to give me his number in case I had any
questions throughout the semester.” For those who desire a tight- knit, supportive
community, that just about says it all.
If You Apply To ›
Lafayette: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Lafayette’s website for
the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Lake Forest College
555 North Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045
A small, selective, private college in the Chicago area, Lake Forest generally attracts
friendly, middle- of- the- road students. In the exclusive town from which the school
takes its name, students can babysit for corporate CEOs at night and get internships
at their corporations during the day. Large numbers of Foresters also study abroad.
Located just 30 miles north of the downtown Loop, Lake Forest College offers excel-
lent programs in business, communication, and psychology, along with abundant
opportunities for study abroad and professional internships at Chicagoland organi-
zations such as the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Board of Trade, and the Shedd
Aquarium. Academic improvements at Lake Forest are drawing attention, and the
school is shedding its image as a haven for spoiled rich kids; applications are up,
and the school is attracting high- caliber students from across the nation and 80
countries.
Lake Forest was founded by Presbyterians in 1857 as an alternative to Methodist-
oriented Northwestern University. With its mixture of century- old Gothic and
modern glass structures, the college’s 107- acre campus is storybook beautiful.
Located on Chicago’s North Shore in a wealthy,
quiet suburb of 19,000, the campus has three
contiguous parts divided by natural wooded
ravines: North, Middle, and South. Each has a
mix of residence halls and academic buildings.
The state- of- the- art Donnelley and Lee Library offers a 24- hour computer lab,
“smart” classrooms, and collaborative workspaces. Brown Hall, housing the social
science, math, computer science, and data science departments, has benefitted from
a $20 million expansion and renovation.
General education requirements include the First- Year Studies Program, featur-
ing “very small classes designed to help freshmen integrate into the college,” says an
English major. “These courses are writing intensive and offer a variety of opportuni-
ties, including trips to Chicago for plays and museum visits.” Students also complete
two credits in each of three liberal arts areas (humanities, social and natural sciences,
and math), two cultural diversity courses, and a senior studies capstone course.
Students say Lake Forest’s best and most popular majors include business,
finance, communication, biology, neuroscience, psychology, and English. An entre-
preneurship and innovation minor has proven popular as well. Accelerated and
dual- degree programs— including three- year degree programs in philosophy and
communication and dual- degree programs in law, engineering, pharmacy, account-
ing, and international studies— are available. Academic self- starters benefit from the
Website: www .lakeforest .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,696
Undergraduates: 1,683
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 95%
Pell Grant: 30%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 60%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 4,665
Accepted: 60%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (847) 735- 5000
Email Address: admissions @
lakeforest .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Communication
Psychology
Finance
Biology
Neuroscience
Entrepreneurship and
Innovation
“The small class sizes
allow for a lot of group
discussion, group projects,
and peer mentoring.”
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412 LAKE FOREST COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
self- designed major program, which allows undergrads to create their own majors
outside the boundaries of traditional disciplines.
The academic climate at Lake Forest encourages collaboration. “The small
class sizes allow for a lot of group discussion, group projects, and peer mentoring,”
says a biology major. “It’s not uncommon to find an entire class sitting in a study
room going over material for an upcoming exam.” Foresters especially enjoy the
large doses of individual attention that they receive from the faculty. “The pro-
fessors here know my name, they know what I struggle with, and they know my
strengths,” confirms a psychology major. The Career Advancement Center offers
symposia, workshops, and résumé clinics, and students benefit from the college’s
proximity to downtown Chicago, just an hour away by train. Many pursue term-
time internships in the city’s business district, known as the Loop, or at nonprofits
and other organizations in surrounding communities.
Study abroad is integral to the Lake Forest experience, and 40 percent of stu-
dents travel via more than 200 programs offered in approximately 70 nations.
Students can apply their financial aid packages to approved semester- long programs.
Each year, about 40 students become Richter Apprentice Scholars, living together,
working in a 10- week paid research assistantship during the summer before their
sophomore year, and taking part in a weekly student/faculty colloquium. “Absolutely
try to do research with your professors,” urges a communication major. “It is the
most rewarding thing you can get involved with.”
Sixty- four percent of Lake Forest students hail from the Land of Lincoln, and
15 percent come from abroad. According to a sophomore, Foresters are usually
“open- minded, amiable, and able to get along with others.” Black students make up
3 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos
20 percent, Asian Americans 6 percent, and mul-
tiracial students 3 percent. Students say political
debate is usually mild. One- third of the student
body graduated from private high schools, but competitive financial aid packages
are helping to bring more students from less- advantaged backgrounds to Lake Forest.
The proportion of Pell- eligible freshmen is about 30 percent. The college awards
numerous merit scholarships averaging $30,800 but does not offer athletic awards.
Sixty- nine percent of students live in the dorms, which they are required to do
through their junior year. An English major says, “Different halls attract different
people. I preferred living in the older buildings because they felt homier than the new
buildings, which felt more like a hotel.” Housing selection for upperclassmen is prior-
itized by seniority and GPA, “so there’s a definite incentive to do well in your classes,”
says a senior. A fair number of students commute from home, and many seniors
choose to stay on campus due to high rents in the surrounding area. Everybody eats
in the central dining hall, where food is prepared to order at pizza, pasta, stir- fry, and
other stations, and helpings are unlimited. A senior says, “We have regular program-
ming events and student panels dedicated to educating the campus on sexual assault.”
Most social life is campus- based. Some students complain that, as a communica-
tion major explains, “the social environment can be similar to high school because
the college is so small” and students tend to form cliques. The Campus Entertainment
Committee mixes things up by booking movies, comedians, and big- name bands,
while the Garrick Players put on several productions per year. The school’s three
fraternities and five sororities attract 6 percent of the men and 7 percent of the
women, respectively, and though they don’t have houses, their parties are open to
all. Students say the party culture is relatively low- key, and underage students caught
drinking on campus are strictly penalized. Everyone enjoys the semiformal Winter
Ball, the annual Forester Day of Service, the Spring Concert, and the Drag Show lip-
synch contest planned by PRIDE.
The Career
Advancement Center
offers symposia,
workshops, and
résumé clinics.
“The town is actually in a
forest, so the whole place
is beautiful.”
Housing selection
for upperclassmen
is prioritized by
seniority and GPA.
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LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY 413
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The town of Lake Forest is wealthy and mostly residential, and one student
says, “The town is actually in a forest, so the whole place is beautiful, and it feels
like you live tucked away in a safe haven.” There’s a commuter train station five
minutes away, and the Lake Michigan beach is just as close. The college also offers
a weekend shuttle service to local malls and movie theaters, though a car is helpful.
Several student organizations are devoted to community service, and Greek orga-
nizations sponsor blood drives, bake sales, and car washes. One program sends stu-
dents to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and Tennessee every spring break
to help local townspeople repair substandard housing.
Division III Foresters athletics have begun to draw more attention from stu-
dents. Men’s basketball, women’s tennis, and softball have been competitive in the
Midwest Conference in recent years. Club and intramural sports programs draw
39 percent of students; lacrosse, rugby, and indoor soccer are especially popular.
Although Lake Forest’s small size may feel confining to some, most students
appreciate the college’s collaborative atmosphere, increasing diversity, and healthy
school pride. “Lake Forest takes very good care of its students by providing challeng-
ing academics, comfortable living, lots of entertainment, and a small- town feel with
access to a big city,” concludes a senior. “What more could anyone want?”
Overlaps
Knox, Beloit,
Cornell College,
Luther, Augustana
(IL), U of I at
Chicago, Loyola
University Chicago,
DePaul
If You Apply To ›
Lake Forest: Early decision I and II, early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (test- optional applicants
must have an admissions interview). Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Lawrence University
711 East Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911
One of three small colleges in the nation that combine the liberal arts with a first- rate
music conservatory (Bard and Oberlin are the others), and music of all kinds shapes
the campus culture. Lawrence is half the size of Oberlin and comparable to Beloit
and Grinnell, though Lawrence’s personality is more mainstream than the others.
Occupies a scenic bluff in northeastern Wisconsin.
Lawrence University is an unpretentious school that can appeal to both the left
and right side of students’ brains. For those with an analytical bent, there is
Lawrence’s uncommon physics program. More creative types can take advantage
of the school’s renowned Conservatory of Music. “I came to Lawrence because
I found no other school where I could seriously study music and academics,”
says a senior. It’s this eclectic, individualized approach to learning that attracts
interested and interesting students from around the world. “Lawrence is, to me,
founded on the idea that academics can be rigorous while also fun,” muses a gov-
ernment major.
Lawrence’s campus sits on a wooded bluff above the Fox River, perfect for long
walks, jogging, or simply meditating underneath the trees. The pristine 88- acre
campus reflects several architectural styles of the past 175 years, including Classical
Revival, 1920s Georgian- inspired, and 1950s and 1960s institutional, unified by their
limestone color. The award- winning Wriston Art Center and the Conservatory’s
Shattuck Hall of Music (both designed by Lawrence graduates) bring contemporary
architectural touches to the campus.
Website: www .lawrence .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,394
Undergraduates: 1,394
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 24%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 57%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 2,943
Accepted: 72%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
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414 LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
One of the first coeducational colleges established in the nation, Lawrence was
founded in 1847 to educate German immigrants and Native Americans and was
named after an early benefactor. While coeducation was shocking enough, innova-
tors at Lawrence didn’t stop there. Nearly
80 years ago, administrators introduced the First-
Year Studies program, a required two- term course
that focuses primarily on the great works of art,
music, science, and literature of both Western
and non- Western origin and gives all incoming
students a shared intellectual experience. General education requirements at
Lawrence include First- Year Studies, distribution requirements, and diversity, for-
eign language, and writing- intensive courses. All seniors— in all degree programs— are
required to produce a final project demonstrating proficiency in their major field of
study. As a linguistics major explains, the senior project means that “while everyone
is working on something different, the whole senior class is engaged in meaningful
discussions and exposed to unique challenges.”
At the school’s Conservatory of Music, the instrument collection includes an
1815 Broadwood piano identical to Beethoven’s own Broadwood and a Guarneri
violin. There are first- rate jazz ensembles along with classical and world music
programs. The college offers a bachelor of music degree within its liberal arts
environment, and students may opt to complete a five- year, double- degree pro-
gram to earn both a bachelor of music and a bachelor of arts in another field.
“Music is the unifying theme at Lawrence,” says one student. “Almost everybody
plays it or studies it or likes to listen to it and talk about it.” Economics is the
most popular major, followed by biology, psychology, English, and government.
The highly regarded physics department offers 3– 2 engineering options with
Columbia, Rensselaer, and WashU in St. Louis. Cooperative degrees in forestry
and environmental studies, law, occupational therapy, and public health are also
offered with such institutions as Duke, Marquette, and the Medical College of
Wisconsin. Newer minors include health and society, statistics and data science,
and creative writing.
Small classes— 80 percent have fewer than 20 students— make it “easy to con-
nect and work closely with professors for a more personalized and thorough learning
experience,” says a geology major. Because of the three- term calendar, the academic
climate is fast- paced and intense but also “extremely collaborative,” a sophomore
says. “As long as you stay on top of reading and notes, it is not overwhelming.”
Students are encouraged to spend at least one term of their college career off
campus, and 40 percent of undergrads do so. The university is known for its London
Centre, which allows students to take classes “across the pond” while taking advan-
tage of the city’s many cultural activities. Other
off- campus programs include a Francophone
seminar in Dakar, Senegal, and a marine biology
term in the Cayman Islands. In all, more than 50
international programs are available in more than 25 countries. About 65 percent of
students participate in research opportunities, especially those in the sciences. The
Lawrence University Research Fellows program pairs qualified students with
Lawrence faculty or with alumni who are conducting research at tier- one universi-
ties across the country for 10- week research assistantships during the summer.
A senior describes Lawrentians as “forward- thinking, caring, and quirky.”
Twenty- four percent of students hail from Wisconsin, and another quarter come
from Illinois and Minnesota. At 12 percent, the international population is sizable
and represents more than 45 countries. Black students make up 4 percent of the stu-
dent body, Asian Americans 5 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 11 percent, and multiracial
“Music is the unifying
theme at Lawrence. Almost
everybody plays it or
studies it or likes to listen
to it and talk about it.”
(continued)
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 227- 0982
Email Address: admissions @
lawrence .edu
Strong Programs:
Music
Physics
Economics
Biology
Psychology
English
Government
The First- Year Studies
program focuses
primarily on the great
works of art, music,
science, and literature
of both Western and
non- Western origin.
“[Students are] forward-
thinking, caring, and
quirky.”
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LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY 415
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
students 5 percent. The political climate on campus is liberal and usually “calm,”
according to a sophomore. There are no athletic scholarships, but top achievers vie
for merit scholarships averaging $31,900 each.
All but 5 percent of students live on campus, as four- year residency is required
with few exceptions. “There are tons of options for housing: dorms, theme houses,
group houses, lofts, etc.,” explains a junior. On- campus students have a choice of
meal plans and report that the food is diverse, healthy, and friendly to those with
dietary restrictions. “Some of our produce comes from a student- run garden right
across the street from the dining hall,” says one student. In an effort to enhance
campus safety, all on- campus parties hosted by student groups must be attended by
at least one member who has been trained in bystander intervention.
Social life at Lawrence is mostly campus- based and as varied and eclectic as the
students. Greek life attracts a modest 8 percent of the men and 6 percent of the
women; students say the party culture tends to be laid- back. “Lawrence students
aren’t the kind to party every weekend, but we’re also not the kind to never party at
all,” opines a sophomore. Thanks to the Conservatory, students can almost always
count on there being some kind of concert or performance on any given day. The
Winter Carnival and President’s Ball, held in January, and LU- aroo, a student-
organized music festival in the spring, are favorite annual traditions. The student-
run Great Midwest Trivia Contest takes place during January each year; held since
1966, it’s the longest- running trivia contest in the nation. Octoberfest is also a big
weekend event, held in conjunction with the city of Appleton, which draws people
in from nearby cities.
Relations between Lawrence and Appleton are good. “The town is safe and has
lots to do,” says a student, including “cafés, restaurants, shops, nightlife, performing
arts, and farmers markets.” Downtown Appleton is just one block from campus, but
the nearest grocery store is a five- minute drive;
the school provides regular shuttles to help stu-
dents get around. Volunteerism is popular, and
students regularly take part in activities such as
tutoring at local schools. The best road trips are
to Milwaukee (two hours), Green Bay (half an hour), and Chicago (four hours).
Weekend seminars are held at Björklunden, the college’s 441- acre estate on the
shores of Lake Michigan.
And what would a Midwest fall Saturday be without football? The Division III
Lawrence Vikings draw good crowds almost every weekend. Baseball and men’s and
women’s ice hockey, cross- country, and basketball are among the most competi-
tive teams. The sparkling recreation center helps students fend off midwinter blues.
Participating in a rousing game of intramural broomball, a variation of ice hockey
played in shoes with brooms and kickballs, is a must for students, even if all you do
is watch. Ultimate Frisbee is a popular club sport.
With an outstanding liberal arts curriculum, knowledgeable and caring faculty,
an administration that treats students like adults, and a charming country setting,
Lawrence University is easily one of the better little- known schools in the country.
“I’ve always felt that this school is a hidden gem,” remarks a film studies major. And
for students with a musical ear, Lawrence’s symphony of offerings strikes just the
right chord.
Octoberfest is a big
weekend event, held
in conjunction with
the city of Appleton,
which draws people
in from nearby cities.
“Some of our produce
comes from a student- run
garden right across the
street from the dining hall.”
Overlaps
St. Olaf, Macalester,
Oberlin, DePauw,
Grinnell, Ripon,
Beloit, Knox
If You Apply To ›
Lawrence: Early decision, early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement. Music applicants must audition and complete additional requirements.
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416 LEHIGH UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Built on the powerful combination of business, engineering, and the humanities,
Lehigh occupies a middle ground between techie havens such as Drexel and
Rensselaer and liberal arts/engineering institutions such as Bucknell and Union. By
graduation, students are primed for the global job market. Hillside campus means
that students get plenty of exercise. A wrestling powerhouse.
From the College of Arts and Sciences to the College of Business, Lehigh University
combines the academic resources of a large research university with the collegial
atmosphere of a much smaller institution. Since Lehigh’s founding in 1865, much
of its reputation has rested on its consistently strong engineering program, and the
school has invested millions of dollars in recent years to enhance critical academic
programs such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, bioscience, and optoelectronics.
With the university’s robust approach to experiential learning, students are well
prepared for life after college. Says one engineering major, “Lehigh students have
the know- how to jump right into the workforce and tackle any challenges that they
may face.”
Grand old oaks shade the buildings on Lehigh’s 1,600- acre campus, which is
tucked into the side of an eastern Pennsylvania mountain. The university spreads out
over three contiguous campuses: the main Asa Packer Campus, named for Lehigh’s
businessman founder; the Goodman Campus,
named for a donor; and the Mountaintop Campus,
which formerly housed the research laboratory of
now- defunct Bethlehem Steel. Architectural styles
range from ivy- covered collegiate Gothic, includ-
ing the historic Linderman Library, built in 1878,
to modern glass and steel. Several construction projects were recently completed,
including the $145 million Health, Science, and Technology Building (the university’s
largest facility, at 190,000 square feet) and the Business Innovation Building, which
expands the existing Rauch Business Center with flexible, tech- supported classrooms
and project spaces.
Distribution requirements are divided into four domains— the mathematical sci-
ences, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the arts and humanities. First- years
take an Evolution Seminar that focuses on the transition to college life. Additionally,
some degrees include a mandatory internship or capstone project. Finance, mechan-
ical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and accounting are the most
popular majors. Lehigh is big on connecting traditionally separate disciplines, so
students interested in interdisciplinary study will find a wealth of options, including
majors in arts and engineering, computer science and business, and environmental
engineering and minors in engineering leadership and sustainable development. “I
love the flexibility that I have had with my major, and it is really cool that I have
been able to study both engineering and psychology,” says a senior. The College of
Health, offering undergraduate degrees in community and global health and pop-
ulation health, enrolled its first class in fall 2020, offering such degrees as a dental
program with the University of Pennsylvania and an optometry program with the
State University of New York.
Lehigh prides itself on offering innovative special programs. The Technical
Entrepreneurship Capstone program brings engineering, business, and arts stu-
dents together to design and make products for sponsoring companies. The IDEAS
Website: www .lehigh .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 6,603
Undergraduates: 5,550
Male/Female: 54/46
Financial Aid: 60%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 45%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 15,163
Accepted: 37%
Enrolled: 27%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (610) 758- 3100
Email Address: admissions @
lehigh .edu
Strong Programs:
Arts and Engineering
Computer Science and
Business
Environmental Engineering
Integrated Business and
Engineering
Finance
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial and Systems
Engineering
Accounting
“I love the flexibility that I
have had with my major,
[being] able to study
both engineering and
psychology.”
Lehigh University
27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
(Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts, and Sciences) and Integrated Business and
Engineering programs offer four- year honors curricula that allow students to blend
two focus areas into a single course of study. Lehigh’s Office of Creative Inquiry spon-
sors several interdisciplinary initiatives, among them the Mountaintop program,
which gives roughly 175 students a chance to work in teams with faculty mentors
on cutting- edge projects during the summer. Recent Mountaintop projects include a
Stormwater Smart Campus, Zero Hunger College, and 3- D Concrete Printing. “Take
part in the Mountaintop research over the summer,” urges a psychology major. “It’s
really fun to be on campus then, and the programs are really cool.” Co- ops allow
students to spend eight months working for a major- related company— and getting
paid to do so— while still graduating in four years. Students participate in more
than 250 study abroad options offered in over 60 countries. Faculty- led programs
during winter and summer breaks are available in about a dozen countries, includ-
ing China, the Czech Republic, and Ghana.
Lehigh students are ambitious, and many pursue double majors and multiple
extracurriculars, but the atmosphere is by no means cutthroat. “From group projects
to late- night study groups in Linderman Library, I have always been able to find a
classmate to help me in a variety of subjects,”
says a journalism major. Forty- five percent of
undergraduate courses enroll fewer than 20 stu-
dents, and a finance and economics major says,
“Professors at Lehigh are as good as they get when
it comes to professional experience and the research they are involved in.” Students
praise the wide range of services made available to them, including career counseling.
“Career services is especially good at bringing large numbers of employers at a time
to campus,” says one junior. “Our placement numbers speak for themselves.”
According to an accounting major, “Everybody here is determined to succeed
and have a good time doing it.” Twenty- seven percent of Lehigh’s students come
from Pennsylvania, and many others hail from other Northeastern states; 8 percent
come from more than 30 foreign countries. Black students account for 5 percent
of the population, Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent, Asian Americans 10 percent, and
multiracial students 4 percent. As for the political atmosphere, a mechanical engi-
neering major reports, “Political opinions are rarely expressed on campus.” Merit
scholarships averaging $16,300 are awarded annually, and athletes vie for 200 schol-
arships in 25 sports.
Sixty- one percent of Lehigh students live on campus; first- and second- year
students are required to do so. Accommodations are “either very homey or
modern,” says a sophomore. Many upperclassmen choose to live in apartment-
style dorms, Greek houses, and off- campus apartments. Campus dining receives
above- average reviews for taste and variety. Students note that the Office of Gender
Violence Education and Support has done much to educate the campus commu-
nity, including rallies and prevention- awareness training, and a chemical engi-
neering major comments, “In general, campus is really safe as long as you use basic
city smarts.”
An active Greek scene (18 percent of the men join fraternities and 26 percent of
the women belong to sororities) fuels the campus social life. “Students who live off
campus often host parties, and it creates a really
great social scene,” says one student. Although
students agree that a drinking and party culture
does exist, according to a finance major, “There
isn’t pressure from anyone to become involved
in those activities.” Plenty of on- campus social options are available too, says a
business information systems major: “Lehigh After Dark events are always a huge
Co- ops allow students
to spend eight months
working for a major-
related company,
while still graduating
in four years.
“Career services is
especially good at
bringing large numbers of
employers . . . to campus.”
Many upperclassmen
choose to live in
apartment- style
dorms, Greek houses,
and off- campus
apartments.
“Students who live off
campus often host parties,
and it creates a really great
social scene.”
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418 LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
hit and range from midnight breakfast bars and a massive carnival to massage ther-
apy sessions and bingo nights.” Favorite traditions include the Founder’s Day cele-
bration as well as bed races, the Turkey Trot, and other spirit activities during the
week leading up to the big football game against Lafayette. “Personally, I love
wingo,” cheers a sophomore, “which is wings and bingo that’s held once every
two weeks.” Locally and nationally, students volunteer roughly 65,000 hours
each year.
The bustling campus has helped revive Bethlehem, a once- great steel town in
the heart of the Lehigh Valley. “Bethlehem is a hidden gem,” says a junior. “There
is always something to do, whether that’s seeing a show at the Steel Stacks or grab-
bing a bite to eat downtown.” Students look forward to the city’s Musikfest music
festival in early August. For those with wheels, Philadelphia is 50 miles to the south
and New York City is 75 miles to the east. Skiers will appreciate the close proximity
of the Poconos in the winter, while sun worshippers can enjoy the nearby Jersey
Shore in the early fall and late spring.
The Division I Lehigh Mountain Hawks field a number of competitive teams.
Lehigh’s wrestling program is a perennial powerhouse, having brought home
numerous Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association championships. Women’s
softball is a recent Patriot League champion; other solid programs include field
hockey and men’s golf, cross- country, and lacrosse. Fans flock to the annual Lehigh
versus Lafayette football game, which was first played in 1884 and is the longest-
standing rivalry in college football. “LeLaf is huge!” cheers a junior. About 35 per-
cent of students participate in the extensive intramural and club sports programs.
The Goodman Campus provides first- class practice and playing facilities for Lehigh’s
varsity and recreational sports teams alike.
Lehigh students proudly juggle rigorous classes and a packed extracurricular cal-
endar in an environment that is well- balanced rather than intense. “Lehigh is in the
Goldilocks zone,” explains an economics major. “It is just small enough that it is
easy to find and form a comfortable and intimate community, but big enough that
everyone can explore any and all of their interests.”
Favorite traditions
include the Founder’s
Day celebration as
well as bed races and
the Turkey Trot.
Overlaps
Tulane, William
& Mary,
Northeastern,
Wake Forest,
Boston College,
Villanova, Bucknell,
Rutgers
If You Apply To ›
Lehigh: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to particular colleges. Please con-
sult Lehigh’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, OR 97219
The West Coast’s leader in international and study abroad programs. Politically
liberal, but not as far out as crosstown neighbor Reed. With Mount Hood visible
in the distance (sometimes), there is a wealth of outdoor possibilities. Located in
suburban Portland, within easy reach of the bustle of downtown.
The 19th- century explorers Lewis and Clark struck out from Middle America to find
where the trail ended, and their travels took them to Portland, a lush, green paradise
by the Willamette River. The college that bears the explorers’ names encourages stu-
dents to explore too. Since establishing its first overseas study programs in 1962, the
college has sent thousands of students around the world to gain global perspectives
Website: www .lclark .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,601
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
in their fields of study. Back on campus, opportunities for academic exploration,
research, and urban adventures abound. Without a doubt, Lewis & Clark students
receive, as one junior puts it, “an excellent, hands- on education.”
Lewis & Clark, which produced its first graduates in 1873, boasts a gorgeous
campus perched atop fir- covered bluffs overlooking the river. The campus is an
old estate, complete with elaborate gardens, fountains, and pools, where cement is
almost nonexistent and the roads are paved with cobblestones. The Fowler Student
Center was fully renovated in 2023. The 50,000- square- foot Howard Hall, built as
part of the college’s commitment to sustainable development, earned a gold certifi-
cation from the U.S. Green Building Council. Lewis & Clark draws 100 percent of its
power from renewable sources.
Lewis & Clark requires that all students achieve competency in a foreign lan-
guage and international studies; 60 percent of students fulfill these requirements by
studying abroad for a semester or more. The college offers more than 30 study abroad
programs each year, many of which are faculty-
led, on six continents. Students may also study
in New York City. In addition to the interna-
tional studies and language requirements, stu-
dents must complete courses in creative arts; culture, power, and identity; historical
perspectives; natural sciences; and physical education and well- being. A required,
two- semester first- year seminar helps ease new students into college life.
Not surprisingly, one of the most popular majors at Lewis & Clark is inter-
national affairs; others include psychology, biology, economics, sociology and
anthropology, and English. There are multiple options for students seeking
advanced degrees in collaboration with Lewis & Clark’s Graduate School of
Education and Counseling, and Lewis & Clark Law School, and 3– 2 programs in
engineering. The Center for Community and Global Health offers premed and
other health professions advising. Honors programs are available in most depart-
ments. The Rogers Summer Science Research Program teams students and faculty
on research projects ranging from the evolution of spider venom to cybersecurity
analysis. The Bates Center for Entrepreneurship encourages collaboration with
faculty, mentors, and outside professionals to reframe problems using entrepre-
neurial thinking.
Academically, “Classes are a mix in terms of difficulty, student participation,
and amount of work,” reports a student double majoring in psychology and rhetoric
and media studies. Freshmen and graduating seniors get priority in the registration
process, helping ensure graduation in four years. For those who plan out their
requirements with their academic advisors but are unable to finish in four years, the
college commits to paying for an additional semester of study. Professors get high
marks for being knowledgeable and passionate. “The class sizes at L&C are fairly
small and intimate, allowing you to have close connections with your professors,”
explains a sociology and anthropology major.
“Students here are socially conscious, motivated, and involved,” says an inter-
national affairs major. Eleven percent of undergrads hail from Oregon, and many of
the rest are West Coasters seeking an emphasis on the liberal arts; the college is also
a haven for well- off Easterners who see L&C as
an escape from the social claustrophobia of the
typical prep school scene. Five percent of stu-
dents are drawn from foreign countries. The
campus is politically active and predominantly
left- leaning. A senior reports that a student movement to change the school’s name
on the grounds that it “glorifies colonizers and genocide” has been a hot- button
issue of late. The student body is 5 percent Asian American, 3 percent Black,
(continued)
Undergraduates: 2,168
Male/Female: 35/65
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 31%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 6,663
Accepted: 69%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 73%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (503) 768- 7040
Email Address: admissions @
lclark .edu
Strong Programs:
International Affairs
Psychology
Biology
Economics
Sociology and Anthropology
English
Education
“Students here are socially
conscious, motivated, and
involved.”
The most successful
Pioneer teams include
men’s basketball and
baseball, and men’s
and women’s tennis.
“Classes are a mix in
terms of difficulty, student
participation, and amount
of work.”
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420 LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
11 percent Hispanic/Latino, and 8 percent multiracial. The Office of Equity and
Inclusion aims to promote and expand campus diversity. Non- need- based financial
aid awards average $25,800, but there are no athletic scholarships.
Lewis & Clark’s residency requirement keeps students on campus for two
years; 68 percent of all undergraduates stay in campus housing, which is described
as convenient. “The most common room is a double, but there are also quads and
singles, all of which have sufficient room for their respective residents,” reports a
student. Owing to the college’s hilltop location, lucky dorm residents have views
of Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, or the Portland skyline— at least when they
are not fogged in. Students involved in performing arts, multicultural engage-
ment, outdoor pursuits, and other programs can join living- learning communities.
Dining halls cater to different diets, offering vegetarian and vegan options at every
meal, and “the food can be tasty, but not always,” says a student. L&C is located
in a residential section of Portland, but safety is still a priority— residence halls
have card- swipe entry systems and door alarms, and campus security officers are
on duty 24 hours a day.
Fun- seekers at Lewis & Clark rely primarily on programs offered through Student
Activities, such as on- campus movies, contests, dances, improv nights, and talent
shows; there is no Greek life. Yearly events include the Fall Ball and Spring Fling
dances, the International Fair, and the Suntan and Sunburn music festivals. Students
21 and older are permitted to consume alcohol on campus, and students report that
alcohol policies prioritize student safety. “There is not a huge party culture on
campus, but it manifests in smaller kick- backs,” says a senior.
The neighborhood immediately surrounding the college is pleasant, affluent
suburbia, which means a few stores, restaurants, and bars. Students get involved
in community service through a variety of campus organizations. The activity of
Portland— mostly on Hawthorne Boulevard in the southeast section, and in the
Pearl District or on 23rd Street in the northwest quadrant— is 15 minutes away
on the city’s public transit system or the free campus shuttle service, the Pioneer
Express. On the weekends and during breaks, College Outdoors sponsors trips to
Mount Hood (great skiing, about an hour distant), the eastern Oregon high desert
(two hours), or the coastal beaches (an hour and a half). Seattle and Vancouver, BC,
three- and six- hour drives, are favorite road trips, as are San Francisco and Las Vegas
when there’s more time.
Pioneer teams compete in the Division III Northwest Conference, and the most
successful teams include men’s basketball and baseball, and men’s and women’s
tennis. Lewis & Clark has a well- organized intramural program. Ultimate Frisbee,
basketball, and volleyball are student favorites. The L&C speech and debate team
has won multiple national titles in recent years.
Lewis & Clark’s many outdoor enthusiasts and champions of social causes thrive
in the college’s laid- back atmosphere. Students are entrepreneurial thinkers,
knowledge- seeking pioneers— ones who would make the school’s namesakes proud.
“We constantly question and search for the answers,” says a senior.
Lewis & Clark
draws 100 percent
of its power from
renewable sources.
Overlaps
Whitman,
University of Puget
Sound, Willamette,
Reed, Occidental,
Colorado College,
University of
Oregon, University
of Washington
If You Apply To ›
Lewis & Clark: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
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LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY 421
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Louisiana State University
1146 Pleasant Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
In the state famous for Mardi Gras, students come to LSU for a great time as well as a
good education. Finding the former is a no- brainer. The latter can be had in everything
from coastal sciences to cybersecurity and art to agriculture. Administrators are
trying to make LSU a more serious place with higher admissions standards and less
underage drinking. Has recently admitted its most historically diverse freshmen
classes and continues to invest in infrastructure. Only university in the country with
a live tiger residing on campus.
From abundant azaleas and Japanese magnolias and the smell of Cajun cuisine, to
the sororities’ stately mansions and the “huge and legendary” rivalries with Alabama
and Florida, few schools evoke the spirit of the South like Louisiana State University
in Baton Rouge. The university offers solid programs in business, engineering, and
the life sciences, and the academic profile of its students continues to rise, bolster-
ing LSU’s strong sense of community and school pride. “We care so much about
our university and everything that we do on and off the field,” enthuses a junior.
“Geaux Tigers!”
LSU sits on 2,000 acres along the banks of the Mississippi River on the grounds
of a former plantation. Most of the 250 buildings are Italian Renaissance in style,
with tan stucco walls and red tile roofs. Lakes and sprawling oak trees dot the land-
scape, helping to diffuse the strong sun and temper Louisiana’s legendary humidity.
Recent campus projects include the newly renovated Barnes Ogden Art & Design
complex, and Azalea and Camellia halls, two new suite- style residential buildings.
Founded in 1853, LSU was once an open- admissions university for state res-
idents, but standards have gone up over the years, and with them the caliber of
students. Students must complete a broad core
curriculum with coursework in English compo-
sition, analytical reasoning, social sciences,
humanities, natural sciences, and the arts.
Entry- level classes can be large, but 43 percent
of all undergraduate courses enroll fewer than
20 students. Especially motivated students may opt to join the Ogden Honors
College to enjoy smaller class sizes, live in the Laville Honors House, and pro-
duce a senior thesis.
LSU students choose from more than 77 undergraduate degrees and tend to
focus on practical majors that will help them get into graduate school or find jobs
after graduation. To that end, popular majors include biological sciences— typical
for premeds— as well as kinesiology, psychology, mass communication, and busi-
ness. LSU’s programs in landscape architecture, engineering (especially petroleum),
physics, computer science, English, and music are highly regarded. Given LSU’s
location and history as a federal sea grant college, its offerings in coastal environ-
mental science and ecology are notable as well. The renowned, multidisciplinary
LSU Center for Internal Auditing was the first university- based internal auditing
training program to be established. Professors are lauded for their enthusiasm and
skill behind the lectern. “It can be difficult in classes with hundreds of students, but
the professors do their best to ensure one- on- one time if needed,” lauds a biological
sciences major. Research opportunities abound and include the President’s Future
Leaders in Research Program, which provides undergraduates the chance to work
side by side with professors in a research setting, such as a lab or in the field, to learn
Website: www .lsu .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 30,863
Undergraduates: 26,396
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 93%
Pell Grant: 32%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 42%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 38,853
Accepted: 76%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 70%
Returning Freshmen: 84%
Academics:
- -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (225) 578- 1175
Email Address: admissions @
lsu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Physics
Computer Science
English
Music
Coastal Environmental Science
Construction Management
“It can be difficult in classes
with hundreds of students,
but the professors do their
best to ensure one- on- one
time if needed.”
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422 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
what a career in that area might be like. Undergrads interested in study abroad can
choose from over 300 programs ranging in length from one week to one year.
Sixty- nine percent of LSU Tigers are Louisiana natives, and 3 percent come from
abroad. Black students make up 17 percent of the undergraduate student body,
Asian Americans 5 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, and multiracial students
3 percent. A political science major describes the political climate on campus as
“very moderate for a Southern school.” LSU’s tuition is below the national average,
but, in the face of dwindling support from the state, the university has passed more
and more of the cost of education on to students in the form of fees— such as a “stu-
dent excellence fee”— that function like de facto tuition. Thousands of merit schol-
arships are available, averaging $6,600, and LSU hands out more than 530 athletic
scholarships each year in 21 sports. The Pelican Promise Scholarship provides addi-
tional financial aid to low- income, Pell- eligible, in- state students.
Thirty percent of students live on campus. Over the past decade, the university
has invested more than $150 million in housing facilities, with more than 70 percent
of the undergraduate housing either newly constructed or renovated. Ten percent of
students choose to live in 10 residential colleges
organized by academic interest. Meals at the
dining halls receive average reviews, but a number
of “delicious and inexpensive” eateries lie within
easy reach of campus. Although crime can be a
concern in Baton Rouge, a senior reports, “Campus safety is a priority, and our police
department has increased night patrolling and self- defense classes since my first
year.” LSU also provides a transit system so that students don’t have to walk alone
after dark.
With nearly 500 student clubs, tailgating during football season, and the many
nearby bars in Tigerland, social life at LSU “is never- ending,” enthuses a student.
“Our large emphasis on sports is a big contributor to the intense party culture found
on campus,” explains a psychology major. Fifteen percent of the men and 25 percent
of the women go Greek. The administration has instituted several policy changes
related to Greek life, including a ban on hard alcohol at all on- and off- campus Greek
events, in hopes of reducing binge drinking, hazing, and other problems. “LSU has
made an effort to educate and encourage victims and bystanders of hazing to speak
out,” says a senior. As for traditions, everyone looks forward to Mardi Gras and annual
festivals such as Groovin’, a free concert featuring a big- name artist. “Our Memorial
Tower plays our alma mater every day at noon, and everyone loves to stop and listen
to it,” cheers an English major. Road trips to New Orleans and the Florida beaches are
common during spring break.
Tiger football is king in Baton Rouge— witness the 102,000- seat Tiger Stadium,
the $28 million renovated locker room that the New York Times described as “a
purple- and- gold mash- up of a first- class airplane cabin and a sci- fi space station,”
and Mike the Tiger, the live tiger mascot that lives in a 15,000- square- foot hab-
itat adjacent to the football stadium. The rowdy LSU contingent at away games
has earned a reputation worthy of English soccer fans. Many students follow the
team (and the fun) to Oxford, Mississippi (home of Ole Miss), or Auburn, Alabama
(home of the Auburn Tigers). “The Alabama football game hands down” is the big-
gest rivalry, says a sophomore. The Tiger baseball team is a dynasty, having brought
home multiple Southeastern Conference titles and six national championships.
Women’s basketball won the 2023 NCAA championship; women’s gymnastics and
women’s soccer are also strong, as is men’s outdoor track. As for recreational sports,
intramural soccer, flag football, and softball are popular.
LSU’s trees and traditions date back 170 years, but the school continues to evolve
in its efforts to attract a more academically motivated student body. The university
The renowned,
multidisciplinary LSU
Center for Internal
Auditing was the
first university- based
internal auditing
training program
to be established.
“Our Memorial Tower plays
our alma mater every day
at noon, and everyone
loves to stop and listen.”
Everyone looks
forward to Mardi Gras
and annual festivals
such as Groovin’, a
free concert featuring
a big- name artist.
Overlaps
University of
Tennessee
Knoxville, Auburn,
University of
Arkansas, Clemson,
Oklahoma State,
University
of Louisiana,
Southeastern
Louisiana, Texas
A&M
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LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MARYLAND 423
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
is focused on the goals of learning, discovery, diversity, and engagement, and
though it may be a while before its academic profile matches its athletic prowess,
that’s what administrators say they are aiming for. In the meantime, students are
happy to laissez les bons temps rouler!
If You Apply To ›
LSU: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application. Application allows students to utilize
preferred name, gender pronouns, and self- identified gender.
Loyola University Maryland
4501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210
Vintage Jesuit school with a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, caring faculty, and a
strong sense of community. Baltimore location a plus for those with “I don’t want to
miss anything” attitude. Same size as Providence, smaller than BC, Fordham, and
other Roman Catholic schools in urban settings. No varsity football, but top- ranked
lacrosse teams evoke plenty of school spirit.
Four U.S. universities bear the name of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society
of Jesus (Jesuits), but this one is the granddaddy of them all. Founded in 1852 (and
the one that laid claim to www .loyola .edu), Loyola University Maryland combines
the virtues of a residential campus with ready access to a major city on the Amtrak
corridor. Loyola jumped up from “college” to “university” status in 2009 and, with
a “big enough but not too big” feel, manages to strike a balance between real- world
experience and the traditional Jesuit ideals of academic excellence, a liberal arts cur-
riculum, and cura personalis (a.k.a. care of the whole person).
Loyola’s Evergreen campus, the home to undergraduates, sits on 80 green and
wooded acres in a mixed residential area in northern Baltimore, about 15 minutes
from the heart of the city. The academic Quad features the largest collection of col-
legiate Gothic buildings in Baltimore, including
the Alumni Memorial Chapel with its lovely
stained- glass windows. Architectural variety is
provided by the Tudor- style Humanities Center,
built in 1896; the contemporary Sellinger School of Business and Management, with
its five- story glass facade; and the LEED Gold– certified Fernandez Family Center for
Innovation and Collaborative Learning.
Undergraduate academics at Loyola are organized around the triumvirate of the
School of Education, the Sellinger School of Business and Management, and Loyola
College of Arts and Sciences. Consistent with Jesuit academic tradition, Loyola stu-
dents pursue a core curriculum of 15 courses that encourages critical thinking across
the liberal arts and sciences. Among the requirements are a course in ethics and
the choice of one diversity- designated course— with a focus on global or domestic
diversity or justice awareness. Messina is the university’s first- year living/learning
program, in which students enroll in two linked seminar classes, one in the fall and
one in the spring, focused on one of four themes: The Visionary, Self and Other,
Stories We Tell, and The Good Life. The courses are taught by their core advisor,
and students benefit from additional Messina resources, including an upper- class
peer mentor (called an “Evergreen”) and special programs, events, and excursions.
Website: www .loyola .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 4,364
Undergraduates: 3,945
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 59%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 61%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 9,643
Accepted: 83%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 79%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (410) 617- 5012
Email Address: admission @
loyola .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Communication
Sustainability Management
Education
Speech- Language- Hearing
Sciences
“Students . . . tend to work
together on projects or
while studying.”
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424 LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MARYLAND
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“It makes new students feel like they are a part of the Loyola community and realize
how many people care about them here,” says a biology major.
The business program, which consists of nine majors ranging from accounting
to sustainability management, is strong, as are most of the humanities. Business
administration, psychology, biology, and communication are the most popular
majors. Other strong areas, students say, include
forensic studies, speech- language- hearing sci-
ences, and engineering. Students describe the
academic program at Loyola as challenging but
supportive. “Students are generally not compet-
ing against each other for the best grades, but rather tend to work together on proj-
ects or while studying,” says a senior. Teaching assistants are an unknown species,
and 49 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Students praise their profes-
sors’ emphasis on teaching and getting to know students. “I cannot imagine what it
would be like not to have a professor know my name,” says a senior.
Each summer, 10 to 12 undergraduates are selected to work side by side with
faculty from the six natural and applied science departments to conduct research in
the students’ area of interest and participate in seminars. For top students, the
Honors Program, Sellinger Scholars for business students, and CPaMS Scholars for
math, computer science, statistics, data science, or physics students provide an
interdisciplinary route through a more ambitious core curriculum. Up to 60 percent
of the students study abroad in their choice of more than 25 countries, usually for a
semester during their junior year. Venues range from Bangkok, Dubai, and Singapore
to Cape Town, Glasgow, and, of course, Rome. Loyola students are encouraged to do
community service while abroad and to submit an Immersion Research Project upon
return. “I studied in Cork, Ireland, and it was one of the highlights of my college
experience!” cheers a senior.
Students at Loyola tend to be, in the words of one senior, “fairly preppy.” Thirty-
one percent of undergraduates hail from Maryland, and 2 percent come from other
countries. Black students represent 10 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 14 percent, Asian
Americans 4 percent, and multiracial students
4 percent. Fifty- two percent of undergrads
describe themselves as Catholics. “Religion has a
huge impact on campus,” says one non- Catholic,
who adds, “As a Christian, I love the fact that I can openly talk about my religion and
that others accept my beliefs.” Students cite women’s and LGBTQ rights, immigra-
tion reform, homelessness, and hunger as popular causes on campus. Merit awards
average $23,200, and Loyola offers more than 200 athletic scholarships in 13 sports.
Loyola students enjoy the spacious, modern residence halls, which are located
west of the main campus and are connected by a pedestrian bridge spanning Charles
Street. “One of the perks of Loyola’s housing is that there are only a few traditional
dorms,” explains a psychology major. “Loyola has mostly apartment- style living,”
and it’s possible to live in an apartment or suite with a kitchen and bathroom as early
as freshman year. Not surprisingly, 79 percent of students live on campus. There are
10 locations for on- campus dining, including a Starbucks in the new Andrew White
Student Center, which is a popular hub. While Loyola is an urban campus, an account-
ing major reports, “the Loyola police do a good job to make us all feel safe on campus.”
Loyola has no fraternities or sororities, but given the proximity to Baltimore, this
arrangement is just fine with students. “Most of Loyola’s social life takes place off
campus,” says a student. “Bars and clubs are very close to campus, and the penalties
for throwing a party in your room are pretty steep.” That’s not to say that on- campus
life is monastic. “The campus is always buzzing with things like concerts and fes-
tivals,” says an English major. The undisputed high point of the social calendar is
(continued)
Engineering
Psychology
Biology
“I studied in Cork, Ireland,
and it was one of the
highlights of my college
experience!”
Loyola University
Maryland combines
the virtues of a
residential campus
with ready access to
a major city on the
Amtrak corridor.
“The campus is always
buzzing with things like
concerts and festivals.”
Loyola students are
encouraged to do
community service
while abroad and to
submit an Immersion
Research Project
upon return.
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LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY 425
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Loyolapalooza, the spring festival held on the last weekend before final exams to cele-
brate the academic year. Students gather on the Quad for a concert, games, and food.
A close second is the annual Black Student Association Fashion Show in the spring.
Baltimore is a city where urban problems have been well documented. For stu-
dents at Loyola, this means that community service, in which 52 percent of students
get involved, plays a prominent role in campus life. “The passion for service runs
very strong through the veins of Loyola,” says a senior. The Center for Community,
Service, and Justice connects students with opportunities ranging from one- time
volunteer activities to semester- long service- learning courses. The city of Baltimore
also offers an abundance of sights, including the famed Inner Harbor, with its many
restaurants and museums, as well as major league sports. Loyola’s neighbors include
numerous other colleges and universities, including Johns Hopkins and Towson
University. Baltimore “has plenty of young- adult neighborhoods and pockets of
entertainment,” reports an accounting major. Washington, D.C., an hour away by
train, is a frequent weekend destination.
Loyola eschews varsity football, but the Greyhounds compete in the Division I
Patriot League in eight men’s and nine women’s sports. Befitting the school’s Maryland
location, both the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are consistently strong. Men’s
soccer and golf have also been successful in recent years. For those with more modest
athletic ambitions, Loyola sponsors a variety of club sports teams and intramural
events, as well as 40 outdoor adventure trips each year. Flag football, volleyball, and
soccer are especially popular. The state- of- the- art Fitness and Aquatic Center features a
well- equipped fitness center, a rock- climbing wall, a 14- lane pool, and other amenities.
Some Loyola denizens lament the absence of football and the dearth of on-
campus parties, but such complaints seem a small price to pay for four years as part
of a close- knit community that takes its humanistic, academic, and social values
seriously. “We care for each other, and our Jesuit mission rings true in our day- to-
day lives,” says a senior. A classmate adds, “The good food, residence halls, and
location don’t hurt either.”
Loyola’s neighbors
include numerous
other colleges and
universities, including
Johns Hopkins and
Towson University.
Overlaps
Loyola Marymount,
Villanova, Santa
Clara, St. Joseph’s,
Fairfield,
Providence, Boston
College, University
of Maryland
(College Park)
If You Apply To ›
Loyola: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90045
LMU is a university rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount traditions known
for its strategic L.A. location and world- class programs in film and television,
business, engineering, and communication. Big international emphasis in film and
theatre arts. Compare to Chapman, Santa Clara, and University of San Diego. To take
full advantage of L.A., access to a car is highly beneficial.
At Loyola Marymount University, one of the largest Roman Catholic universities
on the West Coast, students are treated to ideal weather year- round, a vast array of
internship opportunities, and an academic lineup that includes solid programs in
film and television, liberal arts and sciences, and business. “LMU is more than an
academic institution,” says a junior. “It is a community dedicated to helping stu-
dents grow and thrive.”
Website: www .lmu .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 9,219
Undergraduates: 6,992
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426 LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Established in 1911, LMU occupies a 142- acre campus perched on a bluff over-
looking the Pacific Ocean and Marina del Rey in Westchester, a peaceful residen-
tial neighborhood of Los Angeles. Campus architecture is a mix of modern and a
modified Spanish Colonial Revival style, with
orange- tiled roofs. The university is sponsored
by three religious orders: the Society of Jesus
(Jesuits), the Religious of the Sacred Heart of
Mary, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.
Campus highlights include the 24- hour Hannon
Library, the $110 million, LEED Gold– certified
Featherston Life Sciences Building, and the new Fitzpatrick Pavilion, boasting
high- tech production and screening spaces for the film school.
LMU offers 55 baccalaureate majors and 58 minors in six colleges and schools.
The general education requirements (known as the Core Curriculum) are designed
to encourage intellectual breadth, tackling themes such as faith and reason; ethics
and justice; culture; art and society; and science, nature, and society. Incoming stu-
dents may take part in a number of programs designed to support the transition to
college, including a first- year seminar and an honors program.
The most popular programs include marketing, psychology, communication
studies, and finance; these are also some of the university’s best. Other strong pro-
grams include film and television production, journalism, entrepreneurship, com-
puter science, engineering, and theatre arts. Students in the School of Film and
Television have access to a number of resources, including a student- run production
office, a television stage, and a film soundstage with a professional green screen (for
those cool CGI effects!). They also benefit from the program’s strong international
emphasis, including the chance to study in Bonn, Germany, and produce their own
documentaries, or a chance to study film and television while attending The Cinema
Ritrovato festival in Bologna. Those in the Seaver College of Science and Engineering
take part in national competitions to build rockets and race eco- friendly cars. New
academic offerings include a new department of journalism, a major in computer
engineering, and minors in media and international documentary production
and health and human sciences. Thanks to its hip Los Angeles locale, LMU offers
experience- hungry students a plethora of internships, including stints at Disney and
Warner Bros. LMU offers more than 100 exchange, semester, and short- term study
abroad options on six continents in a wide range of disciplines.
Like nearby Tinseltown, LMU manages to be both competitive and relaxed. “LMU
students generally care about their academic performance and seek challenges where
they can,” observes an economics major. Fifty- seven percent of classes have fewer
than 20 students, and while academic rigor and quality of instruction vary by pro-
gram, students say teacher- student interaction is commonplace. “Professors are not
only experts in their field, working for organizations like NASA and doing research
with Olympians, but they truly care,” shares a health and human sciences major.
LMU undergraduates hail from 48 states and 82 foreign countries; 59 percent
come from California and 10 percent from abroad. LMU students have “a self- starter
and go- getter attitude mixed with a passion for justice and advocacy,” notes a senior.
Black students represent 7 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 24 per-
cent, Asian Americans 10 percent, and multiracial students 8 percent. A junior
describes LMU students’ political views as “involved in local and national issues that
are relevant with the times but not to the point of hyper- partisanship.” Merit schol-
arships averaging $12,100 are available for qualified students, and the athletically
inclined vie for 216 athletic scholarships in 19 sports.
About half of LMU students live on campus. Many first- years choose to partici-
pate in themed living/learning communities, including those dedicated to specific
“Professors are not only
experts in their field,
working for organizations
like NASA and doing
research with Olympians,
but they truly care.”
(continued)
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 90%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 43%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 21,695
Accepted: 41%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 82%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (310) 338- 2750
Email Address: admission @
lmu .edu
Strong Programs:
Film and Television Production
Journalism
Entrepreneurship
Computer Science
Engineering
Communication
Marketing
Psychology
Those in the Seaver
College of Science
and Engineering
take part in national
competitions to build
rockets and race
eco- friendly cars.
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LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS 427
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
academic disciplines, first- generation students, and Ignatian leadership. The univer-
sity offers a variety of dining options, with some reporting that the food has “vastly
improved.” Students describe campus security as good, and one senior comments,
“LMU does a good job of informing students about sexual consent.”
The social life at LMU takes place “both on and off campus,” says one student.
Student organizations and clubs frequently host activities, and Greek life influences
the scene, too, attracting 16 percent of the men and 26 percent of the women.
Students say there is little pressure to drink. Everyone looks forward to Fallapalooza,
an outdoor music festival that “is such a great way to kick off the year,” says a junior,
and it’s a tradition for your friends to toss you into Foley Fountain on your birthday.
The university’s Jesuit heritage promotes a commitment to community service, and
about 70 percent of students take part, volunteering more than 200,000 hours of
service every year in after- school programs, homeless shelters, health clinics, and
other settings. The area of Westchester is “definitely not a college town,” groans a
sophomore. Fortunately, there’s a lot nearby. “Many students like to go to the beach,
Playa Vista, Venice, Manhattan Beach, or Santa Monica to get off campus,” explains
a junior. Popular road trips include San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Las Vegas.
Back on campus, LMU’s varsity teams compete in the Division I West Coast
Conference. The men’s golf, women’s beach and indoor volleyball, and women’s tennis
are a few of LMU’s nationally competitive teams
who have recently won West Coast Conference
titles and competed in the NCAA Tournament. The
Lions’ rivalry with nearby Pepperdine always draws
a huge crowd, and the basketball team’s annual
pep rally— LMU Madness— “is a pretty big event,”
says a student. Intramurals and club sports are popular and include flag football, bil-
liards, lacrosse, and rugby, among others. LMU’s debate team is a standout, too, regu-
larly placing at the top in national and international tournaments.
With its dynamic mix of solid academics, Jesuit and Marymount traditions, and
thriving social life, LMU offers students substance and style. “Being a Jesuit school
in Los Angeles, our students and faculty are catalysts for change and are always look-
ing to make the world a better place,” says a student. Whether you’re a budding
scientist or a future filmmaker, Loyola Marymount University may be worth a look.
Everyone looks forward
to Fallapalooza, an
outdoor music festival
that kicks off the year.
“Many students like to go
to the beach, Playa Vista,
Venice, Manhattan Beach,
or Santa Monica to get off
campus.”
Overlaps
Chapman, Santa
Clara, UC Berkeley,
University of
Southern California,
UCLA, Cal Poly– San
Luis Obispo, UC
Santa Barbara,
NYU
If You Apply To ›
LMU: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Applicants
to animation, dance, music, production (film and television), and theatre arts are required to submit a portfolio or audition;
studio arts applicants have an option to submit a portfolio. Please consult LMU’s website for the most up- to- date informa-
tion regarding standardized test requirements.
Loyola University New Orleans
6363 St. Charles Ave., Box 89, New Orleans, LA 70118
Of the four Loyolas in the nation, this is the only one where you can go to Mardi Gras
and then study the music you heard the next morning in class. New Orleans (a.k.a.
NOLA) is an ideal setting for this Roman Catholic, Jesuit university with strengths
in business, communication, science, and nursing. NOLA is the most freewheeling
Deep South city, and campus politics are mainly liberal.
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428 LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Loyola University New Orleans is a liberal arts school founded in 1904 by the
Society of Jesus (Jesuits) that continues to enhance its rich tradition through
extensive service- learning programs, increasing admissions standards, and a
renewed commitment to diversifying the student body. “Social justice is at the
heart of the education and life here,” says a senior. The university has capital-
ized on its unique NOLA setting to develop excellent programs in environmental
studies, entrepreneurship, and artistic and creative fields, with a preprofessional
bent.
The school’s attractive and well- kept 22- acre main campus, in the University
section of Uptown New Orleans, mixes Tudor, Gothic, and modern structures. It
overlooks acres of Audubon Park and, beyond, the mighty Mississippi River. Two
blocks up St. Charles Avenue, Loyola’s Broadway
campus has an additional four acres. The reno-
vated Monroe Hall features state- of- the- art sci-
ence labs, including a nursing simulation,
high- tech design studios, recording and production facilities, and a seventh- floor
greenhouse. The Monroe Library houses approximately 500,000 volumes, an art gal-
lery, and the Pan- American Life Student Success Center.
The Loyola Core involves distribution requirements designed to develop
skills in critical thinking, effective communication, quantitative reasoning,
information literacy, and ethical reasoning. In addition to taking a First- Year
Seminar that introduces them to college- level work and the Jesuit tradition
of “thinking critically, acting justly,” incoming students are assigned a “suc-
cess coach” who provides academic guidance and helps instill life skills. Other
aspects of Loyola’s comprehensive first- year experience include a series of lec-
tures and panel discussions, educational excursions, service- learning projects,
and a peer mentoring program.
The School of Communication and Design, whose students do well in national
competitions, wins praise, as does virtually any program in the College of Music
and Media, including majors in digital filmmaking, graphic design, jazz studies, and
popular and commercial music that are increasingly sought- after in a city where
these creative professions are defining specialties. Indeed, befitting its home in New
Orleans, music industry studies is one of the most popular majors, along with psy-
chology, mass communication, biology, and management. Loyola’s urban and elec-
tronic music production major is the first of its kind in the country, and students
make use of state- of- the- art broadcast and recording studios. Environmental stud-
ies, finance, English, neuroscience, and pre- health are also strengths, and a minor
in New Orleans studies is available. New and fast- growing majors include nursing,
public health, and cybersecurity.
Loyola’s academic climate is said to be challenging, supportive, and vibrant.
Forty- nine percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, and stu-
dents report that most faculty make an effort to get to know their students. “I have
connected on a personal level with every professor I’ve had here,” says an English
major. Regarding counseling services, a first- year student explains, “Loyola takes
mental health very seriously. There were free depression screenings, and every week
there is an anxiety workshop.”
The University Honors Program, open to students in all majors, gives high-
achieving students access to small seminars, collaborative research projects with fac-
ulty, social activities, and other special opportunities. Thirty- two percent of
undergraduates exercise their wings in study abroad programs available in more
than 50 countries. With the help of the Career Development Center, 26 percent of
students make service part of their studies, and Loyola is a top producer of Peace
Corps and Teach for America volunteers. Many students invest their sweat equity in
Website: www .loyno .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,643
Undergraduates: 2,953
Male/Female: 34/66
Financial Aid: 92%
Pell Grant: 43%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 69%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 7,340
Accepted: 78%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 67%
Returning Freshmen: 76%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 456- 9652
Email Address: admit @ loyno
.edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Criminology and Justice
Environmental Studies
Digital Filmmaking
Music Industry Studies
Finance
English
Neuroscience
Psychology
“Social justice is at the
heart of the education and
life here.”
Given Loyola’s
academic strengths,
the student body is
an interesting mix
of creative types,
social justice activists,
and career- minded
preprofessionals.
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LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS 429
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the Loyola University Community Action Program, a student- led coalition of several
organizations that take on issues such as hunger and homelessness.
Given Loyola’s academic strengths, the student body is an interesting mix
of creative types, social justice activists, and career- minded preprofessionals.
“While they study hard, they also know how to have fun,” says a computer sci-
ence major. Forty- five percent of Loyola undergraduates are Louisiana natives,
and many of the remaining students are from the Southeast; 4 percent are inter-
national. Twenty- two percent are Hispanic/Latino, 19 percent are Black, 3 percent
are Asian American, and 5 percent are multiracial. Religion— specifically Roman
Catholicism— has a significant influence on campus; 39 percent of students are
Catholic. Daily mass is voluntary, but many students attend. Ten other religions
are also represented on campus, and the political atmosphere is largely liberal.
Students are particularly active in advocating for women’s rights and LGBTQ+-
and gender- related issues. Loyola awards merit scholarships averaging $22,300
each year and roughly 120 athletic scholarships in nine sports. About a third of
undergrads are first- generation college students, and 43 percent of freshmen are
Pell- eligible.
Many Loyola students commute from home or off- campus apartments;
37 percent of undergraduates reside in campus housing. The transition to college
is eased by Themed Living Communities, which house classmates together in a
common living space within one of the residence halls. Campus dining in the
Orleans Room is described as adequate, and a junior comments, “It’s a great ben-
efit to have Tulane University across the street because we can use their dining
facilities as well.” Iggy’s Cupboard is a free, student- run food pantry designed to
address the issue of food insecurity on campus. According to a senior, “This is a
very safe campus.”
“Loyola gives us lots of cool things to do on campus,” a philosophy major says,
including musical performances, sporting events, and Third Friday— a different
themed party or festival held the third Friday of every month with free food, music,
and games. Fraternities and sororities are rarities
at Jesuit schools, but they make themselves felt at
Loyola, with 12 percent of the men and 13 per-
cent of the women choosing to belong. Major
annual events include the “Sneaux Day,” which “features a petting zoo, a snow field,
crafting stations, and multiple food booths,” reports a student, the musical event
Christmas at Loyola, and a crawfish boil in the spring. Loyola even takes the week of
Mardi Gras off as a holiday and allows students to register overnight visitors so they
can attend the festivities. With so much bustling nightlife in the surrounding city,
students report that not much underage drinking happens on campus. “New Orleans
is such an exciting city to go to college in,” cheers a theatre arts major. “It has a super-
cool culture of local shops and businesses”— not to mention the seemingly endless
bars, clubs, restaurants, and live music venues.
The Wolf Pack’s 18 teams compete in the NAIA Division I, most as members of
the Southern States Athletic Conference, and the men’s basketball team won the
NAIA national championship in 2022. Other competitive teams include men’s and
women’s swimming, women’s basketball, and women’s golf. Loyola’s wellness pro-
gram offers a range of fitness classes, intramurals, club sports, and other recreational
activities for jocks and non- jocks alike. Basketball, flag football (no real pigskins at
Loyola), women’s volleyball, and co- ed esports are popular pastimes.
Students at Loyola know how to pull together and draw strength from their
faith as well as from the distinctive culture of New Orleans. Whether they’re work-
ing closely with caring professors or relaxing with friends amid the Big Easy’s bound-
less energy, students are satisfied with their choice. “Tulane may be bigger, but
Incoming students
are assigned a
“success coach” who
provides academic
guidance and helps
instill life skills.
“New Orleans is such
an exciting city to go to
college in.”
Overlaps
Rider, Valparaiso,
Stetson, Seattle
Pacific, Lipscomb,
Xavier University of
Louisiana, Tulane,
Morehouse
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430 MACALESTER COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Loyola is more representative of New Orleans culture,” concludes a computer sci-
ence major. “You could say it has ‘soul.’”
If You Apply To ›
Loyola: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Audition, portfolio, and/or interview required for admission to the College of Music and Media.
Macalester College
1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
A small school that punches well above its weight, Macalester offers an internation-
alist and multiculturalist view of the world. One of only a handful of leading liberal
arts colleges in a metropolitan setting. Carleton has a bigger national reputation,
but Mac has the progressive capital city of St. Paul and a distinctive Scottish flavor.
Eighty- one percent of the student body hails from outside Minnesota.
Founded in 1874, Macalester College is an international island in the heart of the
Great Plains. Liberal describes both its curriculum and its politics. Students here
advocate for all sorts of issues with local, national, or international import— from
LGBTQ rights and immigration policy to divestment from fossil fuels. Mac students
come to the school “deeply caring about a social justice issue,” says one student,
“and throughout their years at Mac, their passions expand and deepen.” Bagpipes
are heard frequently on campus, opening formal events and leading all major pro-
cessions as a stirring reminder of the college’s historic Scottish roots. Says one senior,
“Bagpipes are like the Macalester anthem.”
Macalester takes its name from a Scotsman named Charles Macalester, an advi-
sor to Abraham Lincoln and other U.S. presidents. The college is located in a friendly,
family- oriented neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota, one mile from the Mississippi
River, which divides St. Paul from Minneapolis.
Summit Avenue, a tree- lined street with the lon-
gest, best- preserved stretch of Victorian homes in
the nation, forms the campus’s northern bound-
ary. The self- contained, 53- acre campus is
arranged around 136- year- old Old Main, a splendid Victorian structure listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. The unifying theme is red brick, the better to set
off the octagonal Weyerhaeuser Chapel, constructed of black glass. Other notable
facilities include the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center (a.k.a. “J-Wall”), a $32 million
theater and dance building and favorite study spot described by a student as a
“supercool building” complete with “art studios where you can see ceramics stu-
dents at the pottery wheel late into the night.”
Mac’s general education requirements span the liberal arts and sciences and
include at least two courses that address cultural diversity. Every student also com-
pletes a seminar- style First- Year Course and, in their senior year, a capstone expe-
rience, such as an independent research project, performance, artistic work, or
other original work. In addition to international studies, Mac’s academic strengths
include geography, economics, math, statistics, computer science, and media and
cultural studies. Eleven foreign languages are offered, including Arabic, Portuguese,
and Russian. The most popular majors are political science, biology, mathematics,
Website: www .macalester .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,136
Undergraduates: 2,136
Male/Female: 41/55
Financial Aid: 87%
Pell Grant: 25%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 58%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 8,434
Accepted: 28%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (651) 696- 6357
Email Address: admissions @
macalester .edu
Strong Programs:
International Studies
Geography
Economics
Mathematics
Statistics
Computer Science
Media and Cultural Studies
Biology
“[Mac students fall]
somewhere between the
quirky intellectual and the
globe- trotting activist.”
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and computer science. Science facilities include an observatory and labs for elec-
tronic instrumentation and laser spectroscopy.
A sophomore says, “We take our studies seriously and, as a result, conversations
continue outside of the classroom because that’s how much of an impact they’ve
had on us.” Mac emphasizes small class sizes, working together to handle the chal-
lenging workload, and interdisciplinarity. “There are a lot of interdisciplinary sub-
jects and international culture here, so you can work your brain in different ways
and broaden your understanding of subjects from a global perspective,” explains a
biology major. Teaching and personal relationships are paramount, with professors
often having students over for dinner or meeting for coffee.
The late Kofi Annan, former UN secretary general and class of ’61, typified one
of Macalester’s hallmarks: internationalism, not just in its curriculum and its stu-
dent body, but also in its emphasis on international, off- campus experiences. An
impressive 60 percent of students go abroad to complete traditional coursework,
independent research, and internships, choosing from 95 exchange and partner
programs on six continents. Fifty- two percent conduct undergraduate research,
often in stipend- supported positions with Mac professors during the summer. Before
graduation, more than three- quarters of the students complete an internship, usu-
ally in the Twin Cities area, and almost all students get involved in volunteer work.
An economics major says Mac students tend to fall “somewhere between the
quirky intellectual and the globe- trotting activist,” adding, “We love discussing polit-
ical and social issues— sometimes to a fault.” Nineteen percent of Macalester students
hail from Minnesota, and the rest come from
every state, and nearly 100 other countries— the
proportion of international students is substan-
tial, at 13 percent. Six percent of domestic stu-
dents are Black, 10 percent are Hispanic/Latino,
8 percent are Asian American, and 8 percent are multiracial. Merit scholarships aver-
age $18,034; there are no athletic scholarships. Macalester guarantees to meet
100 percent of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students.
Freshmen and sophomores are required to live in college housing; 58 percent
of all students dwell in college- owned digs, which include traditional residences
with single or double rooms as well as suites for upperclassmen. “There are a ton
of housing options like language housing, quiet housing, food- specific housing,
and more,” enthuses a senior. Junior and senior residents of the Interfaith House
and the Veggie Co- op prepare their own meals, while other students enjoy vittles
in the campus center. “It’s really easy to hate on Café Mac, the one dining hall
here,” says a junior, “but honestly the food is much better than people give it credit
for.” Students praise campus security and the college’s proactive approach to sexual
assault and mental health awareness. “We are constantly holding dialogues, having
discussions, bringing in outside speakers, and addressing policy about this growing
issue,” reports a junior.
Given the proximity of a major metropolitan area, much of Mac’s social life
takes place in the city, although there are plenty of events on campus organized by
the student- backed Program Board and other student clubs for those loath to leave.
“There is no Greek life at Mac, so the parties normally happen off campus,” notes a
sophomore. Popular annual events include Founders Day, Winter Ball, Springfest,
and the Brain Bowl football game against in- state rival Carleton. There are about a
dozen other colleges and universities in town, and the Twin Cities are an excellent
place to live, with plenty of bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, plus dance
and jazz clubs and professional sports teams. Public transportation makes it rela-
tively easy to get around. The Mall of America is nearby, though Mac students tend
to tire of it quickly. For those with wheels, the best road trips include Chicago,
Macalester takes
its name from a
Scotsman named
Charles Macalester,
an advisor to Abraham
Lincoln and other
U.S. presidents.
“There is no Greek life
at Mac, so the parties
normally happen off
campus.”
Popular annual events
include Founders
Day, Winter Ball,
Springfest, and the
Brain Bowl football
game against in-
state rival Carleton.
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432 UNIVERSITY OF MAINE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Madison, and Duluth— and Bemidji, Minnesota, “to see Babe the Blue Ox,” according
to a senior.
Competitive Division III Scots teams include baseball, football, women’s water
polo, and men’s and women’s soccer, cross- country, and track and field. Macalester
has one of the oldest competitive debate programs in the nation, and the mock trial
program is highly ranked nationally. About 60 percent of the students compete in
intramural and club sports, including dodgeball, rugby, and ice hockey. “Whenever
the weather’s nice, students dot the lawns playing Frisbee, soccer, or cricket— yes,
cricket!” says one student.
Macalester pairs high- powered scholarship with global perspectives informed by
its Scottish heritage. The skill and diversity of the student body are rising. Students
here appreciate their freedom to grow within a supportive community. “There are so
many different types of students, sports and clubs, areas of study, and organizations
to be a part of, it’s honestly crazy how much there is for such a small and intimate
school,” raves a senior. “Macalester is small, but it really doesn’t feel like it.”
Overlaps
Carleton, Grinnell,
Oberlin, Brown,
Middlebury,
St. Olaf, Vassar,
Kenyon
If You Apply To ›
Macalester: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement.
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
A sleeper choice for out- of- staters amid better- known public universities such as
UMass, UNH, and UVM. Not coincidentally, UMaine is the least expensive— and
easiest in admission— of the four. A popular marine sciences program flourishes here,
as does engineering. UMaine is a global leader in the development of offshore wind
power. Offers a solid honors program and one of the top varsity hockey programs in
the nation. Aggressively recruiting out- of- state students.
At the University of Maine, over 8,000 undergraduates help themselves to a range
of strong academic programs at a reasonable cost. As the state’s flagship university,
UMaine attracts top students to its marine sciences program. A friendly, medium-
sized student body and an emphasis on undergraduate learning help create a cozy
atmosphere that warms up the long Maine winters. A biology major boasts, “We’re
competitive, we’re focused on groundbreaking technology in our academics, and
above all, we’re focused on taking care of each other.”
Situated on an island between the Stillwater and Penobscot rivers, UMaine’s
campus covers 660 acres, centered on a large, tree- shaded grass mall. Architectural
themes range from English academic to contem-
porary. Newer facilities include the Innovative
Media Research and Commercialization Center,
which contains a computer- driven 3- D router, a
video production lab, and rich- media classrooms,
and the Versant Power Astronomy Center, home to the state’s largest planetarium. The
$78 million Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center opened in 2022.
As Maine’s only public research university, UMaine (founded in 1865) offers
nearly 100 undergraduate majors and academic programs. The university is divided
Website: www .umaine .edu
Location: Rural
Public
Total Enrollment: 8,089
Undergraduates: 7,348
Male/Female: 52/48
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 69%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 14,447
Accepted: 94%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 57%
Returning Freshmen: 75%
Academics:
- -
“[Professors are] attentive,
intelligent, and dedicated
to building their students’
knowledge.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
into the College of Education and Human Development; the College of Engineering;
the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry,
and Agriculture; and the Honors College (which now enrolls about 730 students)— as
well as the Maine Business School. Specific general education requirements vary
from college to college, though all students must demonstrate writing proficiency
and earn credits in physical or biological science, human value and social context,
math (including statistics and computer science), and ethics. A capstone experience,
such as a poster presentation or service project, is also mandatory.
UMaine’s engineering programs are some of the strongest and most demanding
on campus. Other best bets include business, forestry, earth and climate sciences,
and nursing. Marine sciences undergrads can spend a semester by the sea at UMaine’s
prominent Darling Marine Center, and UMaine’s
Climate Change Institute is renowned. The most
popular majors include management, mechani-
cal engineering, nursing, and psychology. The
university offers 23 accelerated programs that allow students to earn both a bache-
lor’s and master’s degree in just five or six years, in fields as diverse as economics,
information systems, and special education. Students describe the academic climate
as cooperative and usually relaxed. Forty- four percent of all classes have fewer than
20 students, making it relatively easy to interact with professors. “I didn’t know
professors could be so attentive, intelligent, and dedicated to building their stu-
dents’ knowledge,” attests a biology major.
Research is a key part of an undergraduate education at UMaine and is woven
into many areas of the curriculum, as is real- world experience. First- year students
looking for exposure to research in their first semester can select one of 17 optional,
one- credit Research Learning Experiences in scientific fieldwork, nutrition, market
research, and more. UMaine’s Explorations program lets first- year students work
with professionals in different areas before declaring their degree choices. SPIFFY,
the student investment club, manages a $3.75 million, real- money portfolio. UMaine
students may choose from over 100 study abroad programs in 50 countries.
Most undergrads hail from Maine and other parts of New England (making them
immune to the frigid temperatures). “The common thread among UMaine students
is their kindness,” explains a senior. “In the winter, students will go around scraping
the snow off other students’ cars, even if they don’t know them.” Faced with a declin-
ing youth population in Maine, the university has been working hard to lure out- of-
state students with several programs, including
the Flagship Match program, which allows them
to pay the same in- state tuition they would pay at
their home flagship university. Such efforts are
paying off— out- of- state enrollment is up to
37 percent. Racial diversity still has a long way to
go: Black students account for 2 percent of the
student body, Asian Americans 2 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 5 percent, and multira-
cial students 4 percent. International students add 2 percent. Students describe the
political climate as balanced, with both sides of the aisle well represented. Merit
scholarships average $8,300 a year for qualified students, and 190 athletic scholar-
ships are available in 10 sports.
Thirty- five percent of UMaine students live on campus; the rest seek shelter
in Orono, nearby Bangor, or the sparsely populated area in between. Dorms are
co- ed; some have gyms, computer labs, or apartment- style suites. First- years may
opt to join one of eight living/learning communities organized around themes like
nursing, engineering, and honors. “First- year residence halls are very well kept and
have plenty of room,” reports a student. Meal options in the three main dining halls
(continued)
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (207) 581- 1561
Email Address:
umaineadmissions @ maine
.edu
Strong Programs:
Marine Sciences
Engineering
Business
Forestry
Earth and Climate Sciences
Nursing
Management
Finance
“First- year residence halls
are very well kept and have
plenty of room.”
More than 200
student groups
and organizations
plan plays, carnival
nights, concerts,
and comedy hours.
“[Orono has] cute shops,
cozy libraries, indoor
and outdoor ice skating,
music stores, a variety of
restaurants, and vibrant
museums.”
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434 MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE
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receive average reviews. “Campus feels incredibly safe to me,” says one student. “The
dorms are very well- secured and can only be accessed with our student ID cards.”
Despite— or possibly because of— UMaine’s relatively isolated location, the
campus pulses with social life; more than 200 student groups and organizations plan
plays, carnival nights, concerts, and comedy hours, with a different activity offered
each night. Fraternities draw a small portion of students. Between local bars and
clubs and frequent parties at Greek and off- campus houses, the party scene at
UMaine is lively but, according to a senior, “not overwhelming if it’s not your style.”
Underage drinking on campus, though prohibited, is common. Everyone looks for-
ward to Maine Days, a week- long focus on beautification and giving back to campus
that includes service projects, events, campuswide cookouts, and a parade.
A nursing major says the midsized town of Orono and the surrounding area have
much to offer: “cute shops, cozy libraries, indoor and outdoor ice skating, music
stores, bowling, movie theaters, a variety of restaurants, and vibrant museums.” Buses
to Bangor, a fair- sized city 10 minutes away, run every 15 to 20 minutes. UMaine stu-
dents tend to be outdoor enthusiasts, and popular road trips include Acadia National
Park, skiing at Sugarloaf, L.L. Bean’s 24- hour store in Freeport, and the real- life Mount
Katahdin, which appears on L.L. Bean’s logo. Those seeking big- city adventures enjoy
Boston, four hours away, or Montreal, with its lower drinking age.
UMaine is the state’s only Division I school, and athletic events are a big part
of student life. Ice hockey reigns supreme, especially when rivals Boston College,
Boston University, or New Hampshire are in town, and the Black Bears are perennial
champions. Women’s field hockey and basketball have claimed America East con-
ference titles in recent years. Baseball is also competitive. The popular intramural
and club sports programs cover more than 35 sports, from swimming and sailing to
kickball and broomball (ice hockey with a dodgeball and a broom, played with shoes
instead of skates).
UMaine is a medium- sized school with a small- school atmosphere. Combine the
state’s natural beauty with an increased emphasis on top- quality facilities and more
intimate student/faculty interaction, and it’s no surprise that this campus draws
more die- hard “Maine- iaks” each year— more and more of them from other states.
UMaine’s Explorations
program lets first-
year students work
with professionals
in different areas.
Overlaps
University of Rhode
Island, Montana
State, University
of Wyoming,
University of Idaho,
South Dakota
State, University
of New Hampshire,
University
of Vermont,
University of
Southern Maine
If You Apply To ›
Maine: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Manhattanville College
2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577
One of the few small liberal arts colleges in the NYC area, Manhattanville occupies
a former estate (complete with a castle) and is a quick train ride into Manhattan.
Strong programs include education, psychology, and nursing. An increased emphasis
on athletics is raising the school’s profile. Sixty percent of students are women and
32 percent are Hispanic/Latino.
Founded in 1841 by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart as an all- women’s boarding
school, Manhattanville College today is a private, nondenominational, coeduca-
tional, liberal arts college with a mission to “educate students to be ethical and
socially responsible leaders in a global community.” The Atlas certificate program
Website: www .mville .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
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MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE 435
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
allows students to set goals, reflect on their academic and cocurricular experiences,
and showcase their work in e-portfolios. But Atlas is just one way Manhattanville
encourages individuality and personal growth. Personal attention is another. “The
best perk of being part of a small school [is that] it allows you to really connect with
your professors,” enthuses a criminal justice major.
Manhattanville College pulled up stakes from its original location on Houston
Street in New York City in the 1950s for a 125- acre estate in Purchase, New York. The
estate is located in wealthy Westchester County, near the city of White Plains— home to
several major corporations, and just 28 miles from the Big Apple. Overlooking the cen-
tral Quadrangle, which was designed by Central Park architect Frederick Law Olmsted,
is the focal point of the campus: Reid Castle, a 19th- century replica of a Norman castle.
The President’s Cottage, built in 1860, has been converted into a modern Center for
Design Thinking complete with a high- tech fabrication lab with 3- D printers.
Manhattanville’s general education program, called GenEd 20, requires course-
work in math, science, fine arts, social science, humanities, global studies, and a
second language. First- year students take a seminar focused on ethics and social
responsibility and two semesters of writing. Seminar professors serve as faculty men-
tors, and all incoming students are also assigned academic advisors and peer mentors
to help ease the transition to college life.
The college’s strongest offerings include education, business (especially manage-
ment and finance), and psychology, while communication studies and performing
arts are also popular. Manhattanville’s School of Education boasts a near- perfect
pass rate for the New York State Teaching Exam.
Enrollment in the recently established School of
Nursing and Health Sciences is growing rapidly,
and the school has added a new major in neuro-
science. A popular major in sport studies pre-
pares students for a wide range of careers, such as
sports business management, sport psychology,
physical education, and sports journalism. Art
and design programs are enhanced by the proximity of New York City’s many muse-
ums and galleries. Students may choose from a bevy of five- year bachelor’s/master’s
degree programs in several fields, cross- register for courses at neighboring Purchase
College, SUNY, or opt to design their own major. In an effort to “adjust the aca-
demic curriculum and overall campus life to the needs of today’s students,”
Manhattanville has recently laid off several tenured and tenure- track faculty mem-
bers and frozen majors with “very low student enrollment.” Majors on the chopping
block have ranged from art history, philosophy, and world religions to French,
Spanish, and museum studies.
Undergraduates enjoy regular access to professors, especially since many classes
have fewer than 20 students. “It’s a great environment to expand your thinking and
knowledge on not only topics within your major but a broad spectrum of subjects,”
notes a musical theater major. Students give high praise to the academic support
services offered by the Academic Resource Center, the Writing Center, the Center
for Student Accommodations, and the Valiant Learning Support Program. Qualified
freshmen may apply for the Castle Scholars Honors Program for a more intensive
curriculum. The college has more than 100 study abroad options in 30 countries,
but only about 3 percent of students participate. Forty- one percent get involved in
undergraduate research. The Center for Career Development helps secure internship
placements at more than 350 locations in and beyond the New York Metro area,
such as Mastercard, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and U.S. Senate offices.
A communication studies major characterizes Manhattanville students as
“diverse, friendly, and chill,” and a classmate adds that the school “was recently
(continued)
Total Enrollment: 1,559
Undergraduates: 1,244
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 42%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 69%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 3,337
Accepted: 84%
Enrolled: 11%
Grad in 6 Years: 61%
Returning Freshmen: 80%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (914) 323- 5464
Email Address: admissions @
mville .edu
Strong Programs:
Education
Business Management
Finance
Psychology
Communication Studies
Performing Arts
Nursing
Sport Studies
“[Manhattanville is] a
great environment to
expand your thinking and
knowledge on not only
topics within your major
but a broad spectrum of
subjects.”
The Atlas certificate
program allows
students to set
goals, reflect on
their academic
and cocurricular
experiences, and
showcase their work
in e-portfolios.
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436 MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution.” Indeed, Hispanics/Latinos represent
the largest minority group, at 32 percent, in a college where most undergraduates
(79 percent) are New Yorkers. Black students make up 10 percent of the student
body, Asian Americans 2 percent, and multiracial students 2 percent; 3 percent of
undergrads come from overseas. Students describe themselves as politically aware,
and a junior says, “We are a community of social justice activists.” Forty- two percent
of freshmen are eligible for Pell Grants. While there are no athletic scholarships,
hundreds of merit scholarships averaging $20,689 are awarded to qualified students.
About half of Manhattanville’s students live on campus in one of four residence
halls, which have lounges, communal kitchens, and laundry rooms. Freshmen are
assigned rooms that are “spacious and very comfortable” according to a student.
Campus dwellers can choose from three different meal plans and can use their meal
cards at the main dining hall, The Pub (a deli- type eatery), and vending machines.
“There are plenty of options to choose from,” a junior says. Students report feel-
ing safe on campus, and a digital media production major notes, “The Center for
Inclusion is very, very important. All of the programs they do throughout the year
make you a more educated and informed person.”
The student programming board is working to improve the campus social life
with weekend events such as dance parties, gaming tournaments, comedy and talent
shows, movies, plays, and concerts. With no fraternities or sororities, off- campus
parties are often hosted by sports teams, although students say Manhattanville is no
party school. Every spring, students look forward to Quad Jam, an all- day concert
and carnival. Another favorite tradition is Red Madness, “It’s like Dancing With the
Stars but with our athletic teams,” explains a junior. There’s also a Fall Fest and an
International Bazaar, in which students give cultural performances and share ethnic
foods.
Manhattanville students contribute 30,000 hours of community service each
year through more than 60 local and global programs. Purchase “is a great college
town,” says a first- year. Students frequently take the school’s free bus to White Plains
to enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops,
and as one student points out, “Manhattanville
is only 30 miles from New York City, so students
can also go to the city for fun.” Road trips include Rye Beach in the warmer months
and upstate New York or Vermont for skiing in the winter.
Manhattanville has invested heavily in athletics in hopes of increasing its vis-
ibility, and one international student notes, “a large portion of our school is made
up of athletes.” Twenty- three Valiant teams (inspired by a 15th- century quote, “To
the valiant of heart, nothing is impossible”) hold their own in the Division III
Skyline Conference. Men’s and women’s basketball and tennis reached recent con-
ference tournaments, and women’s volleyball and softball won their champion-
ships in 2023. Soccer, golf, hockey, and lacrosse are also competitive. Intramural
and club sports, ranging from flag football to beach volleyball, draw about a quarter
of the students.
“Coming to Manhattanville’s culture makes students the best version of them-
selves,” a junior says. The familial atmosphere can get claustrophobic at times, but
for those wishing to be part of a close but growing community where values matter,
Manhattanville may be worth a look.
The student
programming board
is working to improve
the campus social
life with weekend
events such as dance
parties, movies,
plays, and concerts.
“We are a community of
social justice activists.”
Overlaps
Mercy, Pace,
Manhattan
College, Marist,
Iona, Purchase
(SUNY), St. John’s
University (NY),
Sacred Heart
If You Apply To ›
Manhattanville: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supple-
ment. Auditions or portfolios are required for performing arts and visual arts applicants.
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MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY 437
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Marquette is an old- line Roman Catholic, Jesuit university situated near the heart
of downtown Milwaukee. Service learning is a major emphasis. The student body is
mainly from the southern Wisconsin/northern Illinois corridor, and the school draws
a good number of Catholics. Relatively inexpensive, in keeping with its middle- and
working- class roots. Compare to Saint Louis University and Loyola of Chicago.
At Marquette University, students practice what they preach. The college experience
at this Roman Catholic institution includes an emphasis on personal growth, civic
responsibility, and community service. The university continues to look for ways to
affirm its traditions and values drawn from the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), while at the
same time expanding its global focus and connecting students with practical, real-
world experiences. Service learning, which helps students put classroom theories to
the test through volunteer work, is a cornerstone of campus life, helping to shape
well- rounded students. “They all have a special mission or purpose,” says a finance
major. “They all want to make the world move in some way.”
Marquette, which opened its doors in 1881 and takes its name from the 17th-
century Jesuit explorer Jacques Marquette, occupies more than 90 acres of “concrete
with interludes of grass and trees” just a few blocks from downtown Milwaukee.
While offering the advantages of an urban set-
ting, its campus has plenty of open spaces suit-
able for throwing everything from Frisbees to
barbecues. Most of the buildings are relatively
modern, including a new $60 million home for
the College of Business Administration that contains state- of- the- art connective tech-
nology. But Marquette also is the site of the St. Joan of Arc Chapel, which was built
in France 600 years ago and later transported to Wisconsin. It is said to be the only
medieval structure in the Western Hemisphere dedicated to its original purpose.
The Marquette Core Curriculum is structured in three parts. Foundations
courses ground students in the theology, philosophy, and rhetoric of a Jesuit per-
spective. Discovery courses encourage an interdisciplinary approach, as students
take four courses centered around a chosen theme, such as Crossing Boundaries and
Exploring the Unknown. A final Culminating course helps students reflect on and
apply what they’ve learned in the Core. Students who want to get a head start on
the Marquette experience can opt to participate in the five- week Emerging Scholars
Program, which offers credit and noncredit courses.
The most popular majors include biomedical sciences, nursing, psychology, and
exercise physiology. Engineering programs and the social welfare and justice major
are well regarded, as are more specialized majors in operations and supply chain
management and bioinformatics. A senior raves about the school’s Excellence in
Leadership program: “I shadowed industry leaders, worked on a team capstone proj-
ect, interviewed people with crazy titles, went on a week- long retreat. The program
made me grow tremendously!” Through an affiliation with the Milwaukee Institute
of Art and Design, two fine arts minors are available in studio art and graphic design.
Marquette has its own art museum and an active theatre program. Its highly popular
service- learning courses, which draw more than 700 students every semester, con-
nect participants with service opportunities in more than 100 community agencies.
Overall, about three- quarters of Marquette students take part in some type of com-
munity service experience.
Website: www .marquette .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 9,707
Undergraduates: 7,160
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 57%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 15,883
Accepted: 87%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (414) 288- 7302
Email Address: admissions @
marquette .edu
Strong Programs:
Social Welfare and Justice
Engineering
Operations and Supply Chain
Management
Bioinformatics
Biomedical Sciences
Nursing
Psychology
Exercise Physiology
“Very purpose- driven
individuals come to
Marquette. It is competitive
but collaborative.”
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438 MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Fifty percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. “The instruction here is
personalized,” says a senior. “I know my professors and they care about me person-
ally, which I really enjoy.” The school’s Jesuit influence is felt in the classroom, and
the Manresa project, named for the Spanish
town where St. Ignatius spent a year praying
about his vocation, helps professors incorporate
Ignatian teaching into their classes— focusing
particularly on community- based learning and service, social justice, and personal
reflection on faith and vocation.
Thirty percent of Marquette students travel each year for study abroad programs
offered in more than 48 countries, which include 31 short- term, faculty- led options.
The flagship Sibanye Cape Town service learning program in South Africa is espe-
cially popular; participants combine their studies at the University of the Western
Cape with two days of volunteer work per week in areas like education, public health,
and economic development. The university is also home to the Les Aspin Center for
Government in Washington, D.C., which allows students to take courses while par-
ticipating in an internship with a federal government agency. Twenty- one percent
of students assist faculty members with their research, and approximately 275 top
freshmen per year join the University Honors Program, which offers enhanced core
courses, small seminars, and an optional living/learning community.
Most of the undergraduate student body is from the Midwest, 45 percent from
Wisconsin itself; 2 percent are international. In general, Marquette boasts a friendly
collection of traditional, middle- class students. Student religious organizations are
active, and students, faculty, and staff can attend mass every day of the week.
Catholics may be predominant in the student body, but religious practice is left to
the individual. According to one senior, “Very purpose- driven individuals come to
Marquette. It is competitive but collaborative.” Black students make up 5 percent of
the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 16 percent, Asian Americans 6 percent, and
multiracial students 3 percent. Marquette’s successful Educational Opportunity
Program enables low- income, disadvantaged students to have the benefit of a col-
lege education. Merit scholarships averaging $20,078 are available, as are athletic
scholarships in 16 sports.
Forty- one percent of Marquette students make their home on campus; residency
is required for freshmen and sophomores, except for commuters who live within 30
miles with a parent or guardian. All but two residence halls are co- ed, and there are
more than 400 university- owned apartments
(which come with a separate electric bill). Within
the residence halls are six living/learning com-
munities organized around academic and cul-
tural interests. Dining reviews are mostly
positive, with one senior noting, “The new facility in the Commons is great, so
much space for sitting and eating.” Regarding security on this urban campus, a stu-
dent says, “If you use your street smarts and the campus resources in place, you are
entirely safe.” The LGBTQ+ Resource Center supports students with an interest in
LGBTQ and gender identity issues, and students are required to take yearly online
training on sexual violence prevention. “They give us almost too many resources,”
opines a senior.
Social life takes place both on and off campus. “Greek life does not set the tone,”
informs a senior. While Milwaukee is hardly a college town, students say there are
many good things about being there, “from Bradford [beach], Brewers games, con-
certs, and breweries everywhere,” touts a student. An old advertising slogan once
claimed that “Milwaukee Means Beer,” and few Marquette students would disagree.
They report that Marquette is stricter than most universities in enforcing the
“I know my professors
and they care about me
personally.”
A new $60 million
home for the
College of Business
Administration
contains state- of- the-
art connective
technology.
“[National Marquette Day]
gets everyone out and
makes it feel like a big
state school.”
A majority of
students participate
in roughly two dozen
intramural sports
and 44 club teams.
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UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON 439
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
drinking age, especially in the dorms. Fraternities and sororities attract 4 percent of
the men and 10 percent of the women. National Marquette Day, a big pre- game
basketball pep rally, “gets everyone out and makes it feel like a big state school,” says
a senior, “but most of the time [the social scene] is just people having fun all over
campus in smaller groups.”
The Golden Eagles Division I men’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams
are highly competitive in the Big East Conference. A majority of students partici-
pate in roughly two dozen intramural sports and 44 club teams. Sports fans will be
impressed with Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, home to Marquette basketball and the
NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. Nature lovers can head to Lake Michigan, a 40- minute walk
from campus, or to Kettle Moraine, a glaciated region ideal for hiking and cross-
country skiing. Chicago is only 95 miles away.
Students at Marquette are engaged not only in their own personal growth but
also in the betterment of their local and global communities through service.
Students say it’s the supportive, familial atmosphere that makes them excited about
those goals, and that makes Marquette what it is. Confirms a senior, “Marquette
students really are a community. Everyone supports everyone else.”
Overlaps
Saint Louis
University, Loyola
University Chicago,
University of
Dayton, DePaul,
UW– Madison,
U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
University of
Minnesota, U of I at
Chicago
If You Apply To ›
Marquette: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
University of Mary Washington
1301 College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Situated in historic Fredericksburg, Mary Washington could easily be mistaken for
one of Virginia’s elite private colleges. A public liberal arts and sciences college, it
offers just as much history and tradition albeit for a lower price. Named for George
Washington’s mother and home to one of the few historic preservation programs in
the country.
Strolling among the University of Mary Washington’s elegant buildings of red brick
with white columns has led more than one pleased parent to declare, “Now this is
what a college should look like.” Indeed, for an aura of history and tradition, few
schools stack up to this small college in Fredericksburg, a site of Civil War action
and the boyhood town of George Washington. “Tradition is at the heart of UMW
and is one of the many things that instills a sense of community here,” says a junior.
The campus features classical Jeffersonian buildings, sweeping lawns, brick
walkways, and breathtaking foliage. If the campus architecture reminds some people
of the University of Virginia, it’s no accident:
UMW was the all- female branch of that august
institution before going co- ed in 1970 and cut-
ting its ties in 1972. The campus has undergone
a spate of renovations in the last few years,
including a $24 million overhaul of Seacobeck Hall, a longtime dining facility that
now houses the College of Education, and a significant expansion of the Jepson
Science Center.
Mary Washington has gained a reputation as one of the premier public liberal
arts and sciences colleges in the country. The core curriculum has been updated to
Website: www .umw .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 3,067
Undergraduates: 2,969
Male/Female: 38/62
Financial Aid: 78%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 54%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 4,709
Accepted: 86%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 69%
Returning Freshmen: 83%
Academics:
- - -
½
“All of the professors I’ve
worked with have challenged
me to grow by expanding
more on my ideas.”
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440 UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
include a diverse and global perspectives requirement, a digital- intensive course,
a “Beyond the Classroom” component (a faculty- supervised experience such as
research, a community engagement course, study abroad, or an internship), and
an “After UMW” component focused on professional and career development. In
addition to pledging to uphold the university’s honor code, incoming students must
take a discussion- based first- year seminar, in which classmates live together and
receive dedicated advising. “Our freshman seminar courses were a great way to ease
into college life and all that it entails,” comments a sophomore. Nearly every major
requires students to complete a capstone project or experience or to take a senior-
level intensive seminar.
Mary Washington’s program in historic preservation is solid: “It’s pretty unique
and has great local partners for internships,” says a senior. Among the sciences,
biology and chemistry are the clear favorites. The noteworthy international affairs
program benefits from the university’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and geogra-
phy, education, theatre, and women’s and gender studies are also strengths. Popular
majors include business administration, psychology, English, and communication
and digital studies. The close ties between students and faculty are a great source of
pride at Mary Washington, and a communications major says, “All of the professors
I’ve worked with have challenged me to grow by expanding more on my ideas for
projects or during in- class discussions.” Sixty- four percent of classes have fewer than
20 students.
Philanthropic support has boosted the undergraduate research program,
expanded full- ride scholarships for out- of- state students, and doubled the Summer
Science Institute, which provides a stipend to students for a 10- week summer pro-
gram. A quarter of students take on research projects, and about 13 percent partic-
ipate in the university’s honors program. Several departments offer grants for work
abroad or in the U.S., and students rave about their study abroad experiences, avail-
able in more than 50 countries. The college’s location, roughly an hour from both
Washington, D.C., and the state capital, Richmond, is a handy asset for the budding
politicos who seek internships every year.
At Mary Washington, an unusually strong sense of community characterizes
everything from academics to campus life. “Students are self- motivated by the
excitement of learning something new,” comments a theatre major. Eighty- eight
percent of students are from Virginia and just
2 percent arrive from abroad. Black students
make up 8 percent of the student population,
Hispanics/Latinos 12 percent, Asian Americans
4 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent.
“Our James Farmer Multicultural Center is a great
place for students to learn more about different
cultures and take part in social justice activities,” says a senior. Students report that,
politically, the campus is heavily liberal. Eligible undergraduates receive merit
awards averaging $4,672, but there are no athletic scholarships.
Mary Washington has a two- year residency requirement, and, all told, 55 per-
cent of students live in university housing. The residence halls offer a variety of
living arrangements, including singles, suites, gender- neutral options, and first- year
living/learning clusters. “The freshman dorms are really nice and kept up,” says a
student. Dining services draw unenthusiastic reviews. “We have good support pro-
grams through the Office of Title IX,” observes a sophomore, “and there seems to be
a general consensus among students that UMW is a safe place.”
There is no Greek life, but, “From Tuesday night bingo to live music events,
there is always something happening on campus for students to engage with other
students,” says a senior. Parties can be found both on and off campus, generally
(continued)
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (540) 654- 2000
Email Address: admit @ umw
.edu
Strong Programs:
Historic Preservation
Biology
Chemistry
International Affairs
Geography
Education
Theatre
Women’s and Gender Studies
“From Tuesday night bingo
to live music events, there
is always something
happening on campus for
students to engage with
other students.”
The campus has
undergone a spate of
renovations in the last
few years, including a
$24 million overhaul
of Seacobeck Hall, a
longtime dining facility
that now houses the
College of Education.
Instead of a football
team, Mary Washington
has an internationally
known rugby program.
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND 441
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thrown by sports teams. “Campus policies regarding alcohol are never punitive and
always educational,” says a senior. Favorite events include the Eagle Gathering, a
welcome ceremony where new students light candles and sing the alma mater, and
Devil- Goat Day, an all- day competition pitching classes against each other in events
such as sumo wrestling, jousting, and the Velcro wall.
Nearby Fredericksburg “has a relaxed social atmosphere. Students are always
hanging out downtown at coffee shops or by the Rappahannock River on nice
days,” according to a senior. While it lacks some of the nightlife of a larger city,
there are historic homes to visit, museums, bookstores, a mall, and plenty of restau-
rants. For dance clubs and bars, students drive to Richmond or D.C. Also an hour’s
drive away is the scenery of the Chesapeake Bay, due east, and the Blue Ridge
Mountains, due west.
Instead of a football team, Mary Washington has an internationally known
rugby program, and its 19 Division III Eagles sports teams fly high in the Coast- to-
Coast Athletic Conference. The Eagles have dominated the conference in swimming
and have been nationally ranked in tennis, lacrosse, and soccer. The 76- acre sports
and field complex, complete with an Olympic- size pool, is used for more than 20
club sports and a variety of intramurals, ranging from ultimate Frisbee and soccer to
indoor Wiffle ball. Esports are also on offer.
“The former motto for UMW was ‘Where Great Minds Get to Work,’ and I would
say that is [an] incredibly poignant characterization of the culture at UMW,” says a
political science major of this first- rate liberal arts and sciences university. Adds a
senior, “It is a really special place to learn, further your academic pursuits, and be
encouraged stepping into a career after your time at UMW.”
Overlaps
University of
Minnesota– Morris,
St. Mary’s College
of Maryland,
Massachusetts
College of
Liberal Arts,
UNC Asheville,
Purchase College,
SUNY, William &
Mary, Christopher
Newport
University, UVA
If You Apply To ›
Mary Washington: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement. Application includes optional question about gender identity.
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
The name says Maryland, but the location says Washington, D.C. Students in College
Park can jump on the Metro just as they do at American or Georgetown. Maryland,
the state’s flagship campus, is nothing if not big, and savvy students will look to
programs such as the Honors College and living/learning communities for some
personal attention.
For good luck on exams, University of Maryland students rub the nose of Testudo,
the school’s terrapin mascot. But even without touching the storied statue, most
students here feel lucky to be at a diverse school that offers a multitude of programs,
from living/learning communities to special opportunities for freshmen, that make
it feel smaller and more personal, despite its daunting size. “With hundreds of dif-
ferent student organizations,” says a senior, “students will always be able to find
their niche.”
Maryland’s 1,340- acre campus embraces an array of architectural styles,
including the Georgian brick buildings ringing the oak- lined mall at the heart of
the campus. The 17,950- seat Xfinity Center hosts Terrapin basketball games and
Website: www .umd .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 35,986
Undergraduates: 27,913
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 51%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pub $ $
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442 UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
special university events. The $152 million Iribe Center for Computer Science and
Engineering features six floors of specialized, high- tech labs. Construction on the
Heritage Community, a complex with two new residence halls and a dining facility,
was completed in 2022, as was the new Thurgood Marshall Hall, which houses the
School of Public Policy.
Maryland, which dates to 1856, has earned a strong reputation for its engineer-
ing, computer science, and criminology and criminal justice departments, as well as
the Smith School of Business and Merrill College of Journalism. The most popular
majors are computer science, information sci-
ence, finance, economics, and public health sci-
ence. Newer undergraduate majors include
immersive media design, human development,
and biocomputational engineering. General edu-
cation requirements entail a number of distribution areas, including professional
writing, oral communication, diversity, and others. Students must also take an
“i-Series” course that emphasizes “broad, analytical thinking about significant
issues.” For students at the extremes of the academic spectrum, there are departmen-
tal honors programs and the Honors College, as well as an intensive educational
development and tutoring program. Students participating in individual studies can
combine established majors and create their own programs.
Maryland’s academic climate is “more collaborative than competitive,” accord-
ing to one student. Lower- level courses tend to be large and impersonal (“easy to
hide in, even easier to skip”), but the corresponding weekly discussion sections led
by teaching assistants offer personal attention. The situation improves by junior
year, when classes of 20 to 40 students become the norm. “Professors are clearly
well versed in their fields,” says a biochemistry major, “but there is some expec-
tation for students to teach themselves material.” The university is putting more
emphasis on helping students make timely progress toward their degrees as well
as amping up experiential learning across nearly 300 courses. A two- day orien-
tation, seminars, and course clusters are offered for freshmen, and 60 percent of
freshmen participate in more than 25 living/learning programs that provide expe-
riential learning opportunities in more intimate settings. The First- Year Innovation
and Research Experience (FIRE) program allows qualified freshmen to join faculty-
led research groups for research and mentorship experiences. One participant
comments, “The FIRE program has really sparked and encouraged my interest in
research.” Internships in nearby Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are plentiful,
and undergrads study abroad in dozens of countries, such as Costa Rica, Israel, and
Sweden.
Seventy- eight percent of undergraduates are Maryland natives, while New York
and New Jersey are also well represented; 3 percent hail from foreign nations.
Diversity is more than just a buzzword: 13 percent of students are Black, 10 percent
are Hispanic/Latino, 23 percent are Asian American, and 5 percent are multiracial.
Major social and political issues on campus revolve around greater awareness of
racial and LGBTQ+ issues. Qualified undergrads receive merit awards averaging
$7,200, and athletes vie for nearly 430 scholarships in 20 sports.
Thirty- eight percent of students live on campus in single- sex or co- ed dorms;
freshmen are guaranteed housing. While many juniors and seniors seek off- campus
accommodations, those who stay on campus all four years will find that their digs
improve as they gain seniority— upperclassmen have the option of on- campus
apartments and suites. Even so, the quality of the dorms varies significantly based
on their age, and a senior says, “The dorms are a gamble for a lot of money.” Dining
services get much better reviews. Campus safety features include front desks in
the dorms that are staffed 24/7 and walking and riding escort services to transport
(continued)
Student Loans: 36%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 56,637
Accepted: 44%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 89%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 422- 5867
Email Address:
applymaryland @ umd .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Computer Science
Criminology and Criminal
Justice
Business
Journalism
Information Science
Finance
Economics
“With hundreds of different
student organizations,
students will always be
able to find their niche.”
Art Attack is a favorite
annual event in
which local artists
share their crafts
and national touring
artists perform an
evening concert.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
students after dark. “The area has its rough spots, but it is constantly becoming
safer,” a sophomore says.
The university’s reputation as a haven for those who prefer partying to studying
is changing as students with better credentials apply, but there is still always some-
thing happening in the dorms and at local pubs. Students enjoy frequent school-
sponsored concerts, movies, speakers, and Terps After Dark events, as well as the
traditional football and basketball games and off- campus fraternity parties. “Social
life is epic here,” raves a history and education double major. Eleven percent of men
and 14 percent of women go Greek, but they don’t dominate the tone of campus
life. As for drinking, “They say no tolerance, and in recent years, there have been
crackdowns,” says one student. Art Attack is a favorite annual event in which local
artists share their crafts and national touring artists perform an evening concert.
Other popular events include homecoming and Maryland Day, where “the campus
mall basically turns into something that resembles a state fair,” explains a junior.
When Maryland’s suburban campus feels too small, a few bucks and a few minutes
on the Metro (Washington’s subway system) brings Terrapins into downtown D.C.
at a hare’s pace; downtown Baltimore is a 40- minute drive.
Division I sports are a big deal here, and in a bow to the importance of television
revenue, the Terrapins compete in the predominately Midwestern, 14- member Big
Ten Conference. Despite the football team’s disappointing record on the Big Ten
stage, the Terrapins continue to achieve success:
men’s and women’s lacrosse, women’s field
hockey, and baseball have claimed conference
titles recently. Basketball fans are intrepid and not always civilized, turning out en
masse to disparage opponents. “Students here have a lot of school spirit,” a junior
says. “Terrapin pride runs rampant around here.” Around two dozen intramurals
and more than 45 club sports draw roughly a quarter of the students.
The University of Maryland’s overwhelming size is both a blessing and a curse.
On one hand, “the diversity of the student body and the opportunities afforded
are infinite,” a sophomore says. On the other, largeness can translate into crowded
dorms, big classes, parking problems, and other hassles. Still, most students agree
that the university’s range of academic programs, advantageous location near
the nation’s capital, and persistent school spirit make the Maryland experience
worthwhile.
Students participating
in individual studies
can combine
established majors
and create their
own programs.
“Students here have a lot of
school spirit.”
Overlaps
Penn State,
University
of Michigan,
University of
Delaware, UMBC,
Ohio State,
Rutgers, George
Washington,
Virginia Tech
If You Apply To ›
Maryland: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Students who do not meet
academic standards may submit additional information for consideration. Please consult Maryland’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD 21250
BEST
BUY
A midsized public university with the feel of a private. Strategically located in a
suburban setting between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, UMBC invests heavily
in learning communities and other efforts to ensure that its undergraduates thrive.
Nationally known for its selective Meyerhoff Scholars Program and a chess team
that routinely bests its Ivy League competition. Working on its commuter reputation.
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444 UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY
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Since its founding in 1966, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, has
allowed students to take charge of their academic world. Students here are given
access to academic and social resources and a thriving research agenda usually
reserved for those attending mammoth public institutions or pricey private col-
leges. “UMBC combines academic rigor interwoven with a strong support network,”
remarks a senior. What’s more, the school fields a killer chess team that regularly
keeps competitors in check. UMBC encourages exploration and expects students to
support one another and the community at large. It’s your move.
UMBC’s 500- acre suburban campus is located between D.C. and Baltimore,
offering students access to an array of cultural attractions including restaurants,
art galleries, specialty shops, and museums. In the past decade, the university has
invested more than $420 million in new facilities and landscaping, including a
LEED Gold– rated performing arts and humanities building, a 6,000- seat athletics
arena and event center, the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, The Center for
Well- Being, and more than 3,000 trees.
All students must complete general foundation requirements, which include
courses in the arts and humanities, foreign language, social science, math, and
biological/physical science. The university offers a number of programs designed to
help first- year students ease into college life. In addition to orientation programs,
First- Year Seminars allow students to partner with faculty members to explore course
material in an intimate, active learning environment. Students focus on creative and
critical- thinking skills and written and oral communication, and take part in faculty
and peer critiques.
UMBC’s most popular programs are also its strongest, including biological sci-
ences, psychology, computer science, information systems, and engineering. Programs
in bioinformatics, theatre, and visual arts are also
well regarded. The individualized study major
gives students a chance to create their own majors
drawing on a wide range of disciplines. Students
can also take advantage of established interdisci-
plinary programs in Asian studies, Africana stud-
ies, and global studies. Forty percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. “UMBC
has excellent professors who enhance the material taught in classrooms by sharing
their experiences in the field,” touts a psychology major.
The Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship (established with a donation from
the eponymous investment banking firm) sponsors programs and courses to inspire
entrepreneurial thinking among students and faculty. Budding researchers may
compete for undergraduate research awards of up to $1,500 through the Provost’s
Office and present their work at Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement
Day. Thanks to the highly selective Meyerhoff Scholars Program, which addresses
the shortage of diversity in the sciences and engineering, UMBC graduates more
Black undergrads who go on to earn Ph.D.s in the natural sciences and engineering
than any other American institution. Each year, the Shriver Center connects nearly
1,000 UMBC students with service- learning opportunities, while the Career Center
places 2,000 students in internships, co- ops, and research positions. Students can
also participate in study abroad programs available in 60 countries.
UMBC students are “academic focused and not judgmental,” says a Spanish
major, who adds, “very few people come from the same background, which facil-
itates learning.” Ninety- four percent of students hail from Maryland, while over
4 percent come from abroad. Black students account for 23 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans 23 percent, and multiracial
students 6 percent. The student body leans liberal, and “issues such as abortion
and immigration are discussed in depth, particularly among social work students
Website: www .umbc .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 11,284
Undergraduates: 9,069
Male/Female: 54/46
Financial Aid: 81%
Pell Grant: 31%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 41%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 11,534
Accepted: 81%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 70%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (410) 455- 2292
Email Address: admissions @
umbc .edu
Strong Programs:
Biological Sciences
Psychology
Computer Science
Information Systems
Engineering
Bioinformatics
Theatre
Visual Arts
“UMBC has excellent
professors who enhance
the material taught in
classrooms by sharing their
experiences in the field.”
The highlight of
the social calendar
is Quadmania, a
weekend festival
in the spring with
games, carnival rides,
food trucks, and a
show by a big- name
comedian or pop star.
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY 445
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and faculty,” offers a senior. UMBC awards merit scholarships worth an average of
$7,013 and athletic scholarships in 17 sports.
Thirty- six percent of students live in campus housing, which is guaranteed for
incoming freshmen who apply by the deadline, but it “tends to fill up fast so it’s
best to get your application in early,” advises a math major. Residential facilities
receive average reviews. Several living/learning communities connect students with
similar interests and house them together in the residence halls; some of the options
include the Center for Women in Technology, Intercultural Living Exchange,
Honors College, and Discovery Scholars. Students say off- campus housing is plenti-
ful and cheap, although parking on campus can be a chore. Campus dining options
include a dining hall and the Commons, which offers a variety of fare, including
international cuisine. As for security, “Campus is safe,” says a student, “and you can
call for an escort if you’re feeling unsafe walking around.”
Social life can be slow on campus, but a sophomore advises, “We have a pleth-
ora of clubs and organizations, and they are constantly hosting different events,
workshops, and performances.” Only 3 percent of the men and 5 percent of the
women go Greek, and you’re unlikely to find any alcohol- fueled toga parties here.
“UMBC is not a place where alcohol and partying dictates who is cool,” says a junior.
Those looking for a livelier party scene head to University of Maryland’s flagship
campus in College Park or Towson University. The highlight of the social calendar
is Quadmania, a weekend festival in the spring with games, carnival rides, food
trucks, and a show by a big- name comedian or pop star. For more urban adventures,
downtown Baltimore is 10 minutes away and Washington, D.C., 40 minutes.
The UMBC Retrievers compete in Division I and field a number of competitive
teams, including men’s basketball, men’s lacrosse, and women’s volleyball. Men’s
and women’s swimming and diving and women’s softball have captured multiple
America East conference titles in recent years.
The men’s basketball team earned a footnote to
history in 2018 by becoming the first number 16
seed in the NCAA tournament to upset a number
1 seed (sorry, Virginia!). UMBC is a perennial col-
legiate chess powerhouse and regularly makes
the Final Four of College Chess; the university lures talented players with a bevy of
scholarships. The Mock Trial team beat Yale to win the American Mock Trial
Association national championship in 2021 and made their fourth consecutive
appearance at nationals in 2023. Intramurals and club sports sign up about a quarter
of the students, with soccer, basketball, and ultimate Frisbee drawing the most par-
ticipants. The Retriever Activities Center, which boasts a gymnasium, cardio and
weight- training spaces, fitness studios, an indoor pool, and tennis courts, under-
went a $28 million renovation in 2021.
Unlike the gargantuan University of Maryland at College Park, UMBC capital-
izes on its small size by providing students with intimate learning communities,
solid academics, and ample resources on a manageable scale. It’s a combination that
appeals to a certain kind of student, according to a biology major: “We’re honestly
kind of nerdy, but we’re proud of it because students at UMBC are involved in super
interesting things and go on to have interesting careers.”
First- Year Seminars
allow students to
partner with faculty
members to explore
course material in
an intimate, active
learning environment.
“We have a plethora of clubs
and organizations, and
they are constantly hosting
different events, workshops,
and performances.”
Overlaps
SUNY– Binghamton,
George Mason,
UC Riverside,
Miami (OH), North
Carolina State,
Johns Hopkins,
University of
Maryland, Towson,
Penn State
If You Apply To ›
UMBC: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult UMBC’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements. Visual and performing arts applicants must submit port-
folio or audition.
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446 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003
A liberal mecca in cosmopolitan and scenic western Massachusetts, UMass
boasts strong study abroad programs and an international flavor. Management
and engineering are also strong. In addition to the resources of a major research
university, offers ready access to privates Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and
Smith via the Five College Consortium. Lack of big- time sports makes for a lower
national profile than the likes of Michigan or UNC.
A leading flagship and land grant university with more than 150 years of tradi-
tion, the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers students a dizzying array of
majors, extracurriculars, and social opportunities in a top college town, plus a strong
honors program. UMass’s membership in the Five College Consortium makes it a
good choice for students who want to take advantage of the extensive resources and
programs of a large research university while also getting a taste of the small- school
atmosphere and intellectual rigor of four elite private colleges— all without empty-
ing their wallets.
UMass’s sprawling 1,463- acre campus is centered on a pond full of ducks and
swans, while architectural styles range from colonial to modern. The school is
located on the outskirts of Amherst, a city that combines the energy of a bustling
cosmopolitan center with the quaintness of an
old New England town while also catering to col-
lege life. UMass’s library system is the largest of
any public institution in the Northeast. The
campus has undergone a spate of recent construction, including the 70,000- square-
foot Isenberg Business Innovation Hub, the Worcester Dining Commons, and a
major renovation of the Student Union.
UMass offers more than 110 undergraduate degree programs, and among them,
management, engineering, and computer science are top- ranked. Psychology, biol-
ogy, finance, and computer science are the most popular majors. Nursing, account-
ing, public health sciences, and sport management also draw praise. New offerings
include a major in public policy. Students seeking to stand out from the masses
might consider the interdisciplinary major in social thought and political economy
or the bachelor’s degree in individual concentration, a design- it- yourself major.
The Exploratory Track Program places undeclared first- years into one of seven aca-
demic advising tracks, based on the interests and academic strengths demonstrated
in their admissions applications.
All undergraduates must complete courses in writing, basic mathematics and
analytic reasoning, the biological and physical world, the social world, U.S. and
global diversity, and an integrative experience. The writing requirement includes
a freshman course taught in sections of 15 or fewer. Commonwealth Honors
College offers qualified students special courses and sponsors interdisciplinary
seminars, student gatherings, service projects, and a $192 million, 1,500- bed res-
idential complex that includes nine classrooms and space for gathering, advis-
ing, and program administration. UMass offers 300 study abroad programs in
more than 65 countries worldwide and typically sends over 20 percent of its
undergrads globe- trotting. The Center for Student Business provides one of the
most imaginative programs at UMass, allowing students to staff and manage
seven campus businesses, learning how to work with others and resolve conflicts
professionally.
Website: www .umass .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 25,601
Undergraduates: 22,829
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 91%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 60%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 45,451
Accepted: 64%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (413) 545- 0222
Email Address: mail @
admissions .umass .edu
Strong Programs:
Management
Engineering
Computer Science
Nursing
Accounting
Finance
Sport Management
Psychology
Public Health Sciences
“I have had some amazing,
out- of- this- world
professors.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
UMass’s intellectual and political climate is extraordinarily fertile for a large
state university, and the school lends considerable research might to the Five
College Consortium. This special alliance allows students to attend UMass and
take courses (for no extra charge) at the other four consortium schools: Amherst
College, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith. Typically, 30 to 40 percent of
the roughly 7,000 courses offered through the consortium are taken at UMass.
The university is “definitely competitive,” says a student. Twenty- seven per-
cent of undergraduates participate in hands- on research with faculty. Full
professors teach most courses, although some of the larger courses are broken
down into smaller sections with graduate- level teaching assistants; overall,
47 percent of all undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. “I have
had some amazing, out- of- this- world professors,” says a junior, “and some
abysmal ones.”
“We have nerds, jocks, theater buffs, hippies, and future CEOs,” says a
senior. Seventy- five percent of undergrads are in- staters, while 7 percent hail
from more than 80 foreign countries. Five percent of UMass students are Black,
13 percent are Asian American, 8 percent are Hispanic/Latino, and 4 percent are
multiracial. The university has established cultural centers on campus, provid-
ing activities and support for students from different backgrounds, but racial
equity is still an issue, students report. “There are always rallies about better
programs and aid for minorities,” says a senior. Merit scholarships averaging
$6,800 are handed out each year, and athletes vie for 400 athletic scholarships
in 21 sports.
UMass has one of the largest on- campus housing systems in the country.
Fifty- eight percent of students are housed among seven residential areas. The
Residential First- Year Experience assigns first- years to living/learning communi-
ties with peers who share common interests
and experiences. Many freshmen end up in the
Southwest Area, a “huge, city- like complex”
with five high- rise towers and 11 low- rise resi-
dence halls. “It is not a problem for students to get housing on campus; the only
trouble is getting the housing that they want,” says a student. Dining services get
good reviews. A senior comments, “The campus is very self- contained, and so I
have felt safe on campus even late at night.” The UMatter at UMass program
works to address issues of bias, sexual assault, hazing, high- risk drinking, and
other community challenges.
UMass offers “a vast social life,” says a student, with several social dorms, off-
campus parties, and about 350 student organizations of all types. “Most of my
social interactions occur on campus during my extracurriculars. On the week-
ends, we frequent the restaurants and bars in Amherst center, which is a lively— if
small— college town,” a chemical engineering major says. Both on campus and
off, alcohol policies are strict and well enforced; off- campus parties are often reg-
istered with the university. First- time underage offenders are sent to alcohol-
education programs. Six percent of the men and 5 percent of the women belong
to one of the more than three dozen fraternities and sororities, but they are some-
what out of the mainstream. The Bromery Center for the Arts brings nationally
known theater, music, and dance performances to campus year- round. A free
public transportation system allows maximum mobility, not only among the Five
Colleges but also to nearby towns, which are graced with a number of exceptional
bookshops.
Settled in the Pioneer Valley and surrounded by the Berkshire foothills, Amherst
is close to good skiing, hiking, and canoeing areas. It’s also 90 miles west of Boston,
150 miles north of New York City, and 25 miles south of Vermont and New
The Bromery Center
for the Arts brings
nationally known
theater, music, and
dance performances
to campus year- round.
“[Students are] nerds, jocks,
theater buffs, hippies, and
future CEOs.”
UMass’s library system
is the largest of any
public institution
in the Northeast.
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448 MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Hampshire, making a car very useful (and very expensive if you get too many tickets
from overzealous campus cops, students say).
Division I varsity sports are popular, especially football, men’s and women’s bas-
ketball, and ice hockey— to the elation of UMass fans, the men’s hockey team won
its first national championship in 2021. The UMass Minutemen and Minutewomen
compete primarily in the Atlantic 10 Conference; women’s basketball and lacrosse
are recent conference champs. With approximately 40 intramural offerings and
nearly 50 club sports, recreational opportunities are extensive.
UMass is big enough to offer a vast number of academic and extracurricular
opportunities, though at times it can feel impersonal and overwhelming. But with
special residential programs that group students with similar languages, cultures,
and lifestyles, many students will easily find a home in Amherst. And as one junior
cheers, “We have so many resources. If we don’t have what you want, we’ll give you
the opportunity to create it!”
Overlaps
Indiana University,
UConn, UC Santa
Barbara, University
of Maryland,
University of
Colorado Boulder,
Northeastern,
Boston University,
Penn State
If You Apply To ›
UMass: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult UMass’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Room 3- 108, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
If you’re a science genius, come to MIT to find out how little you really know. No other
school makes such a massive assault on the ego. Technology is a given, but MIT also
prides itself on leading programs in economics, political science, and architecture,
with unmatched undergraduate research opportunities. Those who don’t study 24/7
can let off steam via the surprisingly extensive athletic offerings or by enjoying “the
’Tute’s” prime location near downtown Boston.
Founded in 1861 in response to the country’s rapid scientific and technologi-
cal advances, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology continues to attract the
brightest minds from near and far. MIT teachers and students have discovered
many of the technological innovations that we take for granted, from electro-
magnets and radar to the decoding of the human genome. The school is a magnet
for minds from Tim Berners- Lee, the Brit who invented the World Wide Web, to
Noam Chomsky, the linguist and antiwar activist. Graduates have formed more
than 25,000 companies that, among other things, employ a quarter of the work-
force of Silicon Valley. While Harvard stuck to the English model of Oxbridge
classical education, with its emphasis on Latin and Greek, MIT looked to the
German system of learning based on research and hands- on experimentation.
This emphasis is enshrined in the school motto— Mens et Manus, or Mind and
Hand— as well as its muscular logo, showing a gowned scholar standing beside
an ironmonger bearing a hammer and anvil. Intellect and craftsmanship per-
vade the classrooms, and students here are not so much taught as engaged and
inspired.
MIT is located on 168 acres that extend more than a mile along the Cambridge
side of the Charles River basin facing historic Beacon Hill and the central sections
of Boston. The main campus of neoclassical architecture carved from limestone was
Website: www .mit .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 11,586
Undergraduates: 4,582
Male/Female: 52/48
Financial Aid: 65%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 15%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 33,767
Accepted: 4%
Enrolled: 85%
Grad in 6 Years: 95%
Returning Freshmen: 99%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
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designed by Welles Bosworth and constructed between 1913 and 1920. Since then,
more modern designs in brick and glass have been added. The buildings have a util-
itarian aura; most are even known by number instead of by name. Athletic playing
fields, recreational buildings, dorms, and dining halls are closely arranged on the
campus and provide a sense of unity. Sculptures and murals, including the works
of Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, and Louise Nevelson, are found throughout the
campus. The university’s Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex is the world’s larg-
est neuroscience center.
All students must fulfill a set of General Institute Requirements consisting of a
six- course “science core” that includes calculus and a lab and eight courses in the
humanities, arts, and social sciences; there’s also an eight- credit physical education
requirement. Students have a choice of focus in
the basic science offerings. A basic biology course,
for example, might emphasize either genetics or
the environment. To fill much of their science core, many students will join one of
three first- year Learning Communities that offer a coherent freshman curriculum,
small classes, and common meeting spaces. Among these is the Experimental
Study Group, which offers flexible, small- group seminars instead of traditional
lectures and emphasizes peer- to- peer teaching. Not only can these communities
offer support, but they can also engage geniuses who excel on exams without
attending the lectures.
Once called Boston Tech and now frequently referred to as “the ’Tute,” MIT
stresses science and engineering studies with a “concern for human values and
social goals.” Every science and engineering department is superb. The biology
department is a leader in medical technology and the search for designer genes.
Nevertheless, pure sciences tend to play second fiddle to the engineering fields
that, along with computer science, draw the bulk of the majors. Electrical engi-
neering and computer science are almost universally credited as tops in the
nation. Students in these two areas may pursue a five- year- degree option, where
they can obtain a professional master’s degree upon completion of their studies.
Biological engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering, phys-
ics, and the aeronautics and astronautics department are also highly praised pro-
grams. The most popular majors include computer science and engineering,
electrical engineering, mathematics, and mechanical engineering. New majors
include climate system science and engineering and artificial intelligence and
decision making.
For all of its emphasis on science and technology, MIT takes the arts and
humanities as well as the social sciences— especially economics— seriously.
Technology is, after all, the point where science and the humanities intersect over
matters of values. Beyond that, the administration worries that engineers of the
future will need first- rate technical skills coupled with a good understanding of
technology’s social context and marketplace.
As one dean puts it, “Too many MIT graduates
end up working for too many Princeton and
Harvard graduates.” Hence, the Sloan School of
Management offers top- ranked undergraduate
majors in management, business analytics, and finance. Even these programs,
however, provide students with a rigorous, math- based education. Perhaps to
help ensure that they will be able to make their future discoveries known, stu-
dents must take four communication- intensive subjects. Architecture, political
science, urban studies, linguistics, graphics for modern art, and holography— and
just about anything else that can be linked to a computer— are strong, and the
minority who major in these subjects receive enough personal attention to make
(continued)
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (617) 253- 3400
Email Address: admissions @
mit .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Economics
Architecture
Biology
Computer Science
Physics
Mathematics
Management
“MIT is intense and will take
you for quite a ride.”
The Undergraduate
Research
Opportunities
Program allows
students to earn
course credit
or stipends for
doing research.
“Some students spend
the majority of their time
(awake or asleep) [in the
library].”
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450 MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
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any college student envious. “Some professors really know how to engage the
interest of the student,” says a senior.
A pass/no record grading system helps freshmen adjust to “MIT brainstretch-
ing”: in the first semester, freshmen receive grades of P, D, or F in all subjects they
take. P means a C-or- better performance; Ds or Fs do not receive credit or appear
on the permanent record. In the second semester, the Ps are replaced by A, B, or
C; Ds and Fs do not receive credit and are only noted internally. Grades or not,
most students set themselves a breathtaking pace. “MIT is intense and will take
you for quite a ride,” a biology/premed student says. “The courses demand your
full attention and a lot of extra work,” another adds. Seventy percent of all under-
graduate classes have fewer than 20 students. MIT students have access to world-
renowned professors and Nobel Prize winners who carry lighter teaching loads to
allow them time for research. In an effort to improve MIT’s academic advising,
the school launched the Undergraduate Advising Center in 2023 which offers a
team of professional “Institute Advisors” to support students from admission to
graduation. The vast library system includes some one- of- a- kind manuscripts on
the history of science and technology. One library is even open 24 hours a day,
and “some students spend the majority of their time (awake or asleep) there,” one
student reports.
One of MIT’s most successful innovations is the Undergraduate Research
Opportunities Program, a year- round program that facilitates student/faculty
research projects. Considered one of the best programs of its kind in the nation, it
allows students to earn course credit or stipends
for doing research. Ninety- three percent of stu-
dents get involved with collaborative or inde-
pendent research during their time at MIT. Relief
from “tooling” (that is, studying) is found through the optional January Independent
Activities Period, which offers noncredit seminars, workshops, and activities in fields
outside the regular curriculum as well as for- credit subjects. Participation in the
engineering co- op program, junior year abroad (including a major program at
Cambridge University in England), or cross- registration at all- female Wellesley
College are other helpful ways to get a change of pace.
“The average MIT student can be characterized as having a passion and singular
drive for what they really want in life,” offers a chemical engineering major. While
MIT somewhat justly earned an image as a “conservative, rich, white boys’ school”
in the past, there is certainly enough racial and ethnic variety to beat that rap today.
Black students account for 8 percent of the undergraduate student body, Hispanics/
Latinos 15 percent, Asian Americans a hefty 34 percent, and multiracial students
7 percent. Women now comprise 48 percent of undergraduates. To further welcome
diversity, MIT’s application includes an optional question regarding gender identity
and sexual orientation. Just 8 percent of students are residents of Massachusetts, and
11 percent are international. MIT is need- blind in its admissions and does not con-
sider legacy or donor preferences; one in five students is the first in their family to
attend college. Although there are no merit or athletic scholarships, MIT meets the
full demonstrated financial need of all undergraduates— domestic and international.
For students with family incomes less than $140,000 a year and typical assets, the
Institute ensures that scholarship funding from all sources will allow them to attend
MIT tuition- free.
Ninety- three percent of undergraduates live on campus, and all freshmen are
required to live in the dorms. Guaranteed housing is either single- sex or co- ed; the
dorms are in the middle of campus, and most of the fraternities and living groups
are a mile or less away across the Charles. Meal plans are mandatory for dorms
that don’t have kitchens and optional for equipped quarters. Frat members feast on
The Rocket Team, the
Guild of Bell Ringers,
and a singing group
called the Chorallaries
are only a few of
the diverse interests
on this campus.
“Some professors really
know how to engage the
interest of the student.”
MIT is need- blind in
its admissions and
does not consider
legacy or donor
preferences.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
spreads prepared by their full- time cooks, and the Kosher Kitchen provides some
refuge for others. MIT has recently increased its Title IX staffing, training programs,
and educational outreach in an effort to combat campus sexual assault.
MIT’s social scene is varied. There are special lectures, campus movies, dances,
parties, and dorm activities, if one can escape the ubiquitous workload worming its
way into the uneasy consciousness of a techie’s every waking hour. The Rocket
Team, the Guild of Bell Ringers, and a singing
group called the Chorallaries are only a few of
the diverse interests on this campus. Most on-
campus drinking for 21- and- over students is
relaxed and accepted, “as long as the alcohol
does not result in unlawful behavior or cause any problems,” a student explains.
MIT’s alcohol- prevention program is considered a national model, and drug-
prevention initiatives are also comprehensive. The Greek scene attracts 44 percent
of the men and 25 percent of the women. For those with the urge to roam, the mul-
tifaceted greater Boston metropolis sits only a few subway stops away. The student-
friendly city boasts many restaurants, clubs, parks, shopping opportunities, and
more than 40 other colleges.
When the MIT megabrains take a break, practical jokes, or “hacks” (described
by one student as “practical jokes with technical merit”), are sure to follow. In
past years, popular hacks have included dismantling a campus police car and
reassembling its body at the top of the tower (complete with a box of doughnuts
on the seat), unscrewing and reversing all the chairs in a 500- seat lecture hall,
and, of course, welding shut Harvard’s gates. Hacking can also involve Harry
Potter– style late- night explorations by students in the tunnels and shafts that
run through restricted parts of the campus, a practice that’s definitely frowned
on by the school.
When not studying or hacking, these engineering jocks often turn into real
jocks. MIT has 33 varsity sports, the most of any Division III school. Teams are
known as the Engineers with an industrious beaver named Tim (if you can’t figure
it out, don’t bother to apply) as their mascot. The men’s cross-country and out-
door track and field recently brought home national titles. Women’s volleyball
and lacrosse are also competitive. Club ice hockey is popular, and even more pop-
ular is the extensive, well- organized intramural program (roughly 30 percent par-
ticipate), with sports ranging from table tennis, billiards, and bowling to the more
traditional basketball and volleyball. More than 30 instructional and competitive
club sports are also available, and everyone has access to MIT’s extensive athletic
facilities.
Though students often wonder what life at a typical college would have been
like, chances of survival and even satisfaction at MIT are excellent. Students are able
to comprehend the incredible experience of attending one of the nation’s leading
academic powerhouses. A biology major puts it bluntly: “It will take you right up to
what you think your limits are, and then MIT will shatter them and make you realize
how great your potential is.”
“The average MIT student
[has] a passion and
singular drive for what they
really want in life.”
MIT has 33 varsity
sports, the most of any
Division III school.
Overlaps
Harvard, Stanford,
Princeton, Yale,
Caltech, UC
Berkeley, Columbia,
Cornell University
If You Apply To ›
MIT: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: required. Does not accept the Common Application. Application includes
optional question regarding gender identity and sexual orientation.
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452 UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (FL)
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
McGill University: See page 357.
University of Miami (FL)
1306 Stanford Drive, Suite 1210, Coral Gables, FL 33146
BEST
BUY
Football is a major reason UM is on the map, but it’s hardly the only one. Renowned
programs in marine science and music are big draws; business is also strong. Housing
takes the form of a distinctive residential college system that offers living/learning
opportunities. Attracts more Northerners than other leading Florida universities, with
geographic reach continuing to expand.
Year- round sunshine and the colorful Miami culture could make even the most
dedicated students forget why they are at college. But at the University of Miami,
students can have their fun in the sun and get a solid education at the same time.
The university, founded in 1925 when South Florida was beginning its boom, boasts
a boatload of strong programs, including red- hot preprofessional offerings. Sound
academics, a diverse and energetic student population, and a subtropical climate
create a perfect storm that attracts talented Hurricanes from far and wide. “At UM
you will find diversity, tradition, unity, and rivalry,” says one senior, “while getting
an exceptional education.”
Twenty minutes from Key Biscayne and Miami’s beaches and 15 minutes from
downtown Miami, the university’s 239- acre campus is located in a tranquil suburb
of Coral Gables and features tall palms, wide lawns, flowering vines, outdoor
sculptures, and even a butterfly garden. The
campus, centered around Lake Osceola, is archi-
tecturally eclectic, from postwar, international-
style structures to modern buildings, most with
open- air breezeways to let in the warm winds.
Recent additions include the massive, $153 million Lakeside Village, composed of
25 interconnected buildings featuring suite- and apartment- style housing for 1,100
students, recreational and dining areas, a 200- seat auditorium, and other
facilities.
UM’s Cognates Program of General Education requires students to take at least
three courses in each of three areas of knowledge: arts and humanities, people and
society, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). With nine under-
graduate schools and colleges and more than 100 majors and programs, UM offers
a broad range of preprofessional options as well as those across the liberal arts. The
university has one of the nation’s top programs in marine science, and its architec-
ture and business programs are well regarded. UM was the first American university
to offer a four- year undergraduate degree in music engineering. It has also developed
a unique jazz program in the Frost School of Music. Accelerated degree programs in
biochemistry and molecular biology, biology, chemistry, computer science, exercise
physiology, Latin American studies, law, and marine geology receive high marks.
The Foote Fellows Honors Program provides high- achieving students with more
academic flexibility, opportunities for faculty- mentored research, and additional
experiences.
UM’s academic environment manages to be “both competitive and collab-
orative,” says a junior. “Everyone wants to get into the best graduate programs,
but they want their peers to do so as well.” Fifty- two percent of undergraduate
Website: www .miami .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 17,949
Undergraduates: 11,840
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 79%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 33%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 49,167
Accepted: 19%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (305) 284- 6000
Email Address: admission @
miami .edu
Strong Programs:
Marine Science
Music
Business
Architecture
Latin American Studies
Nursing
Finance
Health Science
“The students at UM are
culturally and academically
diverse, with so many
interests and passions.”
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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (FL) 453
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classes have fewer than 20 students, and full professors do teach first- year stu-
dents. Professors “are extremely accessible through office hours, and teaching
assistants often reach out to students to help with workshops and extra study ses-
sions,” explains a business management major. For a change of pace, students take
advantage of more than 80 study abroad options in dozens of countries, including
12 UM semester- on- location programs in France, the Czech Republic, South Africa,
Italy, and elsewhere.
“The students at UM are culturally and academically diverse, with so many
interests and passions,” says one student. Sixty- three percent of UM’s undergradu-
ates come from out of state, including quite a few from the Northeast and upper
Midwest, seeking respite from harsh weather. UM’s student body is impressively
diverse; Hispanic or Latino account for a substantial 24 percent of the total, Black
students 9 percent, Asian and Pacific Islanders 5 percent, and multiracial students
4 percent. International students, who represent 9 percent of undergraduates and
more than 90 countries, play an integral role in the life of the university. Numerous
merit scholarships, averaging $22,300, are available, as are lots of athletic scholar-
ships. The university meets 100 percent of the demonstrated financial need of all
admitted students.
UM offers a distinctive system of residential colleges, modeled after those at
Oxford and Cambridge. Each residential college has a live- in faculty member who
works with staff to organize seminars, concerts, dinners, social events, and lectures,
including guest speakers from all walks of life to
discuss current issues. Generally, students give
the dorms average marks; 37 percent of under-
grads live on campus, and others bunk in off-
campus apartments or commute. “Housing is slightly dismal in the beginning, but
you soon become so engulfed in campus life that you don’t mind the dorms at all,”
reasons a senior. Scrounging up food on campus is easy. “Our food court is very
diverse with just about every food option you can think of,” says a senior. Students
also report feeling safe on campus thanks to a robust security program that includes
safety escorts, campus shuttles, and self- defense classes.
UM offers a plethora of social opportunities. “Miami is an incredible city, so
there is always something fun to do with friends. The university is also constantly
hosting activities on campus,” reports a student. The Rathskeller, a popular meet-
ing place on campus, is a student- run grill that offers food, entertainment, a venue
for postgame parties, and more. Campus alcohol policies are strict for underage
students, but an art history major says, “The drinking and party culture on campus
is not something that proves to be a massive issue.” Off campus, however, frat
parties and Miami’s many bars, nightclubs, and festivals keep things lively.
Fraternities account for 19 percent of the men, and sororities, with no housing of
their own, attract 19 percent of the women. Students anticipate annual events
such as International Week and SportsFest, which pits housing areas against each
other in sports ranging from flag football to obstacle courses. The biggest service
event each year is Gandhi Day, during which hundreds of students spend the day
doing community service.
Coral Gables (population 48,000) is not a college town. “We are a college in a
big city,” says a junior, which means access to events such as Miami’s Art Basel, Ultra
Music Festival, and the Miami Open (tennis), as
well as professional sports teams (Dolphins,
Heat, Marlins, Inter Miami CF). Those seeking to
explore different culinary delights head to
Coconut Grove, Wynwood, or Brickell. Public transportation and the Hurry ’Canes
Shuttle service run in front of the residential colleges. On- campus parking is limited,
SportsFest pits housing
areas against each
other in sports ranging
from flag football to
obstacle courses.
“At UM you will find
diversity, tradition, unity,
and rivalry.”
The university has
one of the nation’s
top programs in
marine science.
“Our food court [has] just
about every food option
you can think of.”
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454 MIAMI UNIVERSITY (OH)
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
but most students recommend a car anyway. The best road trips are Key West, the
Everglades, and, of course, UM football games against rival Florida State.
The Hurricanes compete in the Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. The
most competitive teams are football, baseball, men’s and women’s diving, basket-
ball, tennis, and track and field. In a nod to Harry Potter fans, the extensive club
sports program includes Quidditch, in addition to flag football, soccer, basketball,
and more. The university also has a state- of- the- art recreation facility that includes
an 18,000- square- foot fitness room and basketball, racquetball, squash, and tennis
courts, plus an indoor pool and a juice bar.
It’s hard to imagine a school in the Sunshine State without a generous allot-
ment of fun, and UM is no exception. “Though we’re not the number one party
school in the nation anymore, we still really love to have a great time,” observes a
junior. That said, UM students these days are just as likely to search long and hard
for the perfect instrumental phrase or mathematical proof as they are to scope out
the perfect wave.
Overlaps
Tulane, University
of Southern
California, NYU,
University
of Michigan,
University of
Florida, Florida
State, University of
Wisconsin Madison,
University of
Maryland
If You Apply To ›
Miami: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to particular schools
or programs. Music and theater applicants must audition or submit portfolio. Please consult Miami’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Miami University (OH)
301 S. Campus Avenue, Oxford, OH 45056
Rather than disappear into the black hole of Ohio State, top students in the Buckeye
state come here to feel as if they are going to an elite private university. Miami is
the honors public university in one of the nation’s most populous states. Twice the
size of William & Mary, Miami has the same classic look but is much less selective.
Miami’s top draw is business, and its tenor is preppy/conservative. Bring your best
clothes.
This Miami is about 1,000 miles from South Beach, but that doesn’t mean it’s without
sizzle. The academic kind, that is. Tucked into a corner of Ohio, Miami University
takes its name from the Native American tribe that once lived in the Miami Valley
region of the state. In recent decades, Miami has garnered national recognition as an
excellent public university that has the traditional look and feel of a private, with a
picture- perfect campus and high- caliber student body.
The university is staked out on 2,100 wooded acres in the center of an urban
triangle of approximately three million people, encompassing Cincinnati and
Dayton, Ohio, and Richmond, Indiana. The campus, one of the most architecturally
homogeneous in the country, is dressed in the
modified Georgian style of the colonial American
period, and it remains as impeccably groomed as
its sharply attired students. Recent construction
projects include a 40,000- square- foot indoor
arena at Miami’s Equestrian Center. Construction on the $20 million McVey Data
Science Building, designed to enhance interdisciplinary research and education, is
slated for completion in 2024.
Website: www .miamioh .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 17,324
Undergraduates: 16,402
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 81%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 43%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 30,367
Accepted: 88%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
“The professors I have
had have shaped my
perspective on the world
and life.”
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MIAMI UNIVERSITY (OH) 455
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
One of the oldest public universities in the country, Miami University was
founded in 1809 to provide a classical liberal education and has never strayed from
its central commitment to the liberal arts. All undergraduates must complete the
Global Miami Plan for Liberal Education, which provides them with a background
in a range of disciplines and includes requirements in intercultural competence,
global perspectives, advanced writing, and experiential learning. Students must also
fulfill a thematic sequence requirement by taking a series of related courses (usu-
ally three) outside their major, and they must complete a capstone experience their
senior year. University Studies 101 is a one- credit course that helps integrate first-
year students into the university community.
Popular majors include finance, marketing, psychology, and strategic commu-
nication. Programs in nursing, architecture, education, kinesiology, interior design,
computer science, and software engineering have traditionally been strengths. A
unique major in emerging technology in business and design teaches students
skills in coding, design thinking, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, prod-
uct management, and more. The Center for Social Entrepreneurship helps students
put their creativity and business savvy to use in solving persistent social problems.
Gerontology is available as a major and a minor, and the Scripps Gerontology Center
is one of the oldest of its kind in the country. Motivated as they are, nearly half of
Miami students graduate with a double major or minor.
In the classroom, “Miami strikes a good balance between intensity and creating a
positive working environment for students,” says a strategic communication major.
Professors are lauded for their knowledge and willingness to help. “The professors
I have had have shaped my perspective on the world and life with their excellent
instruction,” says a political science major. Thirty- five percent of classes have fewer
than 20 students, and most are taught by full professors, though graduate students
do appear behind lecterns from time to time.
The three- week Winter Term allows students to take a class, study abroad, con-
duct research, or participate in an internship. Forty- three percent of all undergrads
head for foreign climes. Miami’s Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg offers
summer, semester, or yearlong study and the chance to live with a local family.
Other opportunities span more than 75 countries. The Inside Washington program
sends students to the nation’s capital to meet with high- profile figures and com-
plete an internship. Undergraduate research gets a lot of attention at Miami too.
The Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program gives 100 students a stipend, a tui-
tion waiver, and a project allowance to undertake a nine- week, faculty- mentored
project. Each year, more than 2,000 Miami undergraduates work with professors on
funded research, many starting as early as their first year. Ten percent of incoming
first- year students are invited to join the Honors College, which entails more rigor-
ous coursework, dedicated housing, a senior thesis, and other enrichment
opportunities.
“Students here are ambitious, dedicated, and embody an attitude of success in
the classroom and outside of it,” observes a student. Racial and socioeconomic
diversity are conspicuously lacking, although the university claims it is working to
boost both; 3 percent of undergraduates are
Black, 5 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 3 percent
are Asian American, and 4 percent are multira-
cial, while just 11 percent qualify for Pell Grants.
Five percent of students come from foreign coun-
tries, and 61 percent hail from Ohio. Miami has a long- standing reputation for
wealth and conservatism, although a political science major reports that the student
body is becoming “more evenly divided” between conservatives and liberals. Paul
Ryan, the former Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, learned his
(continued)
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (513) 529- 2531
Email Address: admission @
miamioh .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Nursing
Architecture
Education
Kinesiology
Interior Design
Computer Science
Software Engineering
A unique major in
emerging technology
in business and design
teaches students skills
in coding, design
thinking, artificial
intelligence, and more.
“My LLC provided me with
an internship, the majority
of my friends, and an ever-
growing network.”
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456 MIAMI UNIVERSITY (OH)
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
trickle- down economics here. The New York Times suggested that Miami appeals to
Republican families as “a place unlikely to turn their children against them.”
Thousands of merit scholarships, averaging $11,800 each, and hundreds of athletic
scholarships in 18 sports are awarded annually. The university also locks in tuition,
fees, and room- and- board charges for four years.
Seventy- seven percent of the student body call the campus home, and resi-
dence halls are said to be comfortable and well maintained. First- year students join
one of more than 30 theme- based living/learning communities (LLCs) and affinity
communities, which center on interests such as the arts, leadership, premedicine,
and shared cultural backgrounds. “My LLC provided me with an internship, the
majority of my friends, and an ever- growing network within the first month of my
first semester,” reports a first- year student. Campus dining options are described as
diverse, healthy, and usually tasty but overpriced. Students give good ratings to
campus safety, and regarding sexual assault, one student says, “Student education,
victim resources, and general awareness are widespread.”
Twenty percent of the men and 30 percent of the women belong to fraterni-
ties or sororities, respectively, and the Greeks have a hard- partying reputation.
Miami is known as the “Mother of Fraternities” because several national ones
began here. Drinking at off- campus houses and
local bars is a popular pastime, and a junior
comments, “With a party culture this perva-
sive, it is simply not possible to prevent underage drinking.” On- campus activities
organized by Late Night Miami, such as movie screenings, musical performances,
craft nights, and casino nights, provide a fun alternative but are not always well
attended. Annual events include homecoming, Springfest, and continued rival-
ries with Ohio University. Miami offers more than 600 student organizations, and
students log tens of thousands of hours of community service each year. Oxford
(population 23,000) is a relatively quiet town with a decent bar scene, numerous
restaurants, and local shops. For students who crave brighter lights and a bigger
city, Cincinnati is about 35 miles away.
Most recently, Miami’s Division I RedHawks teams have won titles in foot-
ball (Mid- American Conference championships), synchronized skating (national
championship), field hockey, women’s tennis, men’s swimming and diving,
and softball. Men’s ice hockey games draw enthusiastic crowds. Miami Mock
Trial consistently performs well at the American Mock Trial Association national
championships. Intramurals and more than 50 club sports attract 30 percent
of the student body, and popular sports include broomball, soccer, and sand
volleyball.
With its strong emphasis on liberal arts and its opportunities for research, travel
abroad, and leadership, Miami University effectively combines a wide range of aca-
demic programs with the personal attention ordinarily found only at much smaller,
upscale institutions. As a senior put it, “We have a public Ivy personality.”
Miami is known
as the “Mother of
Fraternities” because
several national
ones began here.
“We have a public Ivy
personality.”
Overlaps
William & Mary,
Clemson, University
of Delaware,
University of Rhode
Island, Northern
Arizona, Ohio
State, University of
Cincinnati, Indiana
University
If You Apply To ›
Miami (OH): Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Applicants
may indicate if they are first- generation students or members of the LGBTQ community. Please consult Miami’s website for
the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 457
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Michigan
515 East Jefferson Street, 1220 Student Activities Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
U- M sits right up there with UC- Berkeley and UCLA at the pinnacle of quality public
higher education in the U.S. Academic strengths range across the board, from arts
to engineering— with the longstanding honors program a special bonus for academic
overachievers. Undergraduates must elbow their way to the front to reap U-M’s full
benefits, and out- of- state families may need a second mortgage to handle its pricey
tuition.
One of the nation’s elite public universities, Michigan offers an excellent faculty, dyna-
mite athletics, and an endless number of special programs. Boasting more than 640,000
living alumni, it also produces more Fulbright scholars than any other U.S. university.
“Michigan is a special place because it has a deep history and reputation,” says a senior.
“It is an excellent school, and no matter what degree you have, it is respected.”
Situated on 3,207 acres, Michigan’s campus is so extensive that newcomers may
want to call on their GPS to find their way to class. The university is divided into two
main sections. Central Campus, the heart of the university, houses most of Michigan’s
19 schools and colleges. North Campus, which is
two miles northeast of Central, is home to the
College of Engineering; the School of Music,
Theatre, and Dance; the Stamps School of Art and
Design; and the Taubman College of Architecture
and Urban Planning. Other campus areas include the Michigan Medicine main com-
plex, containing three hospitals and multiple outpatient facilities, and South Campus,
featuring state- of- the- art athletic facilities. A university bus system helps students get
around. Architecturally, the main drag of campus features a wide range of styles,
from the classical Angell Hall to the contemporary Michigan Ross School of Business.
Recent construction includes academic facilities for the biological sciences, kinesiol-
ogy, and dance programs, as well as the 105,000- square- foot Central Campus
Classroom Building, which opened in 2022.
Founded in 1817, U-M offers more than 600 active degree programs, includ-
ing over 280 undergraduate majors, as well as individualized concentrations. No
courses are required of all first- year students at Michigan, but all undergraduates
must complete some coursework in natural sciences, social sciences, and human-
ities before graduation. Students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
(LSA)— Michigan’s largest school, offering the most undergraduate majors— must
also take courses in quantitative reasoning and race or ethnicity.
For students with global interests, LSA’s menu of 50 foreign languages includes
several that can’t be found at many other places, such as Dutch, Filipino, Hindi,
Persian, Swahili, and Turkish. The College of Engineering and Ross School of Business
are well respected, and the university’s programs in health- related fields are also top-
notch. Preferred admissions programs offer top high school students admission to
Michigan’s outstanding programs in architecture, business, education, information,
and pharmaceutical sciences, provided they make satisfactory progress during their
first years. Also worth mentioning are offerings in art, music, and musical theatre.
The most popular majors are computer science, business administration, economics,
and an interdisciplinary major in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience. New
offerings include a first- of- its- kind B.S. degree in urban technology that combines
urban studies with instruction in coding, digital technology, and design.
Students describe Michigan courses as challenging but not overly competitive.
Website: www .umich .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 46,921
Undergraduates: 31,148
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 47%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 35%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 84,289
Accepted: 18%
Enrolled: 47%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (734) 764- 7433
Email Address: N/A
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Business
Architecture
Education
Art
Music
Musical Theatre
Computer Science
Economics
“[Michigan] is an excellent
school, and no matter
what degree you have, it is
respected.”
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458 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“Academics come first, and everybody around you will be putting in the effort
required to succeed,” says a civil engineering major. Fifty- six percent of classes have
fewer than 20 students, and one student says, “The professors here are intelligent and
seem to enjoy teaching.” Students report that there is excellent academic and career
advising available. The University Career Center provides individual and group
career counseling/planning and works with 950 companies annually in recruiting
graduating U-M students. The LSA Opportunity Hub connects LSA students with
liberal arts– oriented internships, practical workshops, alumni, and employers.
Michigan’s special academic programs seek to offer the best of both worlds—
personalized attention and a large university setting. The First Year Experience is a
themed living community, paired with an introductory course taught in the residence
halls, designed to support students through the transition to college; past program-
ming has included movie nights, ice cream socials, rock climbing, and a trip to
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to learn dog sledding. The university’s long- established
honors program, considered to be one of the best in the nation, offers qualified stu-
dents honors courses and seminars, opportunities to participate in individual or col-
laborative research, and access to dedicated academic advisors. About 1,600 undergrads
each year work outside the classroom with a small group of students and a research
mentor through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Service- learning
courses are plentiful, and students have the chance to study abroad in nearly 140
countries. Specific programs include a year abroad in a French or German university,
a business program in Paris, summer internships in selected majors, and special short-
term trips organized by individual departments.
Fifty- two percent of undergraduates hail from Michigan, and 8 percent come from
abroad. The student body is notably diverse for a Midwestern state university. Black
students make up 4 percent of the student body, Hispanic/Latino 8 percent, Asian
Americans 18 percent, and multiracial students
5 percent. Michigan’s Program on Intergroup
Relations serves as a national model for supporting
diversity on college campuses, offering a variety of
intergroup dialogues, courses and workshops on social justice, and community out-
reach programs. There are large and well- organized Jewish and LGBTQ communities
here too. While the student body is more conservative today than it was a few decades
ago, it is still “most noticeably liberal,” says a history major, and political issues flare up
from time to time on campus. Michigan is the only public university in the state that
meets the full demonstrated financial need of all in- state students, and Michigan resi-
dents with family incomes of $65,000 or less qualify for the Go Blue Guarantee of four
years of free tuition. At more than triple the in- state tuition rate, U-M charges out- of-
state students the second- highest tuition and fees among U.S. flagship universities.
Need- based financial aid is also available to out- of- staters, and all applicants can vie for
hundreds of merit scholarships averaging $6,000, as well as over 600 athletic
scholarships.
Residence halls at U-M traditionally have well- defined personalities. East Quad is
the home of the Residential College, the Michigan Community Scholars Program,
and the Gender- Inclusive Learning Experience. North Quad is newer and the focal
point for international and intercultural programming. On- campus housing is said to
be mostly comfortable and well maintained, and 27 percent of students reside there.
“First- years are guaranteed housing, but not every sophomore is lucky enough to
secure on- campus housing, and virtually no juniors and seniors get to live in the
dorms,” reports a student. Alternatives include fraternity and sorority houses, college-
owned and private co- ops, and plenty of off- campus rentals. Campus residents take
their meals at the many dining halls located inside residence halls. As for concerns
about safety on campus, a student says, “Campus security is pretty good, and most
University of Michigan
produces more
Fulbright scholars
than any other
U.S. university.
“Campus security is pretty
good, and most people I
know feel safe.”
The university’s long-
established honors
program is considered
to be one of the
best in the nation.
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MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 459
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
people I know feel safe.” The Division of Public Safety offers many services, including
prevention and education programs, as well as a Special Victims Unit that specifically
addresses instances of interpersonal violence, including sexual assault.
Detroit is a little less than an hour away, but most students become quite fond
of the picturesque town of Ann Arbor. “Ann Arbor is a quintessential college town,
with a wide range of cultural opportunities and ways for students to get involved,”
a sophomore says. A thriving music and performance arts community with over 29
ensembles in addition to several parks and gardens are available in the Ann Arbor
area as well. A huge art fair held each summer draws craftspeople from throughout
the nation and Canada. The Huron River and many lakes and swimming holes lie
only a short drive away and seem to keep the large summer- term population
happy. Michigan winters, though, are known for being cold and snowy. Eight per-
cent of the men and 16 percent of the women go Greek. As one sophomore says,
“There is a large Greek party scene, and if that is what you are looking for, you
won’t be disappointed.” Still, with more than 1,400 registered student organiza-
tions, other activities abound. For instance, the university’s Solar Car Team has
won numerous American Solar Challenge competitions.
Division I football—the Wolverines were national champions in 2023—over-
shadows nearly everything each fall as students gather to cheer, “Go Blue.” Attending
football games is an integral part of the U-M experience, students say, and the Paul
Bunyan trophy football competition with
Michigan State and rivalry games against Ohio
State are especially popular. Almost half of U-M’s
29 varsity teams have brought home Big Ten
championships in the past few years, among
them football, men’s basketball, softball, and women’s golf, and the women’s gym-
nastics team claimed the national title in 2021. Intramurals, which were invented at
the University of Michigan, provide students with a more casual form of athletics,
and more than 30 club sports and some 40 intramural offerings are also active.
The University of Michigan strives to offer its students a delicate balance between
academics, athletics, and social activities. On one hand, this is an American college
with the usual interest in football and fraternities. But it’s also a world- class research
university with an excellent faculty and top- rated programs, intent on making
America competitive in the 21st century. It’s a good bet for assertive students who
crave spirit and action as well as outstanding academics.
Attending football
games is an integral
part of the U-M
experience.
“Academics come first, and
everybody around you will
be putting in the effort
required to succeed.”
Overlaps
UC Berkeley,
U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
Stanford, Cornell
University, Ohio
State, Michigan
State, UCLA,
Northwestern
If You Apply To ›
Michigan: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular school or
program. Please consult Michigan’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Michigan State University
250 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI 48824
Most people don’t realize that MSU enrolls more full- time undergraduates than the
University of Michigan. Students can find a niche in strong preprofessional programs
such as hospitality business management, preveterinary medicine, and education.
MSU’s self- contained campus is like a town unto itself, with a bus system available
to get from one side to the other.
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460 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Michigan State’s roots are agricultural— founded in 1855 as the nation’s premier
land- grant institution— and future farmers, plant scientists, and veterinarians still
flourish here. So do those with wanderlust, thanks to study abroad programs on
each of the world’s seven continents. MSU’s programs in natural sciences and mul-
tidisciplinary social sciences offer students the feel of a small liberal arts college
and the resources of a large research university. “Resources here abound,” says a
senior.
The heart of the MSU campus, north of the Red Cedar River, boasts ivy- covered
brick buildings, some of which predate the Civil War and are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. This area houses five colleges plus the MSU Union and 10
residence halls. Across the river are the medical
complex, newer dorms, and two 18- hole golf
courses. Most notably, MSU is home to the
$730 million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, a facility for nuclear physics research
that is funded in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the state of
Michigan. On the southernmost part of campus are farms and animal research and
teaching facilities.
Michigan State students tend to be preprofessional and clear about their inter-
ests; the premed, prevet, and teacher education programs are strong, and the most
popular majors include business, marketing, communication, journalism, various
fields in the social sciences, and biological and biomedical sciences. Other popular
options include engineering, supply chain management, environmental science,
and hospitality business management; students in the latter program get real- world
experience by staffing the university’s hotel and conference center. To graduate,
all students must satisfy university requirements in math and writing, complete a
major, and take a minimum of 24 credits in the integrative studies program, which
includes arts and humanities; social, behavioral, and economic sciences; and biolog-
ical and physical sciences.
Academics at MSU get tougher as students advance through their majors,
according to a junior. “Many of our courses are very competitive because they play
a part in determining whether or not you are accepted into a specific program,”
notes a classmate. Classes are often quite large, but 26 percent enroll fewer than
20 students, and students say that, for the most part, professors are accessible and
dedicated. About a quarter of undergraduates take advantage of hundreds of group-
based and individual research opportunities. The Honors College offers the intimacy
of a small- college atmosphere. MSU has a strong international component as well,
with upward of 300 study abroad options in more than 60 countries; 25 percent of
undergrads take part.
“Students here are friendly and diverse,” says an elementary education major.
“We also have a large international population, which is really cool because it gives
you the opportunity to get to know people and cultures from all over the world.”
Seventy- five percent of undergraduates are Michigan residents, and 6 percent are
international. Students report that their classmates care about the world around
them. Indeed, more than 2,400 alumni have served in the Peace Corps since MSU
first partnered with the agency in 1961. Black students make up 6 percent of the
student body, Asian Americans add 8 percent, Hispanics/Latinos constitute 6 per-
cent, and multiracial students represent 4 percent. Scholarships are offered in 23
Division I sports, and thousands of students also receive grants and awards based on
academic merit, which average $8,900 annually.
MSU requires students to live on campus for their first two years; a sophomore
says the residence halls and apartment communities are “very convenient and well
maintained.” Those seeking a traditional college experience can bunk in one of five
huge “neighborhoods,” each with three to 10 residence halls plus libraries, advising
Website: www .msu .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 43,945
Undergraduates: 35,872
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 48%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 53,341
Accepted: 88%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 82%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (517) 355- 8332
Email Address: admis @ msu
.edu
Strong Programs:
Hospitality Business
Management
Education
Agricultural Sciences
Marketing
Journalism
Biological and Biomedical
Sciences
Engineering
Supply Chain Management
“Many of our courses are
very competitive.”
About a quarter of
undergraduates take
advantage of hundreds
of group- based and
individual research
opportunities.
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MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 461
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and tutoring services, health services, dining halls, and recreation areas. MSU is
home to three degree- granting residential college geared toward public affairs, the
humanities, and the sciences. Other living/learning programs, known by their
catchy acronyms, include RISE (focus on the environment), MRULE (multiracial
unity), and CORE (engineering). All of the school’s 27 residence halls and apartment
communities have recently been updated. MSU’s dining services dish out meals at
10 dining halls, two food courts, and one food truck; the Thrive at Owen dining hall
serves food that is free of major food allergies.
Campus safety measures include walking escorts for those who stay late at the
library, and Lansing’s bus system offers discounted night- owl rates for those living
farther away. MSU’s Sexual Assault Health Care Program provides supportive
resources. Parking places on campus are in chronically short supply, and students
complain about the tickets they receive as a result. After their second year, stu-
dents may move off campus. Many do so because the city of East Lansing, just
outside Michigan’s capital, offers all the positive aspects of a large urban area (the
population more than doubles when school is in session), along with the safety
and community feel of a much smaller town. According to one student, “The
social life at MSU is very lively on the weekends.” Eleven percent of the men and
12 percent of the women join Greek organizations. Other weekend alternatives
include bands, dances, and comedians brought in by the University Activities
Board and events held by more than 1,000 student organizations. Second- run
movies are also shown in Wells Hall— free for campus dwellers and a couple of
bucks for those who live off campus.
Weekends are dominated by Big Ten athletic competitions, with the MSU–
Michigan rivalry especially fierce. “Our large campus is filled from end to end with
individuals sporting green and white; alcohol- free tailgating is also available,” says
a junior. “Seeing 150,000 people in a space that
usually has about 60,000 is quite an experi-
ence.” The men’s basketball team is consistently
strong, and women’s soccer and cross-country
are recent conference champions. After more
than six decades of standing guard at Kalamazoo Street and Red Cedar Road, the
legendary statue of the school’s mascot, affectionately known as “Sparty,” was
moved indoors to protect him from the elements. However, a replica of the Spartan
statue stands outside and is guarded by students when Wolverines come to town.
Students are still able to paint “the Rock,” a large boulder donated by the class of
1873, to advertise campus events, birthdays, anniversaries, and the like. Twenty
intramurals and 27 club sports, from competitive cheer to water polo, also keep
students busy.
In the wake of a sexual abuse scandal involving a former physician to athletes,
administrators say they are working hard to strengthen policies and community
resources to ensure that MSU continues to be a safe, respectful campus. With seem-
ingly endless learning opportunities and an active social scene, future leaders, phy-
sicians, and financiers happily coexist here in what one student calls a “diverse,
friendly, and expressive” bunch.
Weekends are
dominated by
Big Ten athletic
competitions, with the
MSU– Michigan rivalry
especially fierce.
“[You have] the opportunity
to get to know people and
cultures from all over the
world.”
Overlaps
University of
Michigan, Indiana
University, Purdue,
Central Michigan,
Western Michigan,
Grand Valley State
If You Apply To ›
MSU: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
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462 MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT 05753
Set in the picturesque and ski- friendly Green Mountains of Vermont, Middlebury
is a magnet for students with serious interests in environmental and international
studies. Known worldwide for its summer foreign language programs. Varsity and
intramural sports play a big role in campus culture, which may help explain why
Middlebury was the first college to play Quadball (formerly Quidditch).
For some, Middlebury College’s campus, with its picturesque sunsets, excellent
skiing, and rural Vermont charm, may bring to mind a resort. Middlebury is indeed
a paradise for those interested in the environment, second and third languages, and
a tight- knit community. But this school’s intensive workload means four years here
is far from a vacation. “Middlebury is an outdoorsy school with very rigorous aca-
demics,” explains an English major. Adds a sociology major, the climate “promotes
the idea of balance and equilibrium— of studying but not to the point of burning
out, of studying but also living a fulfilling life and having fun.”
The college’s 350- acre main campus overlooks the village of Middlebury,
Vermont, which a junior describes as a “small, quaint Vermont town of 9,200 people
and five stoplights.” The 1,800- acre mountain campus, site of the Bread Loaf School
of English, the famed Bread Loaf Writers’
Conference, and the college’s Snow Bowl skiing
facility, is nearby. Old Stone Row cuts across the
campus, where buildings with simple lines and
rectangular shapes evoke the mills of early New
England. (Middlebury was founded in 1800.)
Academic halls and dormitories of marble and limestone sit in quadrangles and fea-
ture views of the Adirondack and Green mountains. Middlebury is a leader in sus-
tainability efforts. The college has achieved carbon neutrality and is working toward
using 100 percent renewable energy by 2028. Much of the campus is powered by a
solar farm and a biomass gasification plant that provides 62 percent of energy needs,
with a goal of reaching 100 percent renewable electricity.
Midd students take a discussion- based, writing- intensive First- Year Seminar with
only 15 students; the instructor serves as advisor to those enrolled until they declare a
major. In addition to satisfying distribution requirements in several liberal arts areas,
students take classes in writing, cultures and civilizations, physical education, and, of
course, their major. With all of these requirements, it’s no wonder students and faculty
become close. Students agree that the academic atmosphere is cooperative and the
quality of teaching high. A computer science major raves, “Professors are my favor-
ite part of Middlebury. I fear that even by the time that I graduate, I will have only
scratched the surface of wonderful and wise people who teach [here].” Thirty percent
of students collaborate with faculty on research projects. During the four- week January
term, students can narrow their focus to opportunities like a single intensive course or
an internship.
Between June and August, Middlebury banishes English from its campus and hun-
dreds of students live, learn, and, ideally, think only in their chosen language. The
language departments continue their excellent instruction during the school year; espe-
cially notable are German, Chinese, Japanese, and Hebrew. There is no foreign language
requirement, but nearly everyone studies another tongue, and roughly 55 percent of
students take advantage of Middlebury’s schools at over 40 partner universities in 16
countries around the world, from Italy and India to Chile and Cameroon. Students
Website: www .middlebury .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,748
Undergraduates: 2,748
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 51%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 48%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 12,952
Accepted: 13%
Enrolled: 39%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (802) 443- 3000
Email Address: admissions @
middlebury .edu
Strong Programs:
World Languages
Environmental Studies
English
International and Global
Studies
Political Science
Architectural Studies
Economics
Computer Science
Neuroscience
“I fear that even by the time
that I graduate, I will have
only scratched the surface
of wonderful and wise
people who teach [here].”
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MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE 463
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
in the interdisciplinary environmental studies major choose one of 13 areas to focus
on, such as conservation psychology, creative arts, and environmental history. Other
highly touted Middlebury programs include English (one of the school’s most popular
majors), international and global studies, political science, and architectural studies.
Economics, computer science, and neuroscience are also popular.
Students say the campus is friendly but can be cliquish, with something of a
“preppy boarding school culture,” according to an environmental studies major.
While there are a few typical groups you’ll always find in large numbers at Middlebury
(preppies, “outdoorsy, granola” types, and athletes), the wide range of opportunities
here also means that, in the words of one sophomore, “Whatever your character,
you’ll find your niche.” Just 4 percent of students come from within the state;
11 percent come from abroad. Seven percent of students are Asian American, 12 per-
cent are Hispanic/Latino, 5 percent are Black, and 7 percent are multiracial.
All first- year students participate in a one- day, student- run program called
JusTalks, which facilitates workshops on systemic racism and other topics. “Students
are generally very politically correct and care a lot about social justice,” comments a
junior. “Freedom of speech and controversial
speakers continue to be hot topics at Middlebury.”
There are only a handful of merit scholarships
and no athletic scholarships, but the college is
committed to a need- blind admissions policy
and to meeting 100 percent of admitted students’ demonstrated financial need.
Students say the socioeconomic divide on campus can be noticeable: “It’s like a true
middle class doesn’t exist here,” remarks a junior, but others laud the college’s efforts
at diversification.
Few Middlebury students live off campus (5 percent), since housing is guaran-
teed for four years and gets good ratings from students. First- year students live in
traditional residence halls in one of two first- year clusters, which are organized
based on First- Year Seminar courses and staffed by a dean. In their second year, stu-
dents live in dedicated sophomore dorms. Upperclassmen can choose from a range
of options, including suites, college- owned townhouses, the Environmental House
(where residents cook all of their own food), and other academic interest houses.
The school’s three dining halls get high marks for their tasty victuals, friendly staff,
and accommodations for students with dietary restrictions. A Recipes from Home
Program “allows us to submit recipes to chefs for them to make and help us deal
with homesickness,” notes a junior. Students say they feel safe on campus— “It’s
hard to feel unsafe in rural Vermont,” reasons one sophomore— but a senior reports
that “mental health services are understaffed and spread thin.”
“There can be a work- hard, play- hard attitude here,” explains a senior, “but the
‘play’ means different things to different people— there are groups that party, there
are groups that go hiking, etc.” Indeed, Middlebury’s 200- plus student organizations
offer ample variety to choose from. Those who
stay on campus are treated to school- sponsored
dances, plays, dance performances, trivia nights,
or parties at the co- ed social houses, which a
sophomore describes as “casual” and “much
more inclusive” than typical Greek parties at
other schools. (Middlebury ousted fraternities and sororities in the mid- 1990s.)
Despite these measures, alcohol consumption is said to be common among under-
age students. Nocturne, which showcases student art, music, and activism, is a
favorite event. Says a junior, “People put on incredible performances and show
amazing works of art no matter how serious or silly.” The three- day Winter Carnival
is a major annual extravaganza including parties, a bonfire, ski races, and more.
Those who stay on
campus are treated
to school- sponsored
dances, plays, dance
performances, trivia
nights, or parties at the
co- ed social houses.
“Freedom of speech and
controversial speakers
continue to be hot topics at
Middlebury.”
The college has
achieved carbon
neutrality and is
working toward using
100 percent renewable
energy by 2028.
“[At Nocturne] people put
on incredible performances
and show amazing works
of art no matter how
serious or silly.”
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464 MILLSAPS COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Off campus, Middlebury is “the quintessential New England town, straight out
of Norman Rockwell.” It has necessities such as restaurants, grocery stores, drug-
stores, hardware stores, and clothing shops, and 70 percent of students do volunteer
work. The progressive, student- friendly city of Burlington is 45 minutes away, while
Montreal is a three- hour drive, Boston four, and New York City five. Snow comes
early here and stays late, but Middlebury’s own Snow Bowl and Rikert Nordic Center,
not to mention proximity to most Vermont ski slopes, make this a paradise for ski
fanatics, a breed Middlebury attracts in large numbers.
Middlebury’s powerful Panthers ice hockey teams— men’s and women’s— draw
loyal fans from across campus and the local community, especially when archrival
Norwich is in town. The college offers 31 Division III varsity sports and has won
recent national championships in field hockey, women’s lacrosse, and women’s ice
hockey. Recent conference champs include women’s soccer and men’s golf. About
half of the student body is active in the large club and intramural sports program,
with rugby, water polo, crew, ultimate Frisbee, and soccer.
Midd students enjoy plenty of student/faculty interaction, tight- knit friendships,
and excellent recreational opportunities in a beautiful setting. Add challenging academ-
ics to the mix, and Middlebury is a comfortable, yet stimulating, place to spend four
years, not just for writers, polyglots, and environmental enthusiasts, but, says a senior,
for anyone who is “academically curious and willing to work hard at whatever they do.”
Midd students take
a discussion- based,
writing- intensive
First- Year Seminar
with only 15 students.
Overlaps
Amherst, Bowdoin,
Brown, Dartmouth,
Williams, Yale,
Harvard, Princeton
If You Apply To ›
Middlebury: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Middlebury’s web-
site for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Millsaps College
1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210
Millsaps is the strongest liberal arts college in the deep, Deep South and by far the
most progressive. Its largely preprofessional students typically have sights set on
business, law, or medicine and are well served by location in the state capital. Usually
compared to Hendrix, Rhodes, and Sewanee. About half of the students come from
out of state, generally from other Southern states.
Millsaps College, founded by Methodists in 1890, was once thought of as a finish-
ing school for well- bred Southern belles and gentlemen. Although less well- known
outside the Deep South, it has long been one of the region’s top liberal arts insti-
tutions. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Millsaps takes its motto, Ad
Excellentiam (“toward excellence”), seriously. What characterizes the school is its
focus on scholarly inquiry, spiritual growth, and community service. “Millsaps is the
perfect package,” says a first- year student, “strongly academic, small enough to build
relationships, yet big- thinking enough to build the mind.”
The college’s 100- acre campus sits in the center of Jackson, on the highest point
in the city. A mix of modern and traditional buildings is arranged around the Bowl, a
sequestered glen surrounded by old- growth trees and shrubs that serves as a main stu-
dent gathering place. Newer campus projects include the Windgate Visual Arts Center
and a major remodel of the McRae Christian Center that created new classrooms for
the humanities as well as a chapel for students of all faiths and backgrounds.
Website: www .millsaps .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 649
Undergraduates: 631
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 95%
Pell Grant: 40%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 65%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 2,220
Accepted: 68%
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MILLSAPS COLLEGE 465
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Under the Compass Curriculum, all students complete coursework in Foundations
(covering thinking and reasoning), Communication in Humanities, Problem Solving
and Creative Practice, Integrative and Collaborative
Learning, Our Human Heritage, and Explorations
(covering a range of liberal arts subject areas). All
students take at least one business course, and a
writing across the curriculum initiative ensures
that every student develops writing skills. By
their fourth year, students must complete the
Major Experience, a capstone learning experience that may involve research, a field- or
community- based course, study abroad, an internship, or an honors project.
Millsaps offers more than 30 majors and 40 minors, including the option
of a self- designed major. The Millsaps College Writing Program and creative writing
are top- notch, and business is a strength. Although they enroll fewer students, the
sociology/anthropology and religious studies programs are well regarded. The most
popular majors are business administration, biology, accounting, and psychology.
Premed- related courses, including those in biology, chemistry, and neuroscience, are
strong, and the college’s prehealth mentoring program pairs students with practi-
tioners in their chosen field, allowing them to earn credit for real medical experience.
Cooperative agreements allow students to opt for nursing degrees in partnership
with the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the University of Alabama at
Birmingham, and Vanderbilt University. Millsaps also offers a premed program with
William Carey University School of Osteopathic Medicine and pre- engineering in
cooperation with Mississippi State, Auburn, and Columbia universities.
“The courses are rigorous, as the professors continue to push the students’ academic
boundaries,” says a sophomore. Most classes at Millsaps enroll fewer than 20 students,
and none exceed 50. “Every professor I’ve had has used multiple methods for present-
ing information to help students understand class material,” says a biology major. Each
year, a few select upperclassmen join the Ford Teaching Fellows Program, letting them
work closely with a faculty member to learn about teaching— and paying them for their
time in the classroom. For- credit internships are available with local businesses, in state
government offices in Jackson, and at the teaching hospital and medical center across
the street from campus. The college maintains a 4,500- acre biocultural reserve in the
rainforest of the Yucatán Peninsula, which hosts courses exploring ecology, archaeol-
ogy, and Maya culture. Nearly 40 percent of Millsaps students study abroad in more
than 50 nations, including Austria, Ghana, Scotland, Peru, and Vietnam.
“The student body at Millsaps is friendly and welcoming,” opines a student. “As
a transfer student, I found that the process of making new friends was easier than I
expected.” Half of the students now come from out of state, the majority being from
other Southern states, although 3 percent arrive from foreign countries. Many
Mississippians view Millsaps as a hotbed of liberalism, and students report that while
there are conservatives on campus, the atmosphere is largely liberal and progressive.
“Millsaps has a long history of being responsive to social issues,” says a government
and politics major. Indeed, Millsaps was the first college in Mississippi to voluntarily
open its doors to students of color, and it recently installed gender- neutral bath-
rooms on campus. Black students make up 25 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans 3 percent, and Hispanics/Latinos 5 percent. Forty percent of incoming
first- year students are Pell- eligible. Qualified students are awarded academic merit
scholarships averaging $29,600 each year, but there are no athletic awards.
Eighty- nine percent of students stay in campus housing— mostly, grouses a soph-
omore, because those who move off campus are subject to a 35 percent reduction in
their merit- based financial aid. On- campus options include traditional, suite- style,
and apartment- style halls, and a psychology major says, “Housing is average.” The
“Millsaps is the perfect
package: strongly
academic, small enough to
build relationships, yet big-
thinking enough to build
the mind.”
(continued)
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 62%
Returning Freshmen: 71%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (601) 974- 1050
Email Address: admissions @
millsaps .edu
Strong Programs:
Creative Writing
Business Administration
Sociology/Anthropology
Religious Studies
Biology
Accounting
Psychology
Chemistry
The college maintains
a 4,500- acre
biocultural reserve
on the Yucatán
Peninsula, which hosts
courses exploring
ecology, archaeology,
and Maya culture.
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466 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
robust Greek system claims 53 percent of the men and 43 percent of the women;
sophomore, junior, and senior men may live in one of four fraternity houses, but
there is no sorority housing. “The Caf is clean and offers a large selection of food,
including a vegan station,” says a senior, but the quality of meals is hit or miss.
“Millsaps has really emphasized sexual assault education,” notes a biology major,
and the issue “has been incorporated into the first- year curriculum.”
“Greek life is the center of Millsaps’s social life,” a student explains, and the
fraternity houses are usually open and rocking from Wednesday through Saturday
nights. Greek rush is now held after fall midterms instead of during the first hectic
week of school, but that hasn’t dampened the party spirit. “Campus police are very
stringent” when it comes to enforcing alcohol policies, according to a senior. Major
Madness is a favorite annual event, offering a
week of campus entertainment and culminating
in a weekend- long festival in the Bowl, with a
crawfish boil, carnival games, and live music.
The city of Jackson also offers a wealth of options,
including professional symphony, opera, and ballet, and the city is a nexus for
Mississippi’s legendary blues and “roots rock” musical traditions. The “1 Campus 1
Community” program connects students with local volunteer opportunities. Easy
road trips include New Orleans, Memphis, and the riverfront casinos in Vicksburg,
Mississippi; closer to campus, 10 miles to the north, is a huge reservoir that is popu-
lar for weekend water sports. For students who enjoy the great outdoors, the Natchez
Trace offers easy access to wooded trails and bicycling paths.
The Millsaps Majors compete in the Division III Southern Athletic Association,
so the school isn’t nearly as sports crazy as most Southern campuses. Men’s and
women’s tennis, women’s basketball, softball, and men’s soccer have been competi-
tive in recent years. Flag football and kickball are favorite intramural sports. Everyone
benefits from the 65,000- square- foot Hall Activities Center, which has facilities for
weight training, aerobics, basketball, racquetball, squash, and volleyball.
In a state renowned for the traditions of blues, barbecue, old magnolia trees, and
big- time football, this small, progressive school is an anomaly. “Millsaps is a magnet
for accomplished students from strong backgrounds and the kind of college not usu-
ally found in the South,” remarks a junior. Small classes ensure plenty of time to get
to know fellow students and faculty members. That’s one tradition that never gets old.
A writing across the
curriculum initiative
ensures that every
student develops
writing skills.
“The courses are rigorous,
as the professors continue
to push the students’
academic boundaries.”
Overlaps
Albion, Austin
College, Eckerd,
Hendrix, Rhodes,
Sewanee, Tulane
If You Apply To ›
Millsaps: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
University of Minnesota
240 Williamson, 231 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Not nearly as expensive as the University of Michigan or the University of Wisconsin,
if you happen to be from out of state, but in a university the size of Minnesota, the
best bet is to find a niche, such as the honors program. Strong programs include
engineering, management, and health fields. Location in the Midwest’s second-
largest metropolitan area means easy access to internships and other off- campus
opportunities. With a highly connected tunnel and sky way system to beat the cold,
packing your woollies is optional.
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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA 467
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The University of Minnesota, like the nearby Mall of America, can be overwhelming,
given its seemingly limitless variety of offerings and gargantuan size. With 150 under-
graduate majors across eight colleges, plus one of the largest study abroad programs
in the nation, the U of M, founded in 1851, offers an abundance of academic choices.
Be warned, though— winters can be frigid. The university has a strong academic and
career support program so students have help with the many choices.
The vast Twin Cities campus actually consists of two campuses with three main
sections. The St. Paul campus encompasses the College of Food, Agricultural, and
Natural Resource Sciences; the College of Biological Sciences; the College of Veterinary
Medicine; and the College of Continuing Studies.
The Minneapolis campus is divided by the
Mississippi River into an East Bank and a West
Bank that are home to the other colleges and
most of the dormitories, as well as most of the
fraternities and sororities. Both campuses offer a blend of traditional and modern
architecture, with columned buildings seated next to sleek geometric structures. The
two campuses are five miles apart and linked by a free bus service. Academic facilities
are excellent, beginning with the seven- million- volume library system, one of the
largest in North America. A 695- acre arboretum is used for research and teaching, and
the West Bank Arts Quarter makes a lively setting for the university’s art disciplines.
Minnesota’s liberal education requirements call for students in all schools and col-
leges to complete a set of core distribution requirements and take courses that satisfy
four of five themes. The first theme, Race, Power, and Justice in the United States, was
updated in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and
is now required of everyone, with the aim of increasing awareness of the need for sys-
temic societal changes. Students are free to choose which three of the remaining four
themes they wish to fulfill: Civic Life and Ethics, the Environment, Global Perspectives,
or Technology and Society. Freshmen must take a first- year writing course and four
writing- intensive courses. The College of Science and Engineering is notable for its
tutorial and internship options; the electrical and mechanical engineering programs
are particularly strong and well subscribed. The Carlson School of Management is well
regarded and offers majors in entrepreneurial management, international business,
and other areas. Theatre arts is a standout in the College of Liberal Arts. Psychology,
computer science, journalism, and finance are the most popular majors.
“The classes are relatively difficult,” a junior says, but “it really depends on the sub-
ject.” Efforts to limit class size have been stepped up— 40 percent of classes currently
have fewer than 20 students— and the university is focusing more on undergraduates,
bolstering academic advising and support services. Helpful teaching assistants are
abundant, and professors receive high marks from most students as being approach-
able and knowledgeable. “The instructors have been exemplary due to their passion
for the subject matter and commitment to their students,” an archaeology major says.
The excellent honors program in the liberal arts college allows close contact
with faculty members as well as leeway to enroll in certain graduate courses and
seminars. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program provides scholar-
ships of up to $1,700 for students to conduct research with faculty. Students find
plenty of internship opportunities at the many corporations and government agen-
cies in the Twin Cities area, and the university pushes its study, work, and volunteer
abroad programs in nearly 100 nations.
Most U of M students are “motivated and hardworking,” says a junior. Seventy-
five percent of undergraduates are from Minnesota, and 6 percent hail from outside
the U.S. Eight percent are Black, 6 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 12 percent are Asian
American, and 5 percent are multiracial. Racial justice has been a major issue on
campus since the murder of George Floyd. At the urging of student activists, the
university has adjusted some of its ties with city police and committed to reviewing
Website: www .twin -cities .umn
.edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 37,741
Undergraduates: 28,458
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 46%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 51%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 38,050
Accepted: 75%
Enrolled: 24%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 752- 1000
Email Address: admissions @
umn .edu
Strong Programs:
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Management
International Business
Theatre Arts
Psychology
Computer Science
Finance
“The instructors have . . .
passion for the subject
matter and commitment to
their students.”
The Undergraduate
Research
Opportunities
Program provides
scholarships for
students to conduct
research with faculty.
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468 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
its campus police force and potential policy changes to support racial equity. Merit
scholarships averaging $5,700 are available, as are athletic awards in all major sports.
The university has also abandoned legacy admissions.
Twenty- three percent of undergraduates live in residence halls; there are nine tradi-
tional halls and five university- run apartment facilities. Students can also choose from 30
living/learning communities, such as Design House, STEM Diversity House, and Lavender
House. “The only issue is finding affordable and
safe housing after freshman year,” reports a journal
-
ism major, “since the cheapest available housing is
in the Dinkytown houses, smack- dab in the center
of a neighborhood with increasing safety issues.” In
response to a recent spike in crime, the campus police department has increased its patrols
in the area, and the university is considering adding more street lighting and blue- light
emergency response kiosks. Campus security also includes a free escort system for students.
As for dining on campus, dietary restrictions are easily accommodated at the university’s
seven residential restaurants, but meals are said to be hit or miss. “Fresh fruit and veggies are
always available,” notes a junior, who also adds (lest anyone fear the campus dietitians are
excessively health- obsessed), “they have the best chocolate chip cookies.”
“Most social life takes place right off campus,” says one student, “but there are
loads of activities available on campus, such as bowling, theater, late- night activi-
ties, and movies.” The 900- plus student groups and the student union’s live music
dance club are good places to meet people. About 12 percent of students go Greek,
and “Greek organizations definitely set the tone for the party and bar scene,” says a
senior. “Bars, houses, apartment complexes, dorms, and even neighborhoods are
separated according to Greek participation (or lack thereof).” Spring Jam, a carnival
weekend put on by the Greeks each April to raise funds for charity, is a huge event,
described by one student as “homecoming in spring— but better.”
Here, being “under the weather” can be a good thing, as campus designers found a
way to get around— or under— wet or wintry conditions by linking many of the campus
buildings with tunnels. For those who love winter, happy skiers and skaters become
colorful spots all over the state’s white backdrop. In
the spring and summer, Minnesota’s famed 10,000
lakes offer swimming, boating, and fishing. The
downtown areas of the Twin Cities are easy to get to by bus or light rail, and there are
scores of good bars, restaurants, nightspots, and movie theaters. The Twin Cities are also
home to six professional sports teams, many of which offer discount days for students.
This is an athletically inclined bunch of students, as Division I varsity sports and
intramural competition, which can go on well past midnight, are both popular. Students
always hope the current season will be one in which the gridiron Gophers take home
the roses in a bowl victory, but short of that, a win over Michigan for custody of the
Little Brown Jug or Wisconsin for Paul Bunyan’s Axe is cause for celebration. Women’s
ice hockey, men’s ice hockey, baseball, and women’s soccer, softball, volleyball, and
track and field have all won Big Ten conference titles in recent years.
Anonymity is easy at a university of this size, but there are ample opportunities
to find academic and social communities that make the campus feel smaller. Then
again, size does have its virtues in the countless array of campus resources. The
University of Minnesota is ideal for those who appreciate an urban setting and a
good, old- fashioned, button- up- your- overcoat winter.
“There are loads of activities
available on campus, such
as bowling, theater, late-
night activities, and movies.”
In the spring and
summer, Minnesota’s
famed 10,000 lakes
offer swimming,
boating, and fishing.
“[Students are] motivated
and hardworking.”
Overlaps
Marquette,
University of
Minnesota Duluth,
University of
St. Thomas,
UW– Eau Claire,
UW– Madison,
University of
Michigan
If You Apply To ›
U of M: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult U of M’s website
for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MORRIS 469
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Minnesota Morris
600 East 4th Street, Morris, MN 56267- 2199
The plains of western Minnesota may seem an unlikely place to find a liberal arts
college— and a public one at that. UMN Morris is cut from the same cloth as Mary
Washington, UNC Asheville, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The draw: private
college education at a public university price. Strong emphasis on sustainability.
Remote location pushes students to Minneapolis- St. Paul for city life.
The University of Minnesota Morris is far more comprehensive than the small size
of its student body might suggest. The first buildings on its 136- year- old campus
were originally home to an American Indian boarding school, which was succeeded
in 1910 by an agricultural school. Morris opened its doors in 1960, and since then,
it has grown into a solid public liberal arts college. UMN Morris “strives to encour-
age students to push their limits and go out on limbs,” says an English and history
double major.
The 130- acre campus includes 32 traditional brick- and- mortar buildings, loosely
arranged around a central mall. Two high- powered wind turbines generate 70 per-
cent of the power UMN Morris requires each day, and the campus boasts multiple
solar arrays. The renovated Welcome Center is LEED Gold– certified and is the first
building in Minnesota (and the first on the National Register of Historic Places) to
use energy- efficient chilled- beam technology. The university has also renovated and
expanded its performing arts facilities.
Everyone at UMN Morris starts their general education requirements with the
Intellectual Community seminar, which introduces students to college- level work and
active interaction with faculty. Students then move on to as many as six courses under
the umbrella of Skills for the Liberal Arts, along
with eight courses in Expanding Perspectives.
Seniors must participate in a senior seminar or
capstone project, and some do both. The most
popular majors are biology, psychology, manage-
ment, and elementary education. Other well- regarded programs include environmen-
tal science and environmental studies, as the Morris campus itself serves as a study in
renewable energy; Native American and indigenous studies, which benefits from the
campus’s unique history; English; chemistry; and computer science.
“At Morris I feel challenged but not overwhelmed, because I have a lot of sup-
port,” comments a biology and statistics major. Eighty percent of classes have fewer
than 20 students, and students are encouraged to reach out to professors for indi-
vidual help. Students say they respect professors for their knowledge and real- world
experience. “The professors all do research in their field, keeping up their expertise,”
notes an English and theatre arts major.
UMN Morris offers 10 to 25 service- learning courses each year, and half of the
students conduct research projects with faculty. The Center for Small Towns, which
works with small towns, local schools, and nonprofits to address challenges specific
to rural communities, provides opportunities for service projects, internships, and
research. The Honors Program allows high achievers to enjoy interdisciplinary honors
courses, an honors capstone project, and a core course titled Traditions in Human
Thought. UMN Morris continues to integrate study abroad opportunities into the
curriculum, offering more than 300 options for students wishing to study overseas.
“Morris tends to be considered the ‘nerdy’ branch of the University of Minnesota
system, and that’s accurate both in terms of our interests and our achievements,”
Website: www .morris .umn
.edu
Location: Rural
Public
Total Enrollment: 970
Undergraduates: 970
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 79%
Pell Grant: 39%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 64%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 2,682
Accepted: 78%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 58%
Returning Freshmen: 72%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (888) 866- 3382
Email Address: admissions @
morris .umn .edu
Strong Programs:
Environmental Science and
Studies
Native American and
Indigenous Studies
English
Chemistry
Computer Science
Biology
Psychology
Management
“At Morris I feel challenged
but not overwhelmed,
because I have a lot of
support.”
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470 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MORRIS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
observes a psychology major. Seventy- eight percent of UMN Morris students are
Minnesota residents, and 3 percent are international. The campus is more diverse
than many other schools in the state: American Indians make up 13 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 7 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent, and Black students 3 per-
cent, and 18 percent of students identify as multiracial. Both sides of the political
aisle are represented on campus. Efforts to reckon with the campus’s history as a
Native American boarding school are drawing considerable attention, sparked by
student demands to search the grounds for possible unmarked gravesites dating
to that era. Honoring a policy that has been in place since 1909, a tuition waiver
is available for American Indian students. Other financial incentives include the
University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship, awarded to Minnesota residents with
a family income that does not exceed $120,000; state residents with family incomes
of $50,000 or less attend tuition- free. Merit scholarships averaging $5,300 are avail-
able, but there are no athletic awards.
Fifty percent of UMN Morris students live on campus in one of the six residence
halls, which offer several living/learning communities, or in an apartment complex
reserved for upperclassmen. Students say the environmentally friendly Green Prairie
Community residence hall is very nice, but others
could use renovations. Many students opt for less
expensive apartments and rental homes off
campus. Dining options get generally positive
reviews, and a history major says, “Jean the pizza
queen is a campus legend for her great pizzas, and
she has her own Instagram fan page.” UMN Morris’s rural campus feels safe, accord-
ing to students, and a senior says, “People are highly encouraged to speak out about
sexual assault and report an incident.”
There is no Greek system, but students say there’s always something to do on
campus, such as concerts, movies, presentations, shows, and campuswide games of
Humans vs. Zombies or Hunger Games. “Being out in rural Minnesota really brings
people together to make their own fun and recreation,” explains a senior. The drink-
ing age is strictly enforced on campus and in local bars. “There is a small party cul-
ture on campus. There is zero pressure to drink or do any drugs,” says a computer
science major. In addition, students enjoy access to about 120 student- led clubs and
associations. Campus traditions include the annual Circle of Nations Indigenous
Association powwow and the tug- of- war competition between the two main fresh-
man dorms; “Hundreds of students show up!” cheers a student. Students also look
forward to the Zombie Prom in the fall and the Yule Ball, a holiday dance inspired
by Harry Potter.
Morris itself is described as a “small but very friendly” town with a couple of
bars, one small music venue, an ice rink, and a bowling alley. For those pining
to get away, the nearest retail and restaurant chains are about 45 minutes away
in Alexandria. Minneapolis- St. Paul, about three hours southeast, is also a popular
destination.
The Cougars compete in the Division III Upper Midwest Athletic Conference.
The women’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams and men’s and women’ have
claimed recent conference titles, and women’s basketball, volleyball, and men’s and
women’s soccer are also strong. Basketball, volleyball, and knocker ball (a version of
soccer where participants wear large inflatable spheres and knock each other down)
are among students’ favorite intramurals, and men’s and women’s rugby and ulti-
mate Frisbee are popular club sports. Students also use the Regional Fitness Center
or hiking and biking trails to stay fit.
One of the smaller campuses in the University of Minnesota system, UMN
Morris epitomizes the idea of “Minnesota nice,” in a positive sense. Tucked away
“Jean the pizza queen is
a campus legend for her
great pizzas, and she has
her own Instagram fan
page.”
UMN Morris offers 10
to 25 service- learning
courses each year, and
half of the students
conduct research
projects with faculty.
Campus traditions
include the annual
Circle of Nations
Indigenous Association
powwow.
Overlaps
St. Mary’s College
of Maryland,
Massachusetts
College of Liberal
Arts, UNC
Asheville, Gustavus
Adolphus, St. Olaf,
North Dakota
State, University
of Minnesota,
University of
Minnesota Duluth
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from the state’s big cities, some students might find the campus isolated. But the
school’s location means fewer distractions— and more time for its happy students to
focus on independent reading and research or just getting to know their peers. “We
are the University of Minnesota’s gem on the prairie,” says a senior. “We have the
intimacy of a private school, and the academic excellence of the state’s largest edu-
cational institution, all for an affordable price.”
If You Apply To ›
Morris: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Morris’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Mississippi
145 Martindale, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677
Located in the progressive town of Oxford, Ole Miss is doing its best to put the
state’s problematic past behind it. Strong on public policy, international studies,
and accountancy. The honors college is one of the best anywhere. Location near
Faulkner’s old hangouts is ideal for soaking up Southern literary traditions, and the
beloved “Hotty Toddy” cheer continues to stoke school spirit, especially when Ole
Miss takes on LSU and Mississippi State. Tailgating remains world class.
The University of Mississippi offers students an educational experience steeped in
tradition and thick with school spirit. To be sure, some traditions have changed:
a Confederate monument has been moved from the main entrance to a campus
cemetery, and plans are being made to create a memorial to Black Civil War soldiers.
Although it originated as a reference to the wives of plantation owners, the nick-
name “Ole Miss” lives on as a term of affection among students and alumni. Even as
Mississippi’s flagship university evolves, it continues to be committed to providing a
host of academic programs, including a top- notch honors college and an innovative
public policy leadership major, and to supporting a vibrant campus community.
Founded in 1844, the University of Mississippi’s central campus occupies 850 acres
of rolling land in the center of Oxford. The main campus consists of 200 buildings and
a mix of architectural styles, including Greek
Revival, Beaux- Arts Classicism, Georgian Revival,
and modern. The white- columned Lyceum, which
served as a hospital during the Civil War, is the
campus’s oldest building and now houses administrative offices. Construction on the
$175 million Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation, the largest project in
the university’s history, is slated for completion in 2024.
All students must complete credit hours in English composition, mathematics,
laboratory science, humanities and fine arts, social and behavioral sciences, and
intercultural awareness and diversity. Approximately 75 percent of first- year stu-
dents sign up for the Freshman Year Experience, a seminar- style course that helps
new students transition from high school into a successful college career. The
Center for Writing and Rhetoric administers two mandatory composition courses
for freshmen.
Students say coursework is what you make of it and varies by program, but the
atmosphere is collaborative. “The classes are definitely challenging at times,” says
Website: www .olemiss .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 19,632
Undergraduates: 16,149
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 84%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 47%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 22,311
Accepted: 97%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 68%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (662) 915- 7226
Email Address: admissions @
olemiss .edu
Strong Programs:
Public Policy Leadership
International Studies
“It is not at all uncommon
for full professors to teach
freshmen.”
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472 UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
one freshman, “but doable with the right amount of work.” Accountancy is one
of the university’s strongest and most popular majors; the university houses the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Library. Programs in pharma-
ceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, education, Arabic, and Chinese are also
strengths, and integrated marketing communications, nursing, and business finance
are popular. The Lott Leadership Institute is a standout that offers a public policy
leadership major and an innovative curriculum that combines the systematic study
of public policy with the development of leadership qualities. “The atmosphere of
Lott is conducive to learning and team building,” says one broadcast journalism
major. “Conversational and debate classes are a change from the regular classroom,
and Lott offers both.” Professors are highly rated across the university. “It is not at
all uncommon for full professors to teach freshmen and even offer tutoring to fresh-
men during their office hours,” explains a senior.
For students who itch to have their passports stamped, Ole Miss offers numerous
study abroad options, including 25 faculty- led programs, in such diverse locations as
China, Greece, Ethiopia, Peru, and Thailand. Another option is the Croft Institute for
International Studies, which accepts 70 students each fall. Participants study interna-
tional politics, economics, and culture both in the classroom and via study abroad.
Gifted students may apply for the nationally known— and highly competitive— honors
college, where they take part in small, discussion- based honors courses offered in a
number of disciplines, engage in community service, complete a senior thesis, and
have access to foreign study fellowships. Roughly 1,700 students from 80 majors cur-
rently participate.
“Ole Miss students are ambitious, hospitable, and well- rounded,” says one
public policy leadership major. Fifty- two percent of undergraduates are Mississippians
and 1 percent hail from abroad. Black students make up 11 percent, Hispanics/
Latinos 5 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent,
and multiracial students 2 percent. “The outside
view of UM is that everyone is a sorority girl or a
frat guy,” a mathematics major complains. “We
have people of all categories and cultures.” Merit scholarships averaging $12,000 are
awarded annually, as are more than 250 athletic scholarships in 14 sports. The uni-
versity covers tuition, room, and board for Pell- eligible Mississippi residents who
meet certain academic requirements.
Thirty percent of students live in the dorms, which are a hit- or- miss affair. “Some
of the older dorms have seen better days,” a student reports. Options include apart-
ments, traditional residence halls, and residential colleges. Campus dining options
are reported to be plentiful and tasty. “We offer several different dining halls,” says
a student, “some of which are all- you- can- eat and some of which are cafeteria- style.”
Campus security gets a thumbs- up too. “Ole Miss is the kind of place where people
look out for each other,” comments a student. “We have a campus police depart-
ment that works diligently to make sure the campus is safe.”
The social scene is dominated by Greek life, which attracts 40 percent of the
men and 54 percent of the women, although non- Greeks find plenty to enjoy as
well. The Student Activities Association hosts a variety of on- campus activities each
week, including movies, pageants, concerts, and multicultural events. Alcohol is
forbidden from most areas of campus, and students say the school’s policies are rea-
sonably effective at curbing consumption. Campus worship organizations have a
strong presence, and students can choose among 300 student groups, as well as
volunteer opportunities in Oxford. One enthusiastic junior describes the city as “the
best college town in the nation.” Oxford has thriving arts and foodie scenes, and a
senior says, “There are lots of locally owned businesses and restaurants that are
unique to the area and very charming.”
(continued)
Accountancy
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biomedical Engineering
Education
Arabic
Chinese
The Center for
Writing and
Rhetoric administers
two mandatory
composition courses
for freshmen.
“Ole Miss students are
ambitious, hospitable, and
well- rounded.”
Famed author William
Faulkner grew up
here and attended
the university for
three semesters
before dropping out.
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UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI 473
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Famed author William Faulkner grew up here and attended the university for three
semesters before dropping out, and the slew of local cultural events includes the annual
Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference, featuring lectures and discussions by liter-
ary scholars and critics. Although it lost out to the
University of Virginia as repository of Faulkner’s
papers, Ole Miss operates Rowan Oak, Faulkner’s
home, and has a sizable collection of Faulkner
materials. Blues legend B.B. King gave the university his personal record collection to
help establish its Blues Archive, which is now one of the largest in the world.
The Ole Miss Rebels compete in the gauntlet known as the Southeastern
Conference, where they face the likes of Alabama’s Crimson Tide, the Florida Gators,
and the LSU Tigers. The baseball team won the national title in 2022, and other
solid teams include football, softball, and women’s golf, basketball, cross- country,
and rifle. School spirit is on full display, especially when LSU is in town, and teams
are cheered on by the university’s Landshark mascot. On game days, frenzied fans
gather on the Grove— 10 acres of oak and maple trees in the center of campus— for
tailgating, which draws more than 100,000 loyal supporters who pitch 2,500 tents
and drink from red and blue cups (no beer cans allowed). Jackets, ties, and cowboy
boots are common, and food is sometimes served on silver trays. Says one happy
Rebel, “The Grove is a place where people come together regardless of their differ-
ences to support our Ole Miss Rebs and share in a community that we all love.”
Rousing chants of the famous “Hotty Toddy” cheer can be heard throughout the
football stadium just before kickoff— and just about anywhere else, for that matter.
Dozens of intramural and club sports also prove to be popular diversions.
Overall, students here seem to be a contented lot, especially those in the honors
college. Despite the administration’s continued attempts to reconcile the school’s his-
toric roots with a 21st- century identity, it’s clear that Rebel pride and the sense of com-
munity here are as strong as ever. Indeed, Ole Miss students have much to cheer about,
including solid academics, game days in the Grove, and a healthy dose of school spirit.
“The Grove is a place where
people come together to
support our Ole Miss Rebs.”
Overlaps
Auburn, Louisiana
State, University
of Arkansas,
University of South
Carolina, University
of Kentucky,
University of
Tennessee
Knoxville,
University
of Alabama,
University of
Georgia
If You Apply To ›
Ole Miss: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Ole Miss’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Missouri
230 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
Renowned as home to one of the top journalism schools in the nation, Mizzou boasts
the country’s only commercial university- owned TV station, as well as a National
Public Radio outlet. Also strong in agriculture, the health sciences, business, and
music. Comparable in size to Iowa and Iowa State, smaller than Illinois and Indiana.
Columbia offers a vibrant social scene.
In 1839, the residents of Boone County, Missouri, raised enough money to create
their state university in Columbia. Today, Missouri’s flagship university has evolved
into a top research institution and continues to uphold the belief of its founders in
the great value of higher education that is accessible to all. Having recently com-
pleted a $1.4 billion development campaign, the university continues to expand
Website: www .missouri .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 26,189
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474 UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
programs and facilities in ways that benefit students. It has also become a national
leader in generating on- site renewable energy. “Students at Mizzou thrive on the
hands- on learning approach that all of our degree programs offer, whether that’s
through internships, research labs, or even anchoring the news,” says a junior.
The oldest public university west of the Mississippi, Mizzou occupies a 1,262- acre
campus flanked by mansionlike fraternity and sorority houses and featuring 42,000
plants and trees and numerous thematic gardens. Francis Quadrangle, with 18 pre-
dominantly redbrick National Historic Landmark
buildings, is the core of the campus. Central to
this area are the 43- foot limestone columns of the
original Academic Hall that was destroyed by fire
in 1892. To the east of the Columns is the origi-
nal tombstone of Thomas Jefferson, which the Jefferson family gave to Mizzou (not
UVA!) in the 19th century as a symbol of his championing of state- supported educa-
tion. The eastern half of the campus consists of native white limestone buildings,
most notably the Memorial Union, with its striking Gothic tower.
An array of general education requirements includes courses in three content
areas: social and behavioral sciences; physical, biological, and mathematical sci-
ences; and humanities and fine arts. Two writing- intensive courses are also required,
and all undergrads complete a senior- year capstone course. Full professors teach the
lecture courses at Mizzou, supplemented by a weekly discussion session led by a
teaching assistant to go over material presented in class. “Professors use real- world
examples to tie heavy topics and theories to reality, helping us to make the connec-
tion,” explains an agribusiness management major. Owing to MU’s size, classes can
fill up quickly, but the school guarantees the availability of coursework to complete
a degree in four years.
With more than 300 degree programs and 12 schools and colleges, Mizzou offers a
comprehensive set of choices for basic and advanced study. Aspiring journalists can get
hands- on experience working on the Columbia Missourian, the local daily paper edited
by J-school faculty members and students, or at KOMU- TV, the nation’s only university-
owned commercial television station. KBIA, MU’s
National Public Radio station, is popular among
journalism students and listeners alike. Agriculture
is also nationally ranked, especially in the areas of
agribusiness management and applied research for farm communities. The music pro-
gram is noteworthy, and the College of Engineering maintains several strong under-
graduate majors, including biological and civil engineering. The College of Business is
competitive and features a five- year bachelor’s/master’s accounting program. Health
sciences and psychology are other popular majors. A major in constitutional democ-
racy prepares undergrads for careers in government, public policy, and law.
“The academic climate is relatively competitive, depending on the major,” says
one senior. “In my experience, there is a nice mix of classes in regards to difficulty.”
Committed preprofessionals will be glad to know that MU offers qualified freshmen
guaranteed admission to its graduate- level programs in medicine, law, veterinary
medicine, nursing, and health professions. Mizzou is also one of the leading public
universities for undergraduate research. About 20 percent of students study abroad,
choosing from programs in more than 40 countries. Additionally, the university
sponsors Mizzou Alternative Breaks, service trips in which students work on volun-
teer projects in the U.S. and abroad during spring, winter, and weekend breaks.
“Mizzou’s campus has a pretty Midwestern feel to it, so it’s easy to talk to people
and most people are generally friendly,” says a senior. Seventy- nine percent of Mizzou
undergraduates hail from the Show- Me State and 1 percent are international. Black
students account for 5 percent of undergrads, Asian Americans 3 percent, Hispanics/
(continued)
Undergraduates: 21,953
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 80%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 51%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 20,303
Accepted: 79%
Enrolled: 31%
Grad in 6 Years: 75%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (573) 882- 7786
Email Address: mu4u @
missouri .edu
Strong Programs:
Journalism
Agriculture
Agribusiness Management
Music
Engineering
Business
Health Sciences
Psychology
Nursing
“Professors use real- world
examples to tie heavy
topics and theories to
reality.”
“In my experience, there
is a nice mix of classes in
regards to difficulty.”
Students can get
hands- on experience
at KOMU- TV,
the nation’s only
university- owned
commercial
television station.
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UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI 475
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Latinos 6 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. Mizzou has established several
scholarship and support programs designed especially for students of color, created
a mandatory diversity training program for all incoming students, and initiated
campuswide celebrations of cultural diversity. Students report that both sides of the
political aisle are well represented here. Merit scholarships are available averaging
$7,300, and athletes may compete for roughly 250 awards in 20 Division I sports.
Missouri Land Grant scholarships cover full tuition and fees for Missouri residents
who qualify for Pell Grants.
Twenty- eight percent of MU students live on campus, and freshmen under age 20
are required to do so. “I loved my residence hall experience,” says one sophomore. “I
had a lot of space in my room and the closets were huge!” Residence halls have double
rooms and are often crowded and lively. Single-
sex halls, a few single rooms, and round- the- clock
quiet floors are also available. About 30 percent of
new students choose from among 100 Freshman Interest Groups, where 15 to 20 stu-
dents with shared academic interests live in the same residence hall and enroll in
three core classes together. All other undergrads living in the dorms participate in
general and thematic living/learning communities. Mizzou’s all- you- can- eat dining
halls, coffee bars, and take- out stands offer good variety and accommodations for
special needs. Student support services receive mixed reviews. “While there are mental
health resources available, they don’t quite live up to the efficiency and accessibility
of the academic ones,” says a senior.
Students say MU’s social life is packed with options, including movies, the usual
fraternity and sorority parties, 600- plus student organizations, shopping, eating out,
and visiting great parks and hiking areas around town. Says a senior, “There is always
something going on at Mizzou, whether it be a free event being put on by campus or a
social event happening in Greek Town.” Twenty- three percent of the men and 29 per-
cent of the women go Greek. Mizzou is a champion of tough alcohol policies, and
students have agreed to ban alcohol from all fraternities and sororities, making it one
of the largest Greek systems in the nation to go dry. (The rule is lifted when alumni
come home to visit!) “Columbia is a bustling college town that is high- energy most
weekends,” says one student. Students support the town by engaging in 210,000 hours
of community service each year, and the community caters to them in return. Road
trips to St. Louis, Kansas City, and Lake of the Ozarks offer a change of scenery.
The Missouri Tigers compete in the rough- and- tumble Southeastern Conference,
and basketball and football games draw big crowds. In fact, the entire town turns out
in black and gold for any football game. The women’s softball and volleyball programs
are strong, and the men’s wrestling team won nine straight Mid- American Conference
titles before moving to the Big 12 at the start of the 2021– 22 season. MU’s popular
intramural program has nearly two dozen sports and two skill divisions, attracting
more than a quarter of the student body. “My favorite traditions are our school songs
that we sing at all athletic events, Tiger Walk and Senior Sendoff, and yelling ‘M-I- Z’
and waiting for someone to yell back ‘Z-O- U,’” cheers a journalism major.
Mizzou is working hard to support a more inclusive community, and continue
its trajectory as a school on the rise. It continues to grow academically and culturally
while sticking with its longtime strengths. One senior reflects, “We are a school rich
in tradition, but looking to the future.”
“Mizzou’s campus has a
pretty Midwestern feel.”
Mizzou requires two
writing- intensive
courses, and all
undergrads complete
a senior- year
capstone course.
Overlaps
U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
Indiana University,
University of
Iowa, Iowa State,
University of
Kansas, Kansas
State
If You Apply To ›
Mizzou: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Mizzou’s website for the most up- to- date
information regarding standardized test requirements.
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476 MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Morehouse College: See page 37.
Mount Holyoke College
50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075
One of two women’s colleges, along with Smith, that are members of the Five College
Consortium in the scenic Connecticut River Valley of western Massachusetts. Less
nonconformist than Bryn Mawr and Smith. MHC is strongest in the natural and social
sciences and emphasizes leadership and professional experiences.
Mount Holyoke College pioneered women’s higher education in 1837 and contin-
ues to pave the way as a gender- diverse research liberal arts institution. The students
who choose Mount Holyoke value achievement, leadership, inclusivity, and tradi-
tion. While students occasionally complain about the heavy workload, most bring
that challenge on themselves as they seek intellectual fulfillment within MHC’s sup-
portive, caring environment as well as hands- on professional experiences that some-
times take them far afield. “Mount Holyoke is a sisterhood,” says a senior. “I have
never before been surrounded by so many amazing, passionate women.”
Mount Holyoke is located in the heart of New England on 800 acres of rolling
hills dotted with two lakes, miles of hiking trails, and waterfalls. Modern glass- and-
stone buildings stand alongside classic ivy- covered brick and sandstone struc-
tures. Campus highlights include the Japanese
Meditation Garden and Teahouse, the Talcott
Greenhouse, an art building with studios and a
bronze- casting foundry, an 18- hole champion-
ship golf course, and an equestrian center. The
8,000- square- foot Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab supports such areas of study as
robotics, costume- making, art history, architectural studies, and more.
Despite changes to the campus, the curriculum at this 186- year- old institution
remains rooted in the traditional liberal arts and sciences. All students must take a
first- year seminar; the college offers roughly 35 seminars each fall and five in the
spring, covering a wide variety of disciplines and topics, such as Herstory: Writing
Your History and Disaster Science. The focus of these courses is developing skills in
analysis and critical inquiry. Some also include field trips to museums or events in
Boston, New York, or Washington, D.C. “First- year seminars are a great way to ease
into college life,” says a senior.
Chemistry is a long- standing strength at Mount Holyoke, bolstered by
top- of- the- line labs, a scanning electron microscope, several nuclear magnetic res-
onance spectrometers, and a linear accelerator. English, economics, international
relations, politics, environmental studies, and computer science are also strong. The
most popular majors are psychology, biological sciences, English, and economics.
Five- year dual- degree programs enable students to combine degrees from MHC with
B.S. degrees in engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Caltech,
or Dartmouth. Many students find the Five College Consortium one of the school’s
greatest assets: each year, 74 percent of Mount Holyoke students take at least one
course offered through the consortium. A free bus service runs every 20 minutes
between MHC and Amherst College, Hampshire, UMass Amherst, and Smith, multi-
plying a Mount Holyoke student’s access to academic, social, and cultural opportu-
nities. As an alternative to pursuing a minor or second major, Mount Holyoke also
Website: www .mtholyoke .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,188
Undergraduates: 2,172
Male/Female: 0/100
Financial Aid: 74%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 59%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 4,894
Accepted: 40%
Enrolled: 28%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (413) 538- 2023
Email Address: admission @
mtholyoke .edu
Strong Programs:
Chemistry
English
Economics
International Relations
Politics
Environmental Studies
Computer Science
Psychology
“I have never before been
surrounded by so many
amazing, passionate
women.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
offers the Nexus program, which builds in opportunities for internships, off- campus
research, and public presentations, along with traditional coursework. Participating
students select from one of nine preprofessional tracks, such as global business, non-
profit organizations, and data science.
“Mount Holyoke is a simultaneously intense and supportive academic environ-
ment,” says an environmental studies major. “I feel challenged but not overwhelmed.”
Students rave about the quality of teaching and the small classes. “Faculty are warm,
sensitive, incredibly intelligent, and highly invested in their students,” says a psychol-
ogy and education major. Although some of Mount Holyoke’s intro courses have 50
or more students, 76 percent of classes have fewer than 20. The school’s honor code
makes possible self- scheduled, self- proctored final exams. Students say the Career
Development Center’s assistance with résumés, cover letters, and interview prepara-
tion is particularly effective.
Many students choose to take advantage of an optional January winter term
to take a noncredit, nontraditional course or do an internship in major cities or
points abroad. The Lynk curriculum- to- career experience guarantees all students
funding for an internship or research opportunity, domestic or international,
and offers students access to special resources, workshops, and networking
opportunities with alumnae. “Lynk funding
allows students to do work they want to do
without sacrificing a summer of making
money,” cheers a sophomore. The Weissman
Center for Leadership focuses on leadership development through three core
programs: the Speaking, Arguing, and Writing Program, which helps students
hone their rhetorical skills; Leadership and Public Service, which connects stu-
dents with internships and other opportunities to explore careers in public ser-
vice; and Community- Based Learning, which offers 25 to 30 service- learning
courses every year as well as paid positions for students to work in leadership
roles as community fellows and mentors. For a change of scenery, MHC students
can spend all or part of junior year in another country. In addition to roughly
100 study abroad programs from approved partners, Mount Holyoke sponsors its
own in France, China, Japan, and Costa Rica.
“Students are kind, intelligent, curious, supportive, and global,” asserts an inter-
national relations major. The college attracts students from 48 states and 82 coun-
tries; 17 percent are Massachusetts natives, and a substantial 23 percent are
international. Black students make up 5 percent of the student body, Asian Americans
7 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. “We are a
very leftist school,” says a senior. “Gender equality, trans rights, bodily autonomy,
equal pay, climate advocacy, racial equality, etc., are all very important to students.”
CAUSE (Creating Awareness and Unity for Social Equality) is a large and popular
campus group dedicated to community- building and student leadership. Mount
Holyoke’s financial aid packages meet 100 percent of applicants’ demonstrated finan-
cial need. Merit scholarships are available, averaging $21,700, but there are no ath-
letic scholarships.
Ninety- five percent of Mount Holyoke students live in the residence halls,
which according to one student “all have their own personality, which makes it
very difficult to choose sometimes.” Most dorms are also very homey, with living
rooms, TV lounges, and baby grand pianos; all serve milk and cookies (as well as
healthier fare like hummus and vegetables) at 9:30 p.m. on school nights. Students
from all four classes live together, and housing is guaranteed for all four years. Some
residence halls also offer apartment- style living. Meals in the Blanchard Community
Center, the main destination for student life and dining, and campus security both
get positive reviews.
Many students find
the Five College
Consortium one
of the school’s
greatest assets.
“First- year seminars are
a great way to ease into
college life.”
The school’s honor
code makes possible
self- scheduled, self-
proctored final exams.
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Social life on campus is described as “mellow” and inclusive, consisting of low-
key parties, plays, concerts, speakers, and cultural events. “A cappella is the foot-
ball of Mount Holyoke— we have six different groups who perform every semester
and have significant followings in the student body,” notes a senior. The Mount
Holyoke College V8s (Victory Eights) are the oldest continuing female collegiate
a cappella group in the United States. Students seeking a more “traditional” party
scene typically head to UMass or other Five College schools. A computer science
major says South Hadley (population 18,000) is “a bit isolated for people who really
enjoy city life.” The South Hadley Center has eateries, a pub, shops, and a movie
theater. Road trips to Boston, Vermont, and New York City are popular, when stu-
dents can find the time.
“We have a multitude of traditions at Mount Holyoke that we take very seri-
ously,” comments a politics and religion major. Each class has a color and a
mascot, and class spirit is huge, especially for the annual Junior Show and
Convocation. Every fall on Mountain Day, stu-
dents wake up to ringing bells, classes are can-
celed (even the library is closed), and everyone
treks up Mount Holyoke to picnic and see the
foliage. “In the spring we have Pangy Day (short for Pangynaskeia, or ‘cultivating
the total world of women’), where students wrap a maypole, snuggle baby goats,
and hang out in the sun with friends,” explains a senior. The Mount Holyoke
News is the oldest continuously running college newspaper in the country.
Community service is an important emphasis, and 30 percent of students regu-
larly volunteer.
In addition to academic pursuits, Division III Lyons athletics, such as crew,
riding, field hockey, and lacrosse, are popular. The college encourages athletic
participation with six competitive club sports and a state- of- the- art fitness center,
although intramurals are not offered. Mount Holyoke’s Model United Nations team
frequently brings home top honors.
Mount Holyoke’s diverse student body makes for a globally aware community,
and its identity as a women’s college nurturing future leaders promotes a culture
where deep, personal relationships are the norm. Academic excellence and easy
access to New York and Boston provide a small college atmosphere that’s infused
with art and culture. As one senior explains, “There is a unique bond and desire for
empowerment on campus.”
“A cappella is the football of
Mount Holyoke— we have
six different groups.”
The South Hadley
Center has eateries,
a pub, shops, and
a movie theater.
Overlaps
Smith, Wellesley,
Barnard, Bryn
Mawr, Scripps,
Brown, Vassar,
Tufts
If You Apply To ›
MHC: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Accepts applications from students who are female, transgender, and nonbinary.
Muhlenberg College
2400 Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104
There is a definite Muhlenberg type: ambitious, studious, and preprofessional.
Muhlenberg is strong in premed, prelaw, pre- anything. Has a more humble, middle-
class persona than Dickinson and Lafayette and boasts a challenging and supportive
atmosphere. Takes its Lutheran values seriously, but welcome students of all, or no,
religious backgrounds. Known for its performing and visual arts programs.
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Muhlenberg College is a small liberal arts school founded on solid Lutheran roots
that takes pride in fostering a strong sense of community among undergraduates.
With ample opportunities for hands- on learning and lots of support through an
individualized coaching team, the school continues to attract the best and brightest
to its preprofessional programs, including its top premed and predental programs.
Put simply, says one senior, “Muhlenberg believes in students and their ability to
learn.”
Muhlenberg was established in 1848 and named after the founder of the Lutheran
Church in America. Set on 82 parklike acres, the ’Berg campus is a combination of older
Gothic stone structures and newer buildings in a variety of architectural styles, which
align with Muhlenberg’s commitment to sustain-
ability. The campus boasts a lovely chapel, the
high- tech Trexler Library, a 40- acre biological field
station and wildlife sanctuary, and a 64- acre arbo-
retum with more than 300 species of wildflowers, broadleaf evergreens, and conifer
trees. The Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation, a 20,000- square- foot,
energy- efficient facility housing the Office of Community Engagement, the Innovation
& Entrepreneurship Program, and other academic spaces, opened in spring 2023.
Muhlenberg’s popular First- Year Seminars are small, writing- and discussion-
intensive courses capped at 15 students. Recent offerings include Mutual Aid
and Pandemic Solidarity, The Idea of Wilderness, and Probability and Quantum
Weirdness. All students complete two additional writing- intensive courses, a two-
course diversity and global engagement requirement, and a capstone experience in
their major.
Muhlenberg’s reputation rests largely on its premedical program, which contin-
ues to attract large numbers of students. Majors in biology, public health, and neu-
roscience are available, as are competitive early- acceptance programs in medicine
with Temple and Boston University, a 3– 4 optometry program with SUNY College
of Optometry, and a 3– 4 dentistry program with the University of Pennsylvania.
The college’s theater arts program is a national draw, and some alumni have gone
on to star on Broadway. Science lab equipment at Muhlenberg is cutting- edge, and
a comprehensive science major allows for a sampling of it all. The Living Writers
course, offered once every three years, has brought a number of noted authors to
campus, including Neil Gaiman, Jonathan Franzen, and Zadie Smith. Theater is
Muhlenberg’s most popular major, followed by psychology, business administra-
tion, and media and communication.
Students describe the academic climate as serious, challenging, and encouraging.
Eighty- one percent of courses have fewer than 20 students, promoting a cooperative
environment. “Professors truly strive to have students understand and apply what
they learn to their everyday lives,” cheers a junior. Advising is strong here too, and stu-
dents may take advantage of programs like Alumni Week, which is organized around
conversations and workshops with alumni in all industries. “The Career Center’s team
has helped me since freshman year to figure out what I want to do after Muhlenberg,”
says a media and communication senior.
The college offers four honors programs that provide early opportunities for
internships, undergraduate research, and service learning: the Muhlenberg Scholars
Program, the Dana Scholars Program, the RJ Fellows Program, and the Shankweiler
Scholars Program. Each program requires a culminating project or seminar in the
senior year; 18 percent of students participate. Students speak highly of the college’s
array of service- learning course offerings, and 26 percent of undergrads conduct
research with faculty. Those seeking international experiences may study abroad via
130 programs in countries around the globe; about 50 percent do so, including in
short- term, faculty- led programs, known as Muhlenberg Integrated Study Abroad
Website: www .muhlenberg
.edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,904
Undergraduates: 1,890
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 67%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 4,329
Accepted: 66%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (484) 664- 3200
Email Address: admissions @
muhlenberg .edu
Strong Programs:
Theater
Biology
Public Health
Neuroscience
Psychology
Business Administration
Media and Communication
Premed
“Professors truly strive to
have students understand
and apply what they learn.”
The college’s theater
arts program is a
national draw, and
some alumni have
gone on to star
on Broadway.
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480 MUHLENBERG COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
(MILA) in January and May. “MILAs have been a great opportunity,” raves a math
major.
“Muhlenberg is basically the golden retriever of colleges: everyone is so sweet
and friendly, but we are also hardworking and dedicated to our studies,” muses a
public health major. Muhlenberg draws 32 percent of its students from Pennsylvania
and many from adjacent New Jersey and New
York. Black students account for 4 percent of the
student body, Hispanics/Latinos 11 percent,
Asian Americans 3 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 4 percent. Many students cite increasing
the diversity of the student body and faculty as a top concern on this left- leaning
campus. “There is an open political dialogue where students are encouraged to
express their views without worry of backlash,” says a junior. Merit scholarships are
available, but athletic scholarships are not.
Muhlenberg requires students to live on campus and guarantees housing to all
undergraduates. First- year students are able to live in one of two dorms, “which is
actually nice because it brings them all together in one area of campus,” explains a
senior. Upperclassmen praise the Muhlenberg Independent Living Experience town-
houses and other suite- style options. Two dorms, Robertson and South, house 140
students in single, air- conditioned rooms overlooking Lake Muhlenberg. First- years
choose from a seven- or five- day meal plan, and students rave about the food, the
staff, and even the dining- hall ambiance. “Our recently renovated Wood Dining
Commons is a cross between a ski lodge and Hogwarts,” cheers one student. “There’s
even a fireplace!” Campus safety receives good ratings.
Most social life at Muhlenberg takes place on campus, and students say there’s
something to fit every interest. The Muhlenberg Activities Council provides comedi-
ans, current movies in the Red Door Café, live music, escape rooms, and bingo
nights. Hillel is among the largest of the more than 130 student organizations, as are
the theater and dance associations. Allentown offers a decent variety of restaurants,
bars, and minor- league sports, and a senior comments, “Muhlenberg’s relationship
with the surrounding community is definitely growing.” Students get involved by
volunteering as tutors and with groups such as Habitat for Humanity and America
Reads. City buses stop on campus for trips to Allentown proper, area malls, and
other local activities. Students also venture to Philadelphia (60 miles) for nightlife
and cheesesteaks, New York City (95 miles) for clubbing and theater, and farther out
to Baltimore or Washington, D.C. Outdoorsy students can pick up the Appalachian
Trail for a little hiking.
Five percent of Muhlenberg men and 7 percent of the women pledge their
undergraduate years to fraternities and sororities, respectively, and according to a
junior, “Greek life is thriving if you want it but not thrust upon you in any way.”
Students report that the school takes its policies
against underage drinking seriously. Big social
events include homecoming, West Fest in the
fall, East Fest in the spring, the Scotty Wood bas-
ketball tournament, and Midnight Breakfast, when faculty and staff serve late- night
breakfast to students before finals. A favorite tradition is the candlelight ceremony
during freshman orientation where freshmen write down their college goals, to
be reopened the day before graduation.
For the athletically inclined, the nicely alliterative Muhlenberg Mules compete
in the Division III Centennial Conference, with 23 varsity teams, including the
newest sport, women’s wrestling. Football, softball, and men’s soccer have brought
home conference titles in the last few years. Students say any contest against Johns
Hopkins draws crowds. Muhlenberg’s Life Sports Center offers a pool, a basketball
“Muhlenberg is basically
the golden retriever of
colleges: everyone is so
sweet and friendly.”
Students get involved
by volunteering as
tutors and with groups
such as Habitat
for Humanity and
America Reads.
“Greek life is thriving if you
want it but not thrust upon
you in any way.”
Overlaps
Franklin & Marshall,
Gettysburg,
Ithaca, Lafayette,
Skidmore,
Dickinson,
Syracuse, Emerson
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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA– LINCOLN 481
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
court, other all- purpose courts, and a jogging track. Soccer, volleyball, and basket-
ball are the most popular intramurals, while ultimate Frisbee is the most popular
club sport.
“It is an unspoken expectation on campus to hold the door for the person
behind you, even if they are at a farther distance than would usually warrant such a
gesture,” explains a student. Small gestures of kindness are just one way in which
Muhlenberg earns its reputation as a “community that cares”— it also offers students
a warm, intimate academic milieu and plenty of support.
If You Apply To ›
Muhlenberg: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
University of Nebraska– Lincoln
1410 Q Street, Lincoln, NE 68588
Everybody knows Cornhusker football, but in other areas, Nebraska, the smallest
public university in the Big Ten, flies under the radar. With less than a third of
undergrads coming from out of state, has a corner on the market for Nebraskans.
Business administration, psychology, finance, and foods, nutrition, and wellness
studies top the list of majors. Given the state’s demographic makeup, diversity is a
challenge.
On crisp fall weekends, when spirits are high and the Big Red football arcs through
the air, Huskers cheer and paint the town of Lincoln red and white in a show of
appreciation for their alma mater. In fact, on home- game Saturdays, the stadium is
the third largest “city” in the state, holding 5 percent of the population. Away from
the stadium, students at the University of Nebraska– Lincoln have more reasons to
cheer, with notable programs ranging from software engineering to digital human-
ities to PGA golf management.
Nebraska, chartered in 1869 as a land grant institution, spreads across two main
campuses. The East Campus is home to the College of Agricultural Sciences and
Natural Resources and the College of Law. Most entering students end up on the
larger City Campus, surrounded by the bustle of
downtown Lincoln and home to seven under-
graduate colleges: architecture, arts and sciences,
journalism and mass communications, business,
fine and performing arts, engineering, and education and human sciences. On City
Campus, the architectural style ranges from the modern Sheldon Art Gallery
designed by Philip Johnson to the architecture building, which is on the National
Register of Historic Places. There are also several grassy malls, an arboretum, and a
sculpture garden. A third campus location, the Innovation Campus, serves as a
research and technological hub where students can test their skills with real- world
tools and projects.
Nebraska’s 30- credit general education program, known as Achievement-
Centered Education, is required of students in all majors and includes a senior- year
capstone course. To help freshmen get oriented, Big Red Welcome combines a new
student convocation with entertainment, information booths, and food in a car-
nival setting. Nebraska’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is
Website: www .unl .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 20,635
Undergraduates: 18,170
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 77%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 54%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 19,102
Accepted: 79%
Enrolled: 31%
Grad in 6 Years: 69%
Returning Freshmen: 82%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 742- 8800
Email Address: admissions @
unl .edu
Strong Programs:
Animal Science
Journalism
“The workload is fairly
intensive, if you want to get
good grades.”
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482 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA– LINCOLN
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
known for its outstanding programs in animal science, food science and technol-
ogy, and agribusiness. Journalism, actuarial science, and early childhood education
are also traditional strengths. The school of music’s opera program has received
national attention, and the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film offers four
undergrad degrees, including a B.F.A. in emerging media arts. The most popular
majors are business administration; psychology; advertising and public relations;
and nutrition, exercise, and health science.
“The workload is fairly intensive, if you want to get good grades,” remarks an
accounting major. Although many classes are large, 34 percent have fewer than 20
students. Graduate students teach some freshman courses, but top professors can be
found inside the classroom too. “For a university this big, I think that the professors
do a good job of making students feel valued,” says a prenursing student. “It is hard
to be recognized in classes with 100 students, but I don’t think that the quality of
teaching is any less. And there are always office hours for students.”
The University Honors Program offers qualified students challenging coursework,
research opportunities, and faculty mentors. The FYRE (First- Year Research Experience)
program pairs freshmen who have federal work- study awards with faculty members
for up to five hours of collaborative research per
week. Also, the UCARE (Undergraduate Creative
Activity and Research Experience) program pro-
vides stipends for more than 400 students each year to participate in one- on- one
research with a professor after freshman year. The Raikes School of Computer Science
and Management is a highly selective honors program that focuses on a curriculum in
technology, business, and real- world projects and awards scholarships to participants.
Study abroad opportunities are available in more than 70 countries and include nearly
40 faculty- led programs; 19 percent of students take part. Career Services shows stu-
dents how to make a professional résumé, holds mock interviews, and hosts potential
employers, among other activities.
A junior says Nebraska students’ “social etiquette and values are high, embodying
‘Nebraska Nice.’” A senior says the school leans liberal, and adds, “Our students are
incredibly politically active.” Seventy- two percent of undergraduates hail from in state,
and 4 percent come from abroad. Asian Americans make up 4 percent of the student
body, Black students 3 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, and multiracial students
4 percent. Many students say diversity— or the lack thereof— is an issue, but one notes,
“UNL is a very inclusive space.” Merit scholarships are available, with an average award
of $8,600, in addition to more than 500 athletic scholarships in 19 sports.
Half of the students live in the university’s single- sex or co- ed residence halls,
and there’s usually no trouble getting a room. “Most of the dorms are up- to- date and
are pretty sizable, but there are a few that are smaller,” explains a science education
major. “There are options, however, for suite- style dorms that are available to every-
one, including freshmen.” Freshmen must live on campus, and many students move
off campus after their sophomore year. Students praise the 28 living/learning com-
munities offered for first- years with common academic interests who live and take
classes together. “I lived in a learning community my freshman year that helped me
both find my major and make some of my closest friendships,” enthuses a psychol-
ogy major. As for dining, “As the pickiest eater in the world, the food was great,”
raves a junior. Students agree the campus feels safe. “UNL requires the entire student
body and faculty/staff complete annual sexual misconduct prevention and response
training,” notes a music education major.
“A lot of the social life starts on campus but then moves off,” says a commu-
nication studies major. “You meet people on your floor or in a club, and then you
hang out and go out off campus.” Fraternity and house parties, 500- plus student
organizations, concerts and theater performances, the movies, eating out, visiting
(continued)
Actuarial Science
Early Childhood Education
Business Administration
Psychology
Advertising and Public
Relations
Nutrition, Exercise, and Health
Science
“Our students are incredibly
politically active.”
The First- Year
Research Experience
program pairs
freshmen who
have federal work-
study awards with
faculty members for
collaborative research.
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UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE 483
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
coffee shops and bars, and road trips to Omaha or Kansas City are just some of the
activities that keep students busy. For many, the fall semester revolves around foot-
ball weekends and postseason bowl games. Fraternities draw 25 percent of the men,
and sororities attract 33 percent of the women. They offer both social events and a
chance to get involved in the Lincoln community. Homecoming, Greek Week, the
spring concert, and the Big Event (a major community service occasion) are among
the most anticipated campus events.
“Lincoln is a great college town,” exclaims one business administration major.
Another student points out that the “thirty bars within a two- minute walk of
campus” are appreciated by those of age, given the school’s dry campus. Town/
gown relations are good and “the community is always eager for students to return
in the fall,” according to one premed student. Pachyderm enthusiasts will be
delighted by the Nebraska Museum of Natural History’s outstanding collection of
prehistoric elephant skeletons. Beyond the town’s sidewalks are miles of flat trails
and plains, ideal for biking and cross- country skiing.
In a state with no major professional sports teams, Husker athletics play an out-
sized role. Football fans remain rabid despite losing records in the past few years.
The women’s volleyball team has won five national championships since 1995 and
recently set a record for attendance at a women’s
event in any sport—92,003. Women’s bowling is
also a recent national champion, while baseball
and softball have brought home conference
titles. Men’s and women’s hoopsters frolic in the
15,500- seat Pinnacle Bank Arena. The annual Black Friday bowl game against the
University of Iowa is the main football rivalry. And who hasn’t heard of the classy
Nebraska football fans and their hardworking mascot Herbie Husker? “There is truly
nothing like a Game Day in Lincoln, with the Sea of Red cheering on the football
team,” says a junior. Intramural sports are popular too, with flag football and basket-
ball drawing the most participants; more competitive students can choose from 40
club sports.
At Nebraska, future agricultural experts mingle with techno whizzes, while
teachers in training brush elbows with advertising mavens. Whether studying over-
seas, immersing themselves in internships, launching start- ups, or going wild on
Saturday afternoons, students here know how to make the most of their time. Cheers
one happy Husker, “The academic climate is led by the students, and our students
have so much pride in our school that it’s hard not to feel driven to succeed.”
The annual Black
Friday bowl game
against the University
of Iowa is the main
football rivalry.
“There is truly nothing like a
Game Day in Lincoln, with
the Sea of Red cheering on
the football team.”
Overlaps
University of
Kansas, Iowa
State, University
of Minnesota,
University of Iowa,
University of
Missouri, University
of Nebraska
Omaha, University
of Nebraska at
Kearney, Creighton
If You Apply To ›
Nebraska: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
University of New Hampshire
Grant House, 3 Garrison Avenue, Durham, NH 03824
UNH is a public university that looks and feels like a private college. Draws more
than half of its students from outside New Hampshire, with little racial or ethnic
diversity. Well known for engineering, health, and life science programs— especially
marine biology— and its business school is nationally ranked. UNH’s focus is sharply
on undergrads.
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484 UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Students at the University of New Hampshire know how to get their hands dirty,
and this solid public institution provides them with countless opportunities to do
just that. Founded as a land grant college in 1866, UNH’s research mission has grown
dramatically in recent years, yet the university
remains a moderate- sized institution that empha-
sizes undergraduate instruction. Unlike many
large research universities, faculty members
teach all students, including first- years, and gen-
erally value teaching as much as they do their
research. A love of the outdoors is a must, as is the ability to withstand long, cold
winters. As they say around here, “Every day is a great day to be a Wildcat!”
The university’s wide- open, grassy Durham campus is home to a mix of modern
facilities and ivy- covered brick buildings. The sprawling lawns are surrounded by
nearly 3,000 acres of farms, fields, and woods. During the past few years, UNH has
invested in large- scale construction projects, including new residence halls, a phys-
ics building, and a veterinary diagnostic lab, as well as expansions of multiple aca-
demic buildings. A $96 million expansion and renovation of the bioscience building
is slated for completion in late 2024.
The university’s core curriculum, the Discovery Program, includes general
education requirements that apply across the board and mandate coursework in
biological science; physical science; historical perspectives; world cultures; social
science; fine and performing arts; humanities; and environment, technology, and
society. First- year writing is also mandatory as part of a four- course writing-intensive
requirement, as is a class in quantitative reasoning. All first- years take an Inquiry
course involving an experiential learning component, and all seniors complete a
capstone experience.
Interdisciplinary programs enhance UNH’s emphasis on traditional academic
offerings. A dual major allows students to pair a degree in sustainability with any
other major, and minors range from leadership to green real estate to microbrewing.
Engineering and business are among the most
respected programs. The Paul College of Business
and Economics is nationally ranked, offering a
spate of majors and boasting one of the first
student- run angel investment funds. Students
entering Paul College participate in the First- Year
Innovation and Research Experience, working in teams to develop business plans
with guidance from peer advisors and alumni mentors. The marine, estuarine, and
freshwater biology major is considered stellar, enhanced by UNH’s proximity to the
ocean and a brackish bay. Ocean engineering, nursing, bioengineering, homeland
security, and a pre- veterinary advising program are also strengths. The most popular
majors are business administration, psychology, mechanical engineering, and com-
munication. A new major in equine studies was added in 2023.
Students agree that the level of academic intensity varies by school and college,
but the atmosphere is always busy. “On a normal day, I see students studying and
working everywhere around campus, indoors and outdoors (when the weather per-
mits),” says a business administration major. Classes are relatively small, with just
16 percent enrolling 50 or more students, and teaching assistants only facilitate
discussion sections or labs. “We have world- class professors, many of whom partici-
pate in research and include students as research assistants,” says a senior, and a
junior notes that professors are accessible and “easy to speak to.”
Research experience is a key emphasis at UNH, and 34 percent of undergrad-
uates get involved before they graduate. The Hamel Center for Undergraduate
Research provides more than 100 research awards each year for students and hosts
“We have world- class
professors, many of whom
participate in research
and include students as
research assistants.”
Website: www .unh .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 12,550
Undergraduates: 11,180
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 89%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 74%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 21,016
Accepted: 87%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (603) 862- 1360
Email Address: admissions @
unh .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Business Administration
Sustainability
Marine, Estuarine, and
Freshwater Biology
Nursing
Homeland Security
Psychology
Communication
“Most of UNH’s students
care for the values of
environmental stewardship,
community connections,
and Live Free or Die.”
Research experience
is a key emphasis at
UNH, and 34 percent
of undergraduates
get involved before
they graduate.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the Undergraduate Research Conference, which showcases the scholarly work of
more than 1,600 students annually. Additional opportunities include conducting
research on NASA partner projects or at the Isle of Shoals Marine Laboratory six
miles off the coast. Students can broaden their horizons through more than 250
approved study abroad and exchange programs. The Semester in the City internship
program sends civic- minded students to live together and work within social change
organizations in Boston. The invitation- only University Honors Program features
small classes, personal mentoring, and optional honors- themed housing.
“Most of UNH’s students care for the values of environmental stewardship, com-
munity connections, and Live Free or Die,” says one student, referring to the state’s
motto. While UNH is New Hampshire’s flagship public institution, it has long been
popular with out- of- staters, who make up 54 percent of its undergraduates; interna-
tional students add another 1 percent. As for racial and ethnic diversity, UNH has a
long way to go. Black students account for just 1 percent of the student population,
Asian Americans 3 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 4 percent, and multiracial students
2 percent. Politically, students are “engaged and vocal,” says a senior. UNH’s pub-
lished tuition and fees for in- state are among the highest of any flagship university in
the country. To ease the pain, the university offers hundreds of merit scholarships,
averaging $7,400, and 215 awards are available for gifted athletes. The Granite
Guarantee program gives free tuition to qualifying New Hampshire residents from
low- income families.
Fifty- six percent of Wildcats live in the school’s co- ed residence halls; all under-
grads are guaranteed housing, and accommodations are said to be generally com-
fortable. Most upperclassmen live off campus or in the two on- campus apartment
complexes. More than a dozen themed living
areas are available and are an increasingly popu-
lar option. Campus dining receives rave reviews,
and students also give high ratings to campus
safety. UNH is a national leader in efforts to pre-
vent sexual assault on campus. In addition to its
student- praised training programs and support services, UNH established the
Prevention Innovations Research Center to develop evidence- based prevention
strategies and policies.
UNH offers more than 200 student organizations covering just about any inter-
est. “Get involved early on, as that will help you become acclimated to the campus,”
advises a social work and women’s studies major. “U Day is a great way to do that.”
Service organizations are popular, and 55 percent of students get involved with com-
munity service activities. The Campus Activities Board organizes weekend social
events including dances, movies, bingo, and gatherings at local coffeehouses, and
favorite annual events include homecoming and concerts in the fall and spring.
Greek groups claim 14 percent of both men and women. The party culture at UNH
is lively, but Greek parties are subject to the university’s no- tolerance alcohol policy,
which evicts underage students caught with alcohol more than once from on-
campus housing.
Less than a five- minute walk from campus is the beautiful little town of Durham,
which caters to the student clientele. Its Main Street is lined with restaurants and
coffeehouses, a grocery store, an ice- cream parlor, and a few bars, which have been
divided into separate sections (for legal consumers of alcohol and everyone else).
The free Wildcat Transit bus system takes students to cities throughout the state,
and the on- campus Amtrak station makes weekend escapes to Boston and Portland,
Maine, easy— if students can find time off. (The school’s nickname is the University
of No Holidays, since an exceptionally generous winter break limits the number of
days off during other seasons.) Still, says one student, “You can access the highest
Every four years, UNH
becomes a frequent
destination for
political candidates.
“You can access the highest
mountain in the USA, the
beach, ski areas, and lake
areas within two hours of
UNH.”
The marine, estuarine,
and freshwater
biology major is
considered stellar.
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486 THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
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mountain in the USA, the beach, ski areas, and lake areas within two hours of UNH.”
Late nights at L.L. Bean have become commonplace. Every four years, New
Hampshire takes the spotlight when the state holds the nation’s earliest presidential
primary, making UNH a frequent destination for political candidates.
UNH has 20 Division I athletic teams, of which ice hockey is a fan favorite.
Students celebrate the first Wildcats goal of each game by throwing a large fish onto
the ice, and during games against its rival, the University of Maine, students wear
white to “white out” the stadium. Men’s soccer and women’s swimming and diving,
and football are recent America East conference champions, and other solid teams
include men’s and women’s skiing and women’s cross-country. Club and intramural
sports enlist 26 percent of the student body. Broomball— played with broom- shaped
sticks, balls, and sneakers on the ice— is very popular, as are activities organized
by the Outing Club, including skiing, camping, fishing, and hiking. The Northeast
Passage program offers adaptive recreation programs for students and community
members with disabilities.
New Hampshire’s only major public university offers a huge variety of pro-
grams in a beautiful natural setting. That’s one reason it attracts so many students
from out of state. Another reason, a junior says, is that between smaller class sizes,
community- oriented dorms, and welcoming student organizations, “You will feel
like you’re part of a very tight- knit community, even though there are 11,000
undergrads on campus, and you really have the chance to make your experience
here whatever you want it to be.”
Overlaps
University of Maine,
University of Rhode
Island, University
of Vermont, UMass
Amherst, UConn,
Plymouth State,
UMass Lowell,
Merrimack
If You Apply To ›
New Hampshire: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application. Additional
materials required for applicants to music, theatre, and studio art programs.
The College of New Jersey
P.O. Box 7718, Ewing, NJ 08628
A public liberal arts institution in the mold of UNC Asheville or William & Mary.
Also offers business, education, and engineering. With 95 percent of the students
homegrown Garden Staters, TCNJ enjoys little draw beyond Jersey. On the other
hand, it is now the state’s second most selective institution, after a certain super-
selective school up the road in Princeton. A smaller, more personal alternative to
Rutgers.
The College of New Jersey is an up- and- coming public institution with special
focus on undergraduates, an emphasis more commonly found at private schools.
TCNJ offers professors focused on teaching and the encouragement of under-
graduate research, as well as a campus reminiscent of that of nearby Princeton
University— minus the Ivy League price tag. Founded in 1855 as a teachers’ college,
it strives to provide students with opportunities in a host of other fields. The small
size makes for closeness among students and faculty. Says one student, “TCNJ is
really big on the ‘community’ feel.”
TCNJ is set on 289 wooded and landscaped acres in suburban Ewing Township,
six miles from Trenton. The picturesque Georgian colonial architecture centers on
Quimby’s Prairie, surrounded by the original academic buildings of the 1930s. A
Website: www .tcnj .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 6,910
Undergraduates: 6,666
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 47%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 58%
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THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY 487
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
flock of Canada geese makes its home in one of the two campus lakes. Campus
Town, a 12- acre, $120 million complex adjacent to the campus, features 612 apart-
ments for upperclassmen, a campus gym, and retail shops and restaurants. The col-
lege recently completed the STEM Complex, a $96 million project that added the
89,000- square- foot STEM Building and renovated existing science and engineering
facilities.
Liberal Learning, TCNJ’s general education program, requires coursework cen-
tered on three fundamental areas: intellectual and scholarly growth, broad areas of
human inquiry, and civic responsibility. Freshmen participate in several programs
to prepare them for college life and academics,
including a summer reading program, welcome
week, and a First Seminar course, in which they
take a small seminar on a topic outside of their
intended major and spend their first year living
with their classmates in the same residence hall. Freshmen must also perform at
least eight hours of community service. All seniors complete a capstone requirement
that varies by major.
Consistent with the school’s origins as a teachers’ college, education programs
are well regarded; elementary and special education are particular favorites among
students. Early childhood and elementary education majors may pursue the urban
education option, which prepares them to teach in urban schools and allows them
to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. The business
school is strong, as are the natural sciences. Other popular majors include finance,
psychology, biology, marketing, and nursing. Students in the engineering school
can choose from eight majors, ranging from biomedical engineering to integrative
STEM education. The college also offers a seven- year B.S./M.D. degree program with
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and a seven- year B.S./O.D. degree with SUNY
College of Optometry.
Academically, TCNJ is competitive and getting more so. “The academic cli-
mate is somewhat intense,” confides a sophomore. “Some students and professors
try to downplay the competitive nature, but overall it’s pretty driven.” An honors
program is available for those who wish to chal-
lenge themselves with even more rigorous aca-
demics. Forty- two percent of undergraduate
classes have fewer than 20 students. The college
has no teaching assistants, and faculty members
generally get high marks, though quality is said
to vary by department. “My professors are very passionate about their work and
field of study,” says a psychology major. Seventy- three percent of undergrads com-
plete internships before they graduate. Twenty- two percent of students get their
passports stamped to study, intern, or volunteer overseas in dozens of countries.
As part of the MUSE (Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience) program,
nearly 100 students spend eight weeks assisting faculty mentors with research and
creative projects.
The typical TCNJ student is “overly book smart,” according to one junior. The
school has no cap on out- of- state admissions, but only 5 percent of TCNJ’s students
are non- Jerseyans, including the less than 1 percent who are international. The col-
lege has aggressively recruited students of color, and today, Black students account
for 6 percent of undergraduates, Hispanics/Latinos 18 percent, Asian Americans
11 percent, and multiracial students 2 percent. “If you don’t leave this school very
well educated in political correctness, then you were obviously unconscious,” says a
marketing major, who praises the school for its diversity. Merit scholarships averag-
ing $5,900 are available to qualified students. The Educational Opportunity Fund
(continued)
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 10,302
Accepted: 64%
Enrolled: 24%
Grad in 6 Years: 86%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (609) 771- 2131
Email Address: tcnjinfo @
tcnj .edu
Strong Programs:
Elementary Education
Special Education
Business Administration
Finance
Psychology
Biology
Marketing
Nursing
“Some students and
professors try to downplay
the competitive nature, but
overall it’s pretty driven.”
“If you don’t leave this
school very well educated
in political correctness,
then you were obviously
unconscious.”
The school has no
cap on out- of- state
admissions, but
only 5 percent of
TCNJ’s students are
non- Jerseyans.
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488 NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
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Promise Award covers full tuition and other expenses and provides specialized aca-
demic support services for qualifying New Jersey residents from disadvantaged
backgrounds.
Dorm housing is only guaranteed for freshmen and sophomores; overall, 46 per-
cent of students live on campus. “Most of the dorms are really nice,” says a student,
“but a few are older and outdated.” Freshmen hang their hats in one of seven resi-
dence halls; after that, they can enter the lottery to secure spots in traditional res-
idence halls, townhouses, or the Campus Town apartments. Many upperclassmen
opt for nearby off- campus apartment complexes, which are plentiful. For meals, stu-
dents head to 10 dining locations. The Anti- Violence Initiatives office encompasses
training, counseling, and peer education efforts aimed at preventing sexual assault
on campus.
Although suburban Ewing (population 37,000) doesn’t really cater to students,
funky New Hope, Pennsylvania, and preppy Princeton, New Jersey, are nearby;
restaurants, bars, movie theaters— and, this being New Jersey, many malls— are
within a short drive. Road trips to Philadelphia and New York, each about an hour
away and accessible by train, are also highly recommended. Alcohol policies are
strictly enforced; students 21 and over can enjoy adult beverages at the campus
restaurant, Traditions, which also features a stage area for performances. Twenty- one
percent of the men and 21 percent of the women belong to fraternities and sororities,
which provide many of the off- campus parties. Campus programming includes
dances, concerts, and movies. TCNJers look forward to several annual events, includ-
ing homecoming, a Family Fest Day, and— the springtime favorite— Senior Week.
The College of New Jersey’s 21 varsity teams (the Lions) are the pride of the
New Jersey Athletic Conference and make frequent appearances in national Division
III tournaments. Men’s and women’s cross- country and women’s track and field,
lacrosse, and softball have all taken home recent conference titles. Students rally
around the football and basketball squads, especially when archrival Rowan comes
to town. The college also offers 14 intramural and 24 club sport programs.
The College of New Jersey is one of the few public liberal arts colleges with rea-
sonable tuition and a location that offers a relaxed suburban haven within shouting
distance of big- city opportunities. Not just for teachers anymore, TCNJ prides itself
on the personal attention it devotes to students craving both professional prepara-
tion and a well- rounded education.
The College of New
Jersey’s 21 varsity
teams (the Lions)
are the pride of the
New Jersey Athletic
Conference.
Overlaps
Villanova,
St. Joseph’s,
Ramapo College
of New Jersey,
SUNY– Geneseo,
Christopher
Newport, Rutgers,
Rowan, William &
Mary
If You Apply To ›
TCNJ: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Art applicants must submit portfolio.
Music applicants must audition. Please consult TCNJ’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized
test requirements.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102
One of the few public polytechnic universities in the Northeast. Within New Jersey,
NJIT occupies a middle ground between the behemoth Rutgers and smallish
Stevens Institute, and 90 percent of undergrads are state residents. Primarily offers
engineering, computing, architecture, design, and business, and co- op option is
popular. At three to one, NJIT’s gender ratio is skewed toward males.
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NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 489
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The New Jersey Institute of Technology provides a solid STEM education that pre-
pares students for a future in an ever- changing global workplace. NJIT’s challenging
programs emphasize education, research, service, and (not surprisingly) economic
development. The combination is enticing— as is the price tag, relative to the top-
tier private technical institutes that are some of NJIT’s closest competitors. Notes a
junior, “This school has a very innovative tradition.”
Founded in 1881 by local industrialists in what was then a thriving indus-
trial center, NJIT’s urban 48- acre campus is dotted with more than 40 buildings of
diverse architectural styles, ranging from Elizabethan Gothic to contemporary design.
More recent additions include the $110 million Wellness and Events Center and the
10,000- square- foot Makerspace, which gives students hands- on design and manufac-
turing experience with top- of- the- line tools and technology.
To graduate, students must fulfill general education requirements in areas rang-
ing from college writing and cultural literacy to computer science and math. All
freshmen take First Year Seminar, a course that introduces them to university life,
and all seniors complete a capstone seminar.
NJIT is composed of five schools and colleges
plus the Dorman Honors College, offering more
than 50 undergraduate majors. Computer science, mechanical engineering, infor-
mation technology, and civil engineering are the most popular majors. Students
earning their B.S. in business choose from five concentrations, from marketing to
innovation and entrepreneurship. NJIT offers the only undergraduate forensic sci-
ence program in the state, as well as prehealth and prelaw programs with an empha-
sis on technology.
While some say the atmosphere can be low- pressure in certain fields, most agree
that the workload across the board is demanding. Thirty- two percent of classes have
fewer than 20 students; most don’t exceed 40. Professors are given average to high
marks. One computer science major offers this assessment: “I would say 10 percent
of the professors I would never want to take again, 70 percent were fine, and 20 per-
cent were incredible.” Since most have worked in their industry, they can provide
job information and networking opportunities. Career services also receive positive
reviews.
Perhaps NJIT’s most- favored academic option is the co- op program, which
enables students to earn course credits outside of the classroom while gaining paid
work experience at tech companies and other organizations. Top freshman appli-
cants are offered a spot in the Honors College, and they can stay as long as they keep
their grades up; about 700 undergraduates in all majors are enrolled. Perks include a
dedicated honors dorm, research opportunities, and acceptance into the accelerated
premed and other prehealth programs. Study abroad is an option, but with their
packed schedules, few students find time for it. Men make up three- quarters of the
student body, and a female biology major makes a common complaint: “The ratio
of men to women in the school is shocking.” The Murray Center for Women in
Technology attempts to balance the scales, offering scholarships, networking oppor-
tunities, and resources to help female students and faculty alike advance in their
chosen fields.
As New Jersey’s comprehensive technological public university, NJIT attracts a
wide range of students with different interests. While some students characterize it
as a “commuter school,” a few things bring them together, says a digital design
major: “We are friendly and diverse, and most of us love technology and video
games.” In- state residents represent 90 percent of the undergraduate student body,
and international students add 5 percent. Ten percent of undergrads are Black,
26 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 22 percent are Asian American, and 3 percent are
multiracial. One student praises the Educational Opportunity Program, saying, “If it
Website: www .njit .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 9,570
Undergraduates: 7,382
Male/Female: 74/26
Financial Aid: 77%
Pell Grant: 43%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 13,010
Accepted: 66%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
%
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (973) 596- 3300
Email Address: admissions @
njit .edu
Strong Programs:
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Information Technology
Civil Engineering
Business
Forensic Science
Architecture
Design
“This school has a very
innovative tradition.”
Computer science,
mechanical
engineering,
information
technology, and civil
engineering are the
most popular majors.
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490 NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
weren’t for them, I would not be here. They make it easy to be a minority.” Forty-
three percent of incoming freshmen receive Pell Grants. The university awards merit
scholarships averaging $14,600 to qualified students, and roughly 120 athletic
scholarships are also available.
NJIT’s five residence halls accommodate 24 percent of the students. “Housing is
pretty standard,” reports a student. “You have a choice of suite- style or communal-
style as a freshman.” Upperclassmen move into on- campus fraternity or sorority
houses or nearby off- campus apartments. A new apartment- style residential build-
ing with numerous single rooms and sustainable construction opened in 2022.
Meals in Highlander Commons, the main dining hall, receive average reviews.
Because of its urban location, safety is always a consideration at NJIT, but “public
safety officers are always around,” says an electrical engineering major. A sopho-
more adds, “The school supports speaking up about sexual assault” and provides
ample resources for those who need them.
Newark is hardly a college town, yet it is undergoing a gradual urban renais-
sance, and several good restaurants are within walking distance. “Newark has some-
thing of a social scene during the day; at night, a trip to Jersey City or New York
City is usually a better bet,” explains a senior.
Forty percent of students regularly volunteer in
the community. On campus, 5 percent of both
the men and women join the Greek system. “For
a tech school, the party culture is not bad,”
admits a first- year. HackNJIT, a 24- hour hackathon, is always well attended, and
the Student Activities Council plans events like laser tag, arcade days, and movie
nights. One of the best annual campus events is Spring Fest, which features bands,
intramural games, carnival rides, and a semiformal. Diwali, the Indian festival of
lights, and Chinese New Year also give undergrads pause to party. Another option
is the beach, an hour away. Most students agree that the administration’s strict
alcohol policies are effective.
NJIT students take pride in their athletic prowess, and the school is a member
of the Division I America East Conference, competing mainly against Northeastern
schools like SUNY– Stony Brook and University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Among NJIT’s 17 varsity Highlanders teams, men’s and women’s basketball and
tennis, men’s soccer, and baseball are some of the most competitive. Soccer, basket-
ball, and racquetball are the favorites when it comes to intramurals, and ice hockey,
ultimate Frisbee, and bowling are some of the most active club teams.
“Students here are certainly intelligent and come off as nerds, but everyone has
their own niche,” says a biomedical engineering student. NJIT students choose their
school because they want a top- notch technological education without the topflight
price tag. Academics are the priority here; if the social life is less than electrifying,
students don’t mind. After all, they know highly skilled jobs will beckon after gradu-
ation. Getting through is a challenge, but there’s ample compensation available for
NJIT alums in the technologically dependent workplaces of today— and tomorrow.
A new apartment- style
residential building
with numerous single
rooms and sustainable
construction
opened in 2022.
“We are friendly and
diverse, and most of us
love technology and video
games.”
Overlaps
Rensselaer,
Case Western
Reserve, Virginia
Tech, Colorado
School of Mines,
Stevens Institute
of Technology,
Rutgers, Rowan,
College of New
Jersey
If You Apply To ›
NJIT: Early action I and II, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application. College of Architecture and Design appli-
cants must submit portfolio of creative work. Please consult NJIT’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding
standardized test requirements.
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UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO 491
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
BEST
BUY
UNM gives new meaning to cultural diversity. Studies related to Hispanic and
Native cultures are strong, and in a land of picture- perfect sunsets, photography
is a big deal. Even the mascot— Lobos— is Spanish. Technical programs are fueled
by government labs in Albuquerque and Los Alamos, while the business school
produces an outsized percentage of New Mexico’s commercial elite.
The University of New Mexico’s heritage stretches back to 1889 when New Mexico
wasn’t even a state, and the university’s strengths are still rooted in the rich history
of the American Southwest. New Mexico excels in areas such as Latin American and
Southwest studies. Lest you think it is a typical state school, consider that many stu-
dents are commuters or of nontraditional age. UNM also boasts the state’s only law,
medical, and architecture and urban planning schools.
Seated at the foot of the gorgeous Sandia Mountains in the lap of Albuquerque,
the beautifully landscaped campus sports both Spanish and Pueblo Indian archi-
tectural influences, with lots of patios and balconies. The duck pond is a favorite
spot for sunbathing, and the mountains, which rise majestically to the east, are
visible from virtually any point on campus. Newer facilities include the $25 million
McKinnon Center for Management.
UNM offers more than 4,000 courses in 12 colleges and schools, running the
gamut from arts and sciences, education, and engineering to management, fine arts,
and the allied health fields. Academic and general education requirements vary, but
the core curriculum mandates courses in English,
humanities, social and behavioral sciences, phys-
ical and natural sciences, math, fine arts, and a
second language. Those reluctant to specialize
can spend a few semesters in the broad University
College, which offers bachelor of liberal arts and bachelor of integrative studies
degrees. The Honors College awards a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary liberal
arts. The Tamarind Institute, a nationally recognized center housed at UNM’s
College of Fine Arts, offers training, study, and research in fine- art lithography.
Anthropologists may explore one of New Mexico’s many archaeological sites, and
engineers may join in major solar- energy projects. Other solid programs include
Native American studies, Chicana and Chicano studies, and Latin American studies.
Students may also minor in Navajo language.
The academic climate is “very laid- back and depends on what field of study
you are going into,” according to a senior. Students are quick to help one another
study, and competition for grades is the exception rather than the rule. Roughly
half of classes have fewer than 20 students. As for professors, “I would have to
give them a B,” says a student. “There have been some very good ones and some
that were very knowledgeable but didn’t know how to teach.” Freshman Learning
Communities and academic coaching help ease the transition from high school
to the college environment. Many classes are offered in late afternoon and eve-
ning sessions, and about half of the student body takes advantage of these after-
hours options. Study abroad programs around the world beckon to 18 percent of
undergrads.
By virtue of its location, UNM gives new meaning to cultural diversity, even
though the vast majority (85 percent) of students are state residents. High enroll-
ment of students of color— 51 percent Hispanic/Latino, 6 percent Native American,
Website: www .unm .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 14,930
Undergraduates: 11,911
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 74%
Pell Grant: 42%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 40%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 13,676
Accepted: 81%
Enrolled: 31%
Grad in 6 Years: 51%
Returning Freshmen: 71%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (505) 277- 8900
Email Address: unmlobos @
unm .edu
Strong Programs:
Latin American Studies
Native American Studies
Business
Studio Art
Anthropology
Engineering
Chicana and Chicano Studies
Navajo Language
“[The academic climate is]
very laid- back and depends
on what field of study you
are going into.”
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492 UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
4 percent Asian American, 3 percent Black, and 4 percent multiracial— reflects this
cultural diversity. One percent of undergraduates are from overseas. UNM hosts a
number of centers and student groups, such as El Centro de la Raza and Nations at
UNM, that support diversity and cultural activities. “Students here are pretty chill,”
says a journalism major. “We hang out and stuff, but for the most part we are focused
on school.” The state- funded New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship covers the full
cost of tuition and required fees for all in- state residents, regardless of income. Merit
and athletic scholarships are available as well, and 42 percent of freshmen qualify
for Pell Grants.
UNM has traditionally been a commuter school (and parking is a perennial
complaint), although first- year students coming from outside a 30- mile radius of
campus are required to live in the residence halls. Currently, a scant 7 percent of
students live on campus. Students say they are happy with the variety of food avail-
able to them, and good lighting, an escort service, and police who patrol around the
clock help them feel safe.
“Social life takes place both on and off campus,” a junior says. Alcohol,
though banned from UNM residence halls, is readily available, according to most
students, especially at Greek parties. Just 3 percent of the men and 3 percent of
the women join the Greek system. Other stu-
dents find their fun off campus in Albuquerque’s
clubs and restaurants. For the more socially con-
scious, the university sponsors Spring Storm, an
outing of roughly 1,000 students who volunteer
around the city on a Saturday. Annual social events include Welcome Back Days
in the fall and Nizhoni Days, a weeklong celebration of Native American culture.
Each spring, the whole campus turns out for a four- day fiesta with food and
live music.
Albuquerque— sometimes referred to as ABQ— is New Mexico’s largest city
(with 560,000 residents), and it offers a variety of cultural attractions, including
the nation’s largest hot air balloon festival, a growing artists’ colony, and concert
tours to charm the ears. Santa Fe is an hour away. Those with cars take advantage
of the state’s natural attractions: the Sandias, the Carlsbad Caverns, and superb
skiing in Taos, as well as excellent hiking and camping opportunities. For the
archaeologically inclined, numerous Spanish and Native American ruins are within
an easy drive.
The UNM Lobos (Spanish for “wolves”) compete in the Division I Mountain
West Conference, and the men’s football and basketball squads usually draw
crowds. The women’s cross- country team is a regular contender for the national
title. Recreational and intramural sports are popular; students flock to flag football,
volleyball, soccer, and basketball.
UNM offers a sun- drenched location that satisfies— precisely because its aca-
demic climate is as relaxed as the rolling desert dunes. “People here are serious and
accepting,” says a senior, “which makes UNM a comfortable environment.”
Solid programs include
Native American
studies, Chicana and
Chicano studies, and
Latin American studies,
and students may minor
in Navajo language.
“People here are serious
and accepting, which
makes UNM a comfortable
environment.”
The university
sponsors Spring Storm,
an outing of roughly
1,000 students who
volunteer around the
city on a Saturday.
Overlaps
Arizona State, CU
Boulder, Eastern
New Mexico,
Highlands, New
Mexico State,
University of Texas
at El Paso
If You Apply To ›
UNM: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Does not accept the Common Application.
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NEW YORK UNIVERSITY 493
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
New York University
22 Washington Square, New York, NY 10012
From safety school to global brand, NYU’s rise has been breathtaking. The siren song
of Greenwich Village now extends to the Tandon School of Engineering in Brooklyn,
degree- granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, and a dozen global academic
centers around the world. Major draws include the renowned Tisch School of the
Arts and the best undergraduate business school north of Penn.
With the world at its doorstep, New York University invites its student body to jump
right in. Firmly planted in the heart of Greenwich Village, one of the most eclectic
and energizing neighborhoods in New York City, NYU has set its sights on becoming
the world’s first truly global university. Its growing student body, burgeoning new
facilities, and multiple opportunities for high- level internships and research projects
have made it a top option for a rising number of students. “Our dorms are like city
apartments, and our walk to class is on city sidewalks and across busy streets,” says a
business and political economy major. “Going to NYU prepares students to live and
work in the real world.”
It doesn’t get more real world than the venue that NYU has called home since its
founding in 1831. NYU has campuses and centers throughout the city but is primarily
situated on Washington Square. Trendy shops, galleries, clubs, bars, and eateries
crowd neighboring blocks; SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown are just blocks away.
Academic buildings— both modern and historic— blend with 19th- century brick
townhouses surrounding Washington Square Park (the closest thing NYU has to a
quad). NYU’s library is one of the largest open-
stack facilities in the country, with millions of
volumes. Kimmel Center for University Life
houses meeting space for hundreds of student
organizations, plus areas for the frequent recruitment fairs and lectures from national
and international leaders. It also holds the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts’
860- seat theater, which is the largest performing arts facility south of 42nd Street. The
brand- new, $1.2 billion Paulson Center is a massive, 735,000- square- foot multiuse
facility on Mercer Street. Completed in spring 2023, the complex features classrooms,
practice and performance spaces for the drama and music programs, a world- class
sports center complete with a six- lane pool, housing for 400 freshmen and 42 faculty
members, dining facilities, a Commons for meet- ups and studying, and more.
The city scene is central to the NYU experience. So, too, is the wide range of
academic programs. Under the College Core Curriculum, freshmen and sophomores
take courses including foreign language, expository writing, foundations of con-
temporary culture, and foundations of scientific inquiry. The language offerings
go far beyond the typical Spanish- French- German— among the choices are Arabic,
Cantonese, Hindi, Modern Irish, Swahili, and Tagalog— and NYU operates a lan-
guage exchange program with Columbia University as well. The Tisch School of the
Arts trained such famed artists as Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Donald Glover, and
Maggie Rogers, and current undergrads continue to win many national student film-
maker awards. Tisch also boasts excellent drama, dance, photography, and televi-
sion departments, and it’s not uncommon to see students who haven’t yet finished
B.F.A. degrees performing in Broadway shows.
Wall Street’s future bull and bear wranglers hang out at the Stern School of
Business, where they benefit from unique interdisciplinary majors such as business
and political economy and business, technology, and entrepreneurship. The Leslie
Website: www .nyu .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 50,627
Undergraduates: 28,354
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 57%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 33%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 100,662
Accepted: 13%
Enrolled: 49%
Grad in 6 Years: 87%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (212) 998- 4500
Email Address: admissions @
nyu .edu
Strong Programs:
Film and Television
Visual and Performing Arts
Business
Economics
Journalism
Politics
Global Liberal Studies
Nursing
Engineering
“Going to NYU prepares
students to live and work in
the real world.”
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494 NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
eLab also provides space for aspiring entrepreneurs. Another favorite department
among students (and the New York corporations who recruit them after graduation)
is accounting, known for its high job- placement rate. In the College of Arts and
Science, economics, English, journalism, history, politics, and global liberal stud-
ies win the highest marks from students. The Tandon School of Engineering, the
Steinhardt School, the Silver School of Social Work, the College of Nursing, and the
School of Professional Studies offer a bevy of career- based programs, including engi-
neering, education, media, nutrition, and real estate. Steinhardt’s offerings in music,
music theatre, and music business are notable. Across the university, the most pop-
ular majors are business, nursing, economics, and theatre. The Gallatin School of
Individualized Study provides flexible schedules and freedom from requirements for
those wishing to engage in independent study or develop their own programs. For
those tempted to linger around the Village for more than four years, there’s a seven-
year dental program and several five- year bachelor’s/master’s programs.
Finding a cheap New York apartment may be easier than sailing through NYU’s
challenging academics. Regardless of major, everyone is very focused on career
preparation— it’s never enough to just concentrate on your classes. “It’s common for
students to take on difficult courseloads, along
with a job or internship,” explains a film and
television major. Despite the university’s mam-
moth size, 58 percent of classes taken by under-
graduates have fewer than 20 students. Graduate
students might lead foreign language sections, writing workshops, and the recita-
tions that accompany lectures, but students still say teaching is usually top- notch
and professors are reasonably accessible. “Surprisingly, most of our introductory
courses are taught by really great and well- known professors,” says one student.
Point to a spot on a world map and you’ll likely hit a country hosting under-
graduates from NYU, which sends more of them abroad than any other school. “At
NYU, studying away is not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘where,’” says a junior. In addition
to its campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, the university has 12 academic sites
in cities from Buenos Aires and Prague to Sydney and Tel Aviv, as well as exchange
agreements with universities in other locations throughout the world. More than
half of NYU undergrads study abroad, sometimes as early as their freshman year
through the university’s Liberal Studies Core. Locally, internships range from jobs
on Wall Street to assignments with film industry giants. The career center is “amaz-
ingly personal and well run,” says an econ major, and has thousands of listings for
on- campus jobs, full- time jobs, and internships. Students qualifying for freshman
honors seminars study in small classes under top faculty and eminent visiting pro-
fessors. An annual undergraduate research conference at the College of Arts and
Science gives students the chance to present findings from their research.
An international politics major says NYU students are “high- achieving individuals,
cosmopolitan, independent, self- driven, and confident.” Thanks in part to the universi-
ty’s investment in student housing, 67 percent of undergraduates now come from out-
side New York State, including a substantial
26 percent from outside the United States. In-
staters hail primarily from the city and nearby sub-
urbs. Black students make up 8 percent of
undergrads, Asian Americans 20 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 17 percent, and multiracial
students 4 percent. On this generally liberal campus, social justice, immigration policy,
the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, and rights of all kinds— LGBTQ, animal, human, and
workers’— are important, students say. Although most financial aid is need- based, merit
awards averaging $28,500 are available; athletic scholarships are not.
Whereas NYU students once had to fend for themselves in New York’s outrageous
“Most of our introductory
courses are taught by really
great and well- known
professors.”
Despite the
university’s mammoth
size, 58 percent of
classes taken by
undergraduates
have fewer than
20 students.
“Housing is lovely although
expensive, like everything
else in Manhattan.”
NYU’s Skirball Center
for the Performing
Arts is the largest
performing arts
facility south of
42nd Street.
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NEW YORK UNIVERSITY 495
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housing market, the university now guarantees four years of housing to all fresh-
men (and most transfers) who seek it. More than 20 residence halls, ranging from
old hotels to a converted monastery, provide a wide range of accommodations. Most
rooms have private baths and are larger, cleaner, newer, and better equipped than
many city apartments, enticing 36 percent of students to stay in campus- owned hous-
ing. Opines a senior, “Housing is lovely although expensive, like everything else in
Manhattan.” First years reside largely in first- year residence halls, many of which have
themed floors, and rooms are assigned by lottery each spring. The university provides
free shuttle buses to dorms that are farther uptown or downtown. The dining halls
offer extensive choices— from wraps to sushi to a dedicated kosher eatery. “The dining
halls really try to accommodate everyone,” says one student. Of course, downtown’s
array of ethnic restaurants also offers a variety of food at cheap prices.
Because NYU is large and fairly decentralized, the Student Resource Center helps
students navigate university resources and services. The university’s Wellness Exchange
provides students with a hotline that connects them with professionals who can help
them address daily challenges or crises they may
encounter, and S.P.A.C.E. (Sexual Misconduct
Prevention, Assistance, Counseling, and Education)
provides comprehensive resources and support.
Students also meet with academic advisors— usually professors in their major
department— at least once a semester. For concerned parents and students, NYU hosts a
series of workshops on keeping safe, and programs like the NYU Trolley and Safe Ride
Van Service provide door- to- door service for students until 3:00 a.m. “I always feel safe,”
says a linguistics major. “I can’t walk more than one block without seeing an NYU secu-
rity officer or an NYPD car just patrolling the area.”
NYU’s social life is divided between the campus and the city. “Students can be
found all over the Village and NYC enjoying one of the most vibrant social scenes on
the planet,” enthuses a romance languages and psychology major. Many students
march in the city’s Halloween Parade, which takes over the Village, while most fall
and spring weekends find a city- sponsored street fair somewhere nearby. On campus,
there are concerts, movies, fraternity and sorority events (only 2 percent of the men
and 4 percent of the women go Greek), and more than 300 clubs and organizations.
Underage students caught with alcohol in public areas in the dorms may lose their
housing. The rest take their chances with the notoriously strict bouncers at bars and
clubs around Manhattan. The springtime Strawberry Festival includes free berries,
cotton candy, outdoor concerts, and carnival amusements. The Violet Ball, a dinner/
dance held each fall in the atrium of Bobst Library, offers an excuse to get dressed up.
“We graduate at Yankee Stadium, which is incredible,” cheers a senior.
While sports have not traditionally been a big emphasis at NYU, successful
Violets programs include women’s golf (recent national champions), volleyball, and
basketball, as well as men’s and women’s fencing and swimming and diving, all of
which compete in Division III. Roughly one- third of undergrads participate in intra-
mural sports, which include flag football, bowling, and indoor cricket.
The heartbeat of New York City thumps day and night; NYU students thrive on
all that energy and know how to capture it in their studies and social lives. “To be
an NYU student is to be part college student, part New Yorker,” a senior says. “Don’t
come here if you’re not up to working hard and moving fast.”
“We graduate at Yankee
Stadium, which is
incredible.”
The university now
guarantees four years
of housing to all
freshmen (and most
transfers) who seek it.
Many students march
in the city’s Halloween
Parade, which takes
over the Village.
Overlaps
University of
Southern California,
Cornell University,
Boston University,
Northeastern,
Columbia, Carnegie
Mellon, University
of Pennsylvania, UC
Berkeley
If You Apply To ›
NYU: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Portfolio or audition required for some
programs. Please consult NYU’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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496 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of North Carolina Asheville
1 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804
BEST
BUY
Located in a picturesque mountain setting outside the progressive and arts- minded
city from which it takes its name, UNC Asheville is North Carolina’s contribution to
the tradition of “public liberal arts” colleges. With 2,700 full- time, degree- seeking
students, it is about half the size of William & Mary and somewhat smaller than Mary
Washington. By Southern standards, a progressive university in a progressive city.
The University of North Carolina Asheville offers all of the perks that are generally
associated with pricier private institutions: rigorous academics, small classes, and a
beautiful setting. And it does it for a fraction of the cost. This public liberal arts and
sciences university continues to integrate experiential learning into its traditional
curriculum, emphasizing undergraduate research, internships, and service- learning
experiences. According to a mass communication major, “We definitely lean into
the culture of being a mountain school, a smaller school, and a liberal arts school.”
Located in the heart of North Carolina’s gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, the
360- acre campus lies in the middle of one million acres of federal and state forest
near the tallest mountain in the East and the most heavily visited national park in
the country. The campus was built in the 1960s
when the university, whose origins go back to
1927, joined the UNC system. Much of the brick
architecture reflects the style of that decade,
although many of the buildings have been added within the past several years,
including a high- tech science and multimedia building. The Botanical Gardens at
Asheville, adjacent to the main campus, features thousands of native plants and
trees and serves as a wildlife refuge and study center for biology students. The STEAM
Studio, located just off campus, brings together science, engineering, and art stu-
dents in one collaborative, state- of- the- art makerspace. Owen Hall, housing the art,
art history, and new media departments, earned LEED Silver certification.
Asheville’s general education curriculum, the Liberal Arts Core, is required of all
undergraduates. In addition to first- year and senior- capstone liberal arts seminars,
students must take courses in eight areas spanning the humanities, sciences, and
mathematics, as well as two Diversity Intensives, one of which must focus on U.S.
racial and ethnic diversity. The most popular majors at Asheville are psychology,
environmental studies, mass communication, health and wellness promotion, busi-
ness, and biology. Students can take advantage of Asheville’s strengths as a global
source of information for climate and atmospheric sciences and as a center of dig-
ital imaging, music, and fine arts and studio crafts. “UNC Asheville is a very envi-
ronmentally friendly, artsy school,” says a management major. A joint B.S. degree
in engineering (with a concentration in mechatronics) with North Carolina State
University is the only such program in the state and is one of the fastest- growing
majors.
Courses are challenging, but “UNC Asheville is laid- back and slower paced,
which might be different for students who are used to competition and a faster-
paced lifestyle,” comments an economics major. Seventy- two percent of all classes
have fewer than 20 students, and a number of them have service- learning com-
ponents. As a French and political science double major points out, “Our facul-
ty’s mentorship and close relationships are especially evident in undergraduate
research.” Research is indeed a key emphasis here: Asheville founded the National
Conference on Undergraduate Research and has hosted the conference five times.
Website: www .unca .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 2,519
Undergraduates: 2,519
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 88%
Pell Grant: 31%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 58%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 4,278
Accepted: 74%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 59%
Returning Freshmen: 69%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (828) 251- 6481
Email Address: admissions @
unca .edu
Strong Programs:
Atmospheric Sciences
Visual Arts
Music
Psychology
Environmental Studies
Mass Communication
Health and Wellness
Promotion
Biology
“UNC Asheville is a very
environmentally friendly,
artsy school.”
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE 497
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
About 60 percent of Asheville students will have an undergraduate research experi-
ence by graduation. The UNC Asheville honors program offers special courses— as
well as cultural and social opportunities— to motivated students who can make the
grade. Study abroad is an option too, in programs available in more than 50 coun-
tries. “Career advising is strong and they constantly reach out to students about
future plans,” cheers a senior.
The head count at Asheville has risen steadily over the past decade, but only
12 percent of students come from out of state and another 1 percent from abroad.
(The state limits its out- of- state admits to 25 percent.) Asheville has shed its early
reputation as a hippie haven, but students still value individualism: “We encourage
everyone to be themselves and pursue their own interests,” says a psychology major.
Currently, the student body is 5 percent Black, 9 percent Hispanic/Latino, 2 percent
Asian American, and 5 percent multiracial, but Asheville is making special efforts to
bring more students from underrepresented groups to campus. Students say the
campus is home to a strong LGBTQ community, and a substantial number of trans-
fer students add their own brand of diversity. Students tend to be progressively
minded, and issues of environmental sustainability and racial and gender equity get
particular attention on campus. Thirty- one percent of current freshmen are Pell-
eligible. Asheville offers more than 200 athletic scholarships, as well as merit schol-
arships averaging $2,700.
Forty- eight percent of the students live in the residence halls, which offer single
and double rooms as well as suite- style options. “Housing is very nice and conve-
nient but expensive,” says a junior. Residential learning communities offer special
residential and academic options for students
with similar interests, such as the Cloud (for
computer science and atmospheric sciences
majors) and the Transfer Learning Community
(for transfer students). For meals, students may
eat dining- hall fare or grab something quick at retail outlets around campus, includ-
ing local cuisine. A sophomore says, “Our campus security is excellent. We have an
on- campus police force that patrols regularly around campus.”
Social life at Asheville is fairly low- key. Greek life is not an influential presence,
with only 2 percent of the men and 1 percent of the women joining up. Most parties
take place off campus, especially since RAs tightly monitor underage drinking in the
dorms. “There is no tolerance for unsafe, underage, or unwise drinking,” says a stu-
dent. There are more than 60 student organizations, including the student newspa-
per, the Blue Banner. Several campuswide events bring the school together each year,
including the Turning of the Maples in October (featuring apple cider, maple cook-
ies, and pumpkin bowling on the quad), homecoming, and a spring lawn party.
During Greenfest, explains a student, the campus community gathers to “do out-
door service work on campus and attend informative talks about environmental
issues and other events like a farm- to- table dinner.”
The city of Asheville, long a haven for artists and an increasingly popular retire-
ment destination, offers a tame but inviting nightlife, with popular hangouts like
the Orange Peel, the Grey Eagle, and Isis Music Hall, and the city has been named
Beer City USA several times. Asheville is also
home to a bevy of street performers, outdoor
music festivals, outstanding restaurants, and live
entertainment events. For the many Asheville
students with a hankering for the great outdoors, the university is surrounded by the
Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smokies, where students can hike and rock climb;
water buffs can go rafting and kayaking on the nearby rivers. Preorientation wilder-
ness trips and urban excursions help build friendships among freshmen. Those with
Owen Hall, housing
the art, art history,
and new media
departments,
earned LEED Silver
certification.
“Our faculty’s mentorship
and close relationships
are especially evident in
undergraduate research.”
During Greenfest,
the campus
community gathers
to do outdoor service
work on campus.
“Everyone who works here
is dedicated to the student
experience in some way.”
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498 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
cars can head to Greenville and Charlotte, one and two hours away, respectively.
Real big- city action takes extra effort, though, since Atlanta is a four- hour trek.
The Division I Bulldogs boast Big South Conference teams in 16 sports. Men’s
and women’s basketball, along with men’s and women’s tennis are among the most
successful. “We have a great rivalry with Western Carolina,” says a health and well-
ness major. Intramurals and club sports are at least as popular as the varsity sports
(especially ultimate Frisbee and basketball), as are outdoor adventure trips and the
on- campus challenge course and bike shop.
“Everyone who works here is dedicated to the student experience in some way,”
says a senior. “That means you won’t be a number.” Indeed, all the ingredients for a
superior college experience lie in wait at Asheville: strong academics, dedicated pro-
fessors, and an administration that continues to push for excellence. It’s a place to
get the kind of liberal arts education usually associated with private colleges— but at
the cost of a public university.
Overlaps
Furman, College
of Wooster, New
College of Florida,
St. Mary’s College
of Maryland,
Christopher
Newport, William &
Mary, University of
Mary Washington,
Elon
If You Apply To ›
UNC Asheville: Early decision I and II, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please con-
sult UNC Asheville’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Jackson Hall, CB 2200, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Close on the heels of UVA as the South’s most prestigious public university. With
82 percent of the spots in each incoming class reserved for in- staters, admission is
selective but not impossible for out- of- staters who aren’t 6
9
with a 43- inch vertical
jump. But they keep trying by the thousands. Chapel Hill is a quintessential college
town.
Welcome to “the Southern part of heaven,” a place where the sky is Carolina blue
and the academics are red- hot. As the flagship campus of the state university system,
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has earned its place among the
South’s most prestigious universities. The atmosphere here is a unique brand of
Southern, a rowdy mixture of hard work, sports fanaticism, progressive social values,
and traditions that seems to attract bright, serious, and fun- loving students from
everywhere.
Chartered in 1789, UNC was the first public university in the United States to
open its doors, and North Carolinians still take pride in Carolina’s identity as “the
University of the people.” UNC’s gorgeous and
comfortable campus occupies 730 acres lush
with trees and lawns and brick- paved walkways.
The architecture ranges from Palladian, Federal,
and Georgian to postmodern, with red brick the prevailing motif. The Old Well, the
university’s symbol, stands at the northern end of the campus.
The university’s IDEAs in Action general education curriculum places greater
emphasis on the first- year experience, interdisciplinary learning, undergraduate
research, and out- of- class experiences like internships and study abroad. The curric-
ulum centers on developing skills in nine “focus capacities”— categories of courses
that range from quantitative reasoning to ethical and civic values. In their first
Website: www .unc .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 26,214
Undergraduates: 19,162
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 52%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 33%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 57,221
Accepted: 17%
Enrolled: 46%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
“The majority of professors
go out of their way to help
students.”
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year, students take a College Thriving course, which eases the transition to college
life. They also choose either a First- Year Seminar on a specialized topic, such as the
Interplay of Music and Physics, or a First- Year Launch course, like Econ 101 or Bio
101, which provides an introduction to a major. Required, cross- disciplinary Ideas,
Information, and Inquiry courses, which focus on broad themes like Understanding
Health and Happiness, are team- taught by faculty members from three different
fields to expose students to diverse academic perspectives.
Chapel Hill offers more than 75 undergraduate degree programs. Some of the
strongest are communication and media studies, business administration, chemis-
try, sociology, English, global studies, and philosophy. Other popular majors include
biology, psychology, economics, and political science. The university has developed
a broad range of opportunities to help students become entrepreneurial, including
an entrepreneurship minor and the Carolina Challenge, a student- run competition
that awards up to $50,000 in prizes each year for the best business plan. Computer
science and neuroscience are some of the fastest- growing majors. Biomedical and
health sciences engineering, a joint- degree program with North Carolina State
University, is the only option for those seeking an engineering major.
“Although this is a prestigious university, I don’t feel a sense of competition at
all,” says one sophomore. Academic and social life are governed by a student- run
honor system. Forty- four percent of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, and access
to registration is based on seniority. If you get
closed out of a class, “be persistent,” advises a
first- year. The Carolina faculty is, for the most
part, top- notch. Professors keep regular office
hours, and a history major says, “The majority of
professors go out of their way to help students and make sure that they are learning
everything they possibly can.” Regarding career preparation, a senior cheers, “Our
career services department on campus puts effort into each and every student.”
Undergraduate research is prevalent in all disciplines, and many students pres-
ent their findings at professional conferences, publish results in academic journals,
and win fellowships to support summer research in the United States and abroad.
For those tired of the classroom rush, Research Triangle Park, a nearby research and
corporate community and home of the National Humanities Center, employs many
students as research assistants. UNC offers more than 400 study abroad programs in
approximately 70 countries. Summer School, including the three- week “Maymester,”
provides undergraduates with diverse course options, some with off- campus travel
or research opportunities not possible during the academic year. One- third of the
students are involved in community service, many through a service- learning pro-
gram for which they receive academic credit. Additionally, UNC’s honors program
is nationally recognized.
“Carolina students are proud to attend this school, and they bleed Carolina
blue,” says one Tar Heel. Out- of- state admission is extremely tough; by statute,
82 percent of first- year undergraduates must be North Carolina residents. Five per-
cent of all undergrads come from foreign coun-
tries. Big social and political issues on campus
include multiculturalism, gender roles, and reli-
gious issues. Black students account for 8 percent
of the student body, Asian Americans 14 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent, and
multiracial students 5 percent. Women outnumber men on campus 3 to 2, in part
because engineering is offered down the road at NC State. UNC awards a limited
number of highly competitive academic scholarships, along with more than 600
athletic scholarships in 26 sports. What’s more, the university is need- blind in
admissions and commits to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all
(continued)
Admissions: (919) 966- 3621
Email Address: unchelp @
admissions .unc .edu
Strong Programs:
Communication and Media
Studies
Business Administration
Chemistry
Sociology
English
Global Studies
Philosophy
Biology
“Carolina students are
proud to attend this school,
and they bleed Carolina
blue.”
In their first year,
students take a
College Thriving
course, which eases
the transition to
college life.
“The pickiest of the picky
could be happy with
Carolina dining services.”
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500 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
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admitted students— one of only two public universities in the U.S. to do so (see also
University of Virginia). The Carolina Covenant program, which has served as a
national model to universities seeking to increase socioeconomic diversity, offers
scholarships, grants, and work- study as well as extensive mentoring and other sup-
port to qualifying students who are at or below 200 percent of the poverty level.
UNC provides free tuition to North Carolina residents whose families make less than
$80,000 per year.
New first- year students are required to live on campus, and 44 percent of all
undergraduates live in university housing, which “is an invaluable part of the expe-
rience,” according to one student. Housing on the north side of campus offers old
and recently renovated dorms; the south side offers several new housing options,
which are a 15- minute hike from academic buildings (not to worry— there’s a free
campus shuttle). “The pickiest of the picky could be happy with Carolina dining
services,” says a first- year. Campus security is praised for its constant presence.
“Sexual assault has become a very visible issue in the sense that people are more
willing to talk about it,” comments a sociology major, adding that the university has
“taken steps to address the issue.” UNC has also been busy in recent years taking
down statues and renaming buildings associated with slavery.
“‘College town’ in the dictionary should show a picture of Chapel Hill,” boasts
one senior. Franklin Street, the main drag in town that runs across the northern
boundary of campus, offers ethnic restaurants, ice- cream parlors, coffeehouses, veg-
etarian eateries, bakeries, a dance club, a gener-
ous supply of bars, and the Varsity movie theater.
Fraternities and sororities may account for only
14 percent of the men and 16 percent of the
women, but they exert an influence far beyond their numbers. “Fraternities are a
social hub, and many students flock to their off- campus parties,” confirms one stu-
dent. Between Greek life and other campus- sponsored activities, “There are always
five or six things happening on any given day,” says a political science major.
FallFest kicks off the school year with an emphasis on the idea that you don’t have
to drink to have fun. The annual Carolina Jazz Festival and Halloween Celebration
on Franklin Street draw enthusiastic crowds. And, as a senior explains, “We also
have other fun traditions: students taking a sip from the Old Well, climbing up the
Bell Tower, and streaking before finals (though we’re not supposed to talk about that
last one).”
Student and alumni enthusiasm for Tar Heel athletics is legendary, and the
word “popular” doesn’t do justice to the basketball games. A contest between Tar
Heel hoopsters and NC State makes any Carolina fan’s heart beat faster, but Duke
takes the prize as the most reviled of all devils. The Tar Heels, national runners- up
in 2022, play in the 21,750- seat Smith Center, named for the late coach Dean
Smith, one of the winningest college basketball coaches of all time. Women’s field
hockey has won four national championships in the last five years, and women’s
lacrosse claimed the national title in 2022. Men’s and women’s soccer and tennis
are also highly competitive. Extensive intramural and club sports programs draw
heavy participation; intramural basketball and soccer alone each boast rosters of
more than 200 teams. Both men’s and women’s ultimate Frisbee were national
champions in 2023. Those who crave fresh air can take advantage of the Outdoor
Education Center’s mountain bike trails, rope courses, and one of the longest
double zip lines on the East Coast.
As a popular saying goes, “If God is not a Tar Heel, why is the sky Carolina
blue?” It’s a cute turn of phrase but also points to the passion that is well- known in
these parts. As one of the best college buys in the country, UNC- Chapel Hill gives
students everything they want, both academically and socially. Despite efforts by
UNC offers more
than 400 study
abroad programs
in approximately
70 countries.
“There are always five or six
things happening on any
given day.”
A contest between
Tar Heel hoopsters
and NC State makes
any Carolina fan’s
heart beat faster.
Overlaps
University of
Virginia, Duke,
UC Berkeley,
UCLA, University
of Michigan,
North Carolina
State, Vanderbilt,
Appalachian State
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Philistine forces in the state legislature to meddle in campus affairs for political pur-
poses, North Carolina’s flagship university, with its 234- year history, continues to
sustain an atmosphere of extreme pride, a love of tradition, and monumental school
spirit. One first- year, full of that school spirit, says, “Southern hospitality blended
with a high level of thinking, an overwhelming dose of friendliness and pep, and a
spectacularly gorgeous campus make Chapel Hill my favorite place in the world.”
If You Apply To ›
UNC at Chapel Hill: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult UNC
at Chapel Hill’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC 28403
Still overshadowed by Chapel Hill and the other biggies in the strong UNC system
but making a name for itself. Strong in marine biology and other sciences. You won’t
see the Seahawks in the NCAA Final Four anytime soon, but you will be able to get
to know your professors. Students tend to think of themselves as “hardworking
beachgoers,” and only 12 percent hail from outside North Carolina.
At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, students enjoy extensive under-
graduate research opportunities, a slate of solid sciences, and a close- knit commu-
nity of like- minded individuals who like their modern academics mixed with a bit
of old- fashioned Southern charm. The university’s proximity to the ocean provides
motivated students with ample opportunities for fun in the sun and a natural lab
for the school’s stellar marine biology program. Whether diving into the sea or into
their studies, UNCW students are filled with school spirit.
Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in
the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660- acre campus is only minutes from
Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian archi-
tecture and designated conservation areas. These
conservation areas are significant zones of natural
beauty with their longleaf pines, oaks, dogwoods,
and native magnolias. Notable campus landmarks
include the clock tower, the Leutze Hall portico, Chancellor’s Walk, and the Campus
Life complex, which serves as the hub of the university community. In the past few
years, UNCW has undertaken more than $450 million in campus construction with
numerous buildings being built or restored, parking lots and decks finished. Other
completed projects include four residence halls, one dining hall, a film studies build-
ing, and a coastal engineering building.
UNCW’s University Studies curriculum requires students to complete coursework
in three main categories— Foundations, Building Competencies, and Approaches and
Perspectives— and to complete one approved Explorations Beyond the Classroom
experience, such as an internship or a study abroad program. Freshmen benefit from
a slate of special programs, including a required two- day orientation and a first-
year seminar. Each seminar is limited to 25 students and most are connected with
Seahawk Links, older students who help with the transition into UNCW life. About
a third of incoming freshmen sign up for learning communities, taking courses
Website: www .uncw .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 12,991
Undergraduates: 11,709
Male/Female: 37/63
Financial Aid: 49%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 34%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 16,860
Accepted: 69%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 83%
Academics:
- -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (910) 962- 3243
Email Address: admissions @
uncw .edu
Strong Programs:
Marine Biology
Chemistry
Ecology
“Our university places a
large emphasis on lab and
fieldwork.”
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502 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON
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together related to an academic or personal interest. “My learning community was a
safe space to explore college with built- in buddies!” recalls a junior.
Some of the most popular majors are nursing, business administration, commu-
nication studies, psychology, and biology. The university’s strengths lie in the nat-
ural sciences, especially marine biology, chemistry, ecology, and other disciplines
that form the core of the marine sciences. “Our university places a large emphasis on
lab and fieldwork,” says one geography major. Outside of the sciences, UNCW offers
solid programs in film studies and creative writing. Newer offerings include majors
in respiratory therapy, digital arts, and coastal engineering. Freshmen are taught
by full professors, and a social work major says, “Professors work hard to engage
students and help students succeed, even during challenging times.” Enrollments in
introductory courses sometimes swell to more than 100, but 41 percent of all classes
have fewer than 20 students. New majors include respiratory therapy, cybersecurity,
and intelligent systems engineering. The coastal engineering program, the first of
its kind in the nation, provides unique opportunities for research, including a new
state- of- the- art wave flume.
A veteran- friendly campus, more than 2,300 military- affiliated students are
enrolled at UNCW, and Veterans Hall, a 145,000- square- foot facility housing the
College of Health and Human Services and the Office of Military Affairs, is currently
the only building in the United States located on a university or college campus
named in honor of all veterans. For students yearning to experience new vistas,
UNCW offers hundreds of approved study abroad trips in more than 50 countries
and consistently sends roughly 10 percent of students abroad each year. Students in
the UNCW Honors College engage in living/learning communities, advanced
coursework, and experiential seminars; honors students also complete a senior
honors capstone research project.
According to a marketing major, UNCW students are “hardworking beachgoers.
Every student here is hardworking and motivated but enjoys a little time off as well.”
Eighty- six percent of undergrads are native to North Carolina, and 1 percent are
international. Lack of diversity is a frequent stu-
dent complaint. Black students represent 4 per-
cent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos
8 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent, and multi-
racial students 3 percent. Students describe a
“relaxed” balance of liberal and conservative political views. “We’re a coastal school,
so many students are passionate about clean- water programs and recycling,” reports
a senior. Outstanding students can vie for nearly 700 donor- funded scholarships.
Under UNCW’s Support Opportunity Access Responsibility program, high- achieving
students from low- income families may receive grants and scholarships equaling the
cost of in- state tuition and fees, in addition to federal loans or work- study funding
if needed.
All freshmen and sophomores (except commuters who live at home with a
parent or guardian) are required to reside on campus. Options range from traditional
freshman dorms to sophomore suites and apartments for upperclassmen. Most stu-
dents who move off campus stay within a mile or so of the school. Campus eateries
include Wagoner Hall, Dub’s Café, the Shore, the Hawks Nest food court, and the
Hub; students give the food positive reviews. A public health major comments, “The
quality of the meals at UNCW is high— they are always tasty and fill me up.” Students
praise campus police for keeping the area secure and the CARE office for helping to
combat sexual assault on campus.
When it comes to social life, a junior asks, “How much better can a social scene
get than the beach?” Indeed, the beach is the place to be for many popular events,
such as the Beach Blast party the first week of school. Students also look forward
(continued)
Film Studies
Creative Writing
Nursing
Business Administration
Communication Studies
The coastal
engineering program
provides unique
opportunities for
research, including
a new state- of- the-
art wave flume.
“From the many bars to the
many beaches, we have
hundreds of social spots to
hang out.”
Students look
forward to the
annual Oozeball mud
volleyball tournament.
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NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY 503
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to homecoming, the Dub Idol and Hawk It Out singing and dance competitions,
and the annual Oozeball mud volleyball tournament. Additionally, “UNCWeekends
puts something on every weekend for students both on and off campus,” says a
public health major. Fraternities and sororities attract 11 percent of the men and
8 percent of the women, respectively. The party scene is far from raucous, students
report, and underage drinkers face stiff penalties if caught. Downtown Wilmington
is “a very scenic and beautiful city,” says a student, and offers its share of restaurants,
bars, and shops. “From the many bars to the many beaches, we have hundreds of
social spots to hang out,” boasts a senior. Road trips include jaunts to Myrtle Beach,
the Outer Banks, Washington, D.C., and the Appalachian Mountains.
UNCW fields 19 varsity teams that compete in Division I. Recent Colonial
Athletic Association conference champions include men’s and women’s swimming
and diving teams, men’s golf, men’s tennis, and baseball. “Seahawk basketball is
huge!” raves one freshman. Club and intramural sports are also popular, especially
flag football, basketball, soccer, and ice hockey. Sea kayaking and paddleboarding
trips organized by Seahawk Adventures are other favorite diversions.
Despite complaints of limited parking and the lack of football, students at the
University of North Carolina Wilmington seem to be a happy lot. “Everyone here
always seems to be in a good mood and goes out of their way to speak to and help
others,” says a senior. “Maybe it’s the Southern charm in us, but whatever it is, it
sure helps make this laid- back college an awesome place to attend.”
Overlaps
Appalachian State,
UNC Charlotte,
North Carolina
State, UNC
Greensboro, East
Carolina, UNC
at Chapel Hill,
University of South
Carolina, College of
Charleston
If You Apply To ›
UNC Wilmington: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult UNC
Wilmington’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
North Carolina State University
Box 7103, Raleigh, NC 27695
NC State may lack the high national profile of neighbors Duke and UNC at Chapel
Hill, but it is a powerhouse in North Carolina’s Research Triangle and beyond— just
ask the thousands of graduates who have moved into jobs in the area. Engineering,
business, and biology are the most popular programs. Location in the state capital a
big plus. Compare to Clemson and Virginia Tech.
Whether you’re looking for a stellar education or a top- rated athletics pro-
gram, North Carolina State University offers students the benefits of a large
school— highly regarded professors, a diverse student body, and plenty to do on
weekends— while making sure that no one feels left out. Says an electrical engi-
neering major, “There is definitely a place for everyone here, since there are so
many avenues to explore.”
The 2,137- acre campus, which dates to 1887, consists of redbrick buildings,
brick- lined walks, and cozy courtyards dotted with pine trees. There is no dominant
style but more of an architectural stream of consciousness that reveals a campus that
has grown and changed with time. Holladay Hall has been designated as a historic
site by the Raleigh City Council, while the ultramodern Hunt Library features a
game lab, visualization studio, and digital production suites. For amusement, you
can always stroll over and watch its robotic book retrieval system in action. NC
Website: www .ncsu .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 29,612
Undergraduates: 23,645
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 66%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 47%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 35,420
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504 NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
State’s Centennial Campus, a 1,227- acre, public- private research campus, is home
to the $150 million Fitts- Woolard Hall, housing several engineering programs. The
$45 million Wellness and Recreation Center boasts a 48- foot- tall climbing wall and
top- of- the- line training equipment. The $160 million Plan Sciences Building is a hub
of research and innovation and features extensive collaborative space within three
core facilities— the Cellular and Molecular Imaging Facility, the Genomic Sciences
Laboratory, and the Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation
Center.
General education requirements cover a broad range of liberal arts disciplines in
addition to coursework that reflects interdisciplinary perspectives, develops writing
skills, examines diversity and inclusion in the U.S., and engages students in- depth
in an area that is clearly distinct from their major.
An Exploratory Studies program provides guid-
ance and counseling for incoming students to
introduce them to possible majors. “The aca-
demic climate is a mixture of healthy competi-
tiveness and teamwork/support,” says an economics major. Many classes are large,
but faculty get high grades for being accessible and helpful during office hours. A
biology major comments, “As with any university, NC State employs some out-
standing faculty and some less- than- stellar professors who are more effective in the
laboratory than in the lecture hall.”
NC State excels in the professional areas of engineering, architecture, business,
agriculture, and the sciences, which are among the largest and the most demand-
ing divisions. Not surprisingly, given its location in the heart of textile country,
the university also boasts the largest and one of the best textiles programs in the
nation. Engineering tops the list of most popular majors, followed by business, bio-
logical sciences, and agriculture. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is
the second largest school in the university, and solid nontechnical areas include
communication, English, international studies, and social work. Notable programs
are also available in genetics, forest management, biomedical engineering, sport
management, and turfgrass science.
An important feature of NC State’s approach to education is the cooperative
education program, through which students in all schools can alternate semesters
of on- site work with traditional classroom time. Twenty- two percent of students
conduct undergraduate research. The university benefits greatly from its relation-
ships with private industry through the state’s high- tech Research Triangle Park,
located nearby, as well as from cooperative ties with Duke and UNC at Chapel Hill.
NC State offers approximately 400 study abroad programs in more than 50 coun-
tries. In the University Scholars program, academic standouts live together and
participate in weekly activities such as cultural events, honors classes, and outdoor
recreation trips. Students in the University Honors Program take small seminars
and complete a capstone project, and they can join a dedicated living/learning
community.
NC State’s star continues to rise as it becomes more selective. One student says
the student body, a.k.a. Wolfpack, consists mainly of “hardworking and humble”
North Carolinians; consistent with state mandates, 88 percent are in- state students,
and 3 percent are international. Six percent of undergraduates are Black, 9 percent
are Hispanic/Latino, 10 percent are Asian American, and 5 percent are multiracial.
Conservatism among students is not uncommon, but in general, according to a
junior, “political and social activism are not widespread among the student body.”
Jocks and sports fans are visible, and the university offers 324 athletic scholarships.
Those with outstanding academic qualifications can compete for merit scholarships
averaging $5,000. The Pack Promise guarantees that every North Carolina resident
(continued)
Accepted: 47%
Enrolled: 33%
Grad in 6 Years: 86%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (919) 515- 2434
Email Address: undergrad
-admissions @ ncsu .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Architecture
Business
Agriculture
Textiles
Biological Sciences
Communication
English
“There is definitely a place
for everyone here, since
there are so many avenues
to explore.”
The $160 million Plan
Sciences Building is
a hub of research
and innovation and
features extensive
collaborative space.
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admitted to NC State with a family income at or below 150 percent of the federal
poverty level will receive an aid package that meets 100 percent of their demon-
strated financial need.
Thirty- six percent of students live on campus, which is a requirement for first-
years, who choose between hall- style and suite- style accommodations. Thirty- one
percent of students opt to reside in the school’s 15 Living and Learning Villages,
where they can live and socialize with others who share their interests, such as
entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. “Not very many people stay on
campus after their freshman year, and only then is it hard to get a room— in the off-
campus apartments,” reports a chemistry major. The dining halls feed all freshmen
and anyone else who cares to join the meal plan, and the food gets positive reviews.
Campus safety also receives good ratings.
The 29 fraternities and 20 sororities attract 11 percent of the men and 15 percent
of the women. The Greek scene provides much of the entertainment, but parties in
dorms and at off- campus apartments are also popular. Alcohol policies are enforced,
and if you’re thinking about grabbing a brew,
“don’t try unless you’re 21,” warns a senior. A
junior says, “There are always countless free
events going on campus: concerts, festivals, free
movies, or outdoor activities.” Packapalooza, “a
huge block party on Hillsborough Street with a
free concert at the end,” kicks off the academic year, and Wolfstock, a concert on the
last day of classes in the spring, closes it. Public transportation affords easy access to
downtown, with its shops, restaurants, theaters, and night spots. Many students also
like to head to the beach, which is about two hours away, or to the mountains
for hiking or skiing, which is about a three- and- a- half- hour trip. Volunteering is pop-
ular too.
Students love to cheer on their Division I Wolfpack teams, which do well in
baseball, football, wrestling, gymnastics, and men’s and women’s swimming and
diving; women’s cross-country won its third straight national title in 2023. But need-
less to say, basketball reigns supreme— playing in the high- powered Atlantic Coast
Conference. Some ardent NC State fans storm nearby Hillsborough Street following
game- day victories, especially those over archrival UNC at Chapel Hill. Indeed, the
annual State versus Carolina football game always packs the stadium, and the never-
ending call to “Beat Carolina!” permeates the campus year- round. Club sports and
intramurals also thrive; offerings include cricket, flag football, disc golf, and, for the
exceptionally agile, trampoline dodgeball.
NC State has moved well beyond its origins as a land grant school focusing on
agriculture and engineering. It has attracted a dedicated and friendly student body
lured by an emphasis on learning beyond the classroom and inspired by the univer-
sity’s “Think and Do” slogan. NC State works well for those who can shoot hoops
and for those who can calculate the trajectory of the same three- point shot.
Students in all schools
can alternate
semesters of on- site
work with traditional
classroom time.
“There are always countless
free events going on
campus: concerts, festivals,
free movies, or outdoor
activities.”
Overlaps
Clemson, Virginia
Tech, UNC at
Chapel Hill,
UNC Charlotte,
Appalachian State,
East Carolina,
UNC Wilmington,
University of South
Carolina
If You Apply To ›
NC State: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Applicants to studio- based
majors must submit a portfolio and additional essay. Please consult NC State’s website for the most up- to- date information
regarding standardized test requirements.
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506 NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Northeastern is synonymous with preprofessional education and hands- on
experience. By interspersing co- op jobs with academic study, students can help
finance their education while getting a leg up on the job market— domestic and
global. Aided by a huge spike in applications and an ambitious building program, NU
has transformed itself from blue- collar urban into Boston chic. With students always
coming and going, campus life can be uneven.
Long known for its co- op program and hands- on learning experiences, Northeastern
University has become one of the region’s top- tier institutions. More selective than
ever, NU has added lavish new facilities and recruited big- name professors while
continuing to combine liberal arts requirements with up to 18 months of challeng-
ing work placements. “The school has encouraged and empowered me to explore
the world through research and study abroad,” cheers one mechanical engineering
major, “experiences that will stay with me forever.”
Northeastern’s 73- acre campus is an unlikely oasis located in the heart of Boston,
just minutes away from Fenway Park, shopping centers, nightclubs, cafés, Symphony
Hall, and the Museum of Fine Arts. The campus’s green spaces are interspersed with
brick walkways, sculptures, and outdoor art. Older
buildings are utilitarian gray brick, while newer
structures are modern glass and brick. During
inclement weather, students can be found navi-
gating the underground tunnel system that con-
nects many campus buildings. No longer a commuter college, NU has had the rare
luxury for an urban institution of having erstwhile parking lots available for new
construction. The state- of- the- art Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex
furthers NU’s emphasis on applied— or, to use the local jargon, “use- inspired”—
research. In recent years, NU has assembled a network of 13 satellite campuses, includ-
ing London, Vancouver, and most recently Portland, Maine, and Miami, Florida.
Northeastern’s core curriculum (known as NUpath) embraces writing- intensive
instruction, mathematical/analytical thinking, and comparative understanding of
religions and cultures. Students must take part in a first- year learning community,
integrated experiential learning, and a capstone experience in their major. Woven
into the Northeastern experience is its signature co- op program— which dates to 1909
and is the second oldest in the country— that places students in full- time positions
related to their major and personal interests. Students have the option to complete
up to two co- ops, each four to six months in length, if they seek to graduate in four
years (roughly two- thirds of students go this route), or to complete up to three co-
ops if they enroll in the university’s traditional five- year bachelor’s degree programs.
Working with a specialized co- op advisor, students may choose from more than 2,900
established co- op employer partners located in more than 146 countries, or they may
propose their own co- op. Destinations range from nonprofits in Boston to a digital
advertising agency in the Czech Republic, a children’s occupational therapy center in
Uganda, or even an Antarctic research station. Faculty members and dedicated co- op
advisors prepare students for their co- ops with a special course beforehand, check in
with them while they are out in the field, and organize academic reflection on the
experience afterward. “Professors want to make sure that you are as attractive as pos-
sible to potential employers,” says a political science major.
NU’s undergraduate programs are divided among seven colleges and schools:
Website: www .northeastern
.edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 32,403
Undergraduates: 20,850
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 70%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 46%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 91,000
Accepted: 7%
Enrolled: 41%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (617) 373- 2200
Email Address: admissions @
northeastern .edu
Strong Programs:
Architecture
Journalism
Business and Marketing
Engineering
Social Sciences
Health Professions
International Business
“The school has empowered
me to explore the world
through research and
study abroad.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the College of Arts, Media, and Design; the D’Amore- McKim School of Business;
the Khoury College of Computer Sciences; the College of Engineering; the Bouvé
College of Health Sciences; the College of Science; and the College of Social Sciences
and Humanities. The Explore Program offers experiential learning opportunities and
academic advising to help undeclared students learn about potential majors and
careers. Students with diverse interests may select from a slew of combined majors
that cross disciplines, such as information science and cognitive psychology, political
science and communication studies, and international affairs and cultural anthro-
pology. Architecture and journalism are strengths, and the most popular majors fall
under the categories of business and marketing, engineering, social sciences, and
health professions. The well- regarded international business program features an
“expat year,” in which students spend one semester studying at an overseas uni-
versity and six months working at an international co- op. Health sciences students
may pursue a six- year doctor of pharmacy degree, and several “PlusOne” programs
allow students to earn a master’s degree by completing an additional year of study.
Under the Dialogue of Civilizations program, faculty members take more than
1,200 students abroad each summer. High- achieving first- year students may be invited
to join the honors program to pursue more challenging coursework and live together
in dedicated housing. In 2022, Northeastern
absorbed struggling Mills College, a women’s col-
lege in Oakland, California, to form a unique
“bicoastal” institution of higher education. Under
the terms of the merger, Northeastern is funding
the creation of a Mills Institute that will continue to operate on the Oakland campus
and perpetuate Mills’s distinctive commitment to “gender and racial justice and the
advancement of women, gender nonbinary individuals, and communities of color.”
The first new joint program, titled Leading Social Change and open to students at both
schools, was launched on the Mills campus in January 2022.
Northeastern students tend to be academically and professionally driven. “Very
quickly, we are sent out into the real world to really understand what we are doing
and where we want to go,” muses a political science and international affairs major.
“This causes us to mature quite quickly.” Northeastern was founded in 1898 as a
YMCA educational program to serve local students from diverse socioeconomic
backgrounds. These days, only 27 percent of undergraduates are from Massachusetts,
and just 13 percent qualify for Pell Grants. Consistent with Northeastern’s efforts to
promote a global culture, 14 percent come from overseas. Asian Americans comprise
19 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 11 percent, Black students 5 per-
cent, and multiracial students 6 percent. Merit scholarships averaging $14,200 are
awarded annually, as are nearly 300 athletic scholarships.
Forty- seven percent of NU undergraduates live in university- owned housing. Most
first- years and sophomores live on campus, unless a co- op or study abroad program
takes them away from Boston. After that, university housing is limited and offered on a
space- available basis, so most upperclassmen rent
privately owned apartments near campus. The
dining halls offer “a lot of options and good food,”
according to students, who also speak highly of NU
Public Safety: “I feel extremely safe on campus even though it is in the middle of the
city,” says one senior. Another adds, “All Northeastern students go through sexual
assault and diversity training that gives us the tools to deal with these issues while on
campus, as well as during study abroad and even during our co- op experiences.”
When it comes to Northeastern’s social scene, “Most of the social life happens
off campus,” one student says. Hundreds of clubs and activities abound, but the
continuous flow of students on and off the campus for co- ops tends to be disruptive.
The fleet- footed
men’s and women’s
track and cross-
country teams
regularly leave their
opponents blinking
in the dust.
“Professors want to make
sure that you are as
attractive as possible to
potential employers.”
Students with diverse
interests may select
from a slew of
combined majors that
cross disciplines.
“You are pushed to meet
new people and develop
networking skills.”
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“I may see a friend one quarter in class and then not again for six months. It’s hard
to stay connected,” a student explains. The upside of this, says an engineering stu-
dent, is that “you are pushed to meet new people and develop networking skills.”
Fraternities and sororities attract 10 percent of NU men and 15 percent of women,
respectively. Regular traditions include Springfest, an annual concert that draws the
likes of Chance the Rapper and MisterWives, and the annual Underwear Run during
Parent Weekend in the fall, when students run through the city at night in their
underwear or wacky costumes. Boston is, of course, the “ultimate college town” and
offers a seemingly endless array of concerts, museums, clubs, and eateries. In the
winter, students head to the ski slopes of Vermont, and in balmier weather, they’re
off to the beaches of Cape Cod and the North Shore.
Northeastern fields 19 Division I varsity teams (the Huskies) as part of the Colonial
Athletic Association and the Hockey East Association. The biggest sports series of the
year is the Beanpot Hockey Tournament (“Hockey is king here at Northeastern”),
which pits Northeastern against rival teams from
Boston College, Boston University, and Harvard.
“It is all about bragging rights and pride, and the
fans from the schools make it fun,” reports a student. One T-shirt reads, “No—
we don’t want to B.U.,” epitomizing the competitive nature of the sports teams in the
Boston area. NU’s men’s and women’s ice hockey and men’s basketball teams are
recent conference champions, and the fleet- footed men’s and women’s track and
cross- country teams regularly leave their opponents blinking in the dust. The recre-
ation program offers more than 30 intramural options, and with 50- plus club teams,
Northeastern is well represented in nonvarsity competition with other schools.
Northeastern is a school on the rise. It has moved well beyond its origins as an
open admissions commuter school and— through aggressive fund- raising, an ambi-
tious building program, and unabashed marketing— adapted its century of experience
with co- op education to the emerging global economy. Northeastern students tend to
be serious about their studies but learn to wear many hats. “We are employees at co-
op, students in class, friends and roommates in our free time,” explains one denizen.
“We balance work and play while still meeting deadlines.” Northeastern students
graduate with a broad reservoir of experiences that they know will serve them well
once they start scouring those job listings— both in the U.S. and around the world.
Northeastern’s 73-
acre campus is an
unlikely oasis located
in the heart of Boston.
“Hockey is king here at
Northeastern.”
Overlaps
University of
Southern California,
NYU, Boston
College, Boston
University, George
Washington, UC
Berkeley, Columbia,
Cornell University
If You Apply To ›
Northeastern: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Studio art applicants
must submit portfolio. Please consult Northeastern’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized
test requirements.
Northwestern University
1801 Hinman Avenue, P.O. Box 3060, Evanston, IL 60208
The Big Ten is not the Ivy League, and Northwestern has more school spirit than its
high- powered Eastern counterparts. Much more preprofessional than its nearby rival
University of Chicago or any of the Ivies except Penn, NU is comparable to Duke and
Stanford with an academic culture that encourages interdisciplinary work. World-
renowned in journalism. Athletic program tarnished by scandal involving hazing and
sexual abuse.
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On Sunday nights before finals begin at Northwestern University, students are
encouraged to let off steam with a campuswide “primal scream.” The ear- shattering
event illustrates two big themes at NU: students work really hard, but they also
know how to let loose and enjoy themselves. This elite, top- tier university, the only
private school in the Big Ten, boasts some of the most well- respected preprofes-
sional programs in the country. Plus, Northwestern is ideally located just outside of
Chicago. “I love being at a place where I can learn and have a great social life,” says
one student.
Northwestern, founded in 1851 by a group of Methodist ministers and business-
men to serve the former Northwest Territory (hence the name!), is situated on 231
acres about a dozen miles north of the Chicago Loop. An eclectic mix of stone build-
ings with abundant ivy, the leafy campus is set off
from the town of Evanston and runs for a mile
along the shore of Lake Michigan. Students
migrate between the North Campus (techy) and
the South Campus (artsy). The newer buildings are
located adjacent to a 14- acre lagoon, part of an 85- acre lakefill addition built in the
’60s. This area provides students with a prime location for picnicking, fishing, running,
cycling, or just daydreaming. Recent campus additions include the 96,000- square- foot
Ryan Fieldhouse, part of a larger $270 million sports complex.
Half of Northwestern’s undergraduates are enrolled in arts and sciences, while
the other half are spread out among five professional schools, all with national rep-
utations. Indeed, students tend to identify more strongly with their school than
with Northwestern as a whole. The Medill School of Journalism, the only such pro-
gram at a top private university, sends student reporters out with iPads and video
cameras as well as spiral notebooks. The curriculum integrates multimedia tech-
niques with the study of “audience understanding” and features internships at
dozens of top newspapers, magazines, and television stations across the nation.
There’s also a four- year accelerated B.S.J./M.S.J. program. A dazzling electronic studio
centralizes Medill’s state- of- the- art broadcast newsroom and the communication
school’s radio/TV/film department. The School of Communication also houses a
notable program in theater. The McCormick School of Engineering and Applied
Science is strong in all aspects of engineering and pairs students with clients with
practical problems. Five- year co- op options are
available. The School of Music wants students
who can combine conservatory- level musician-
ship with high- level academics; it offers a five-
year program from which students emerge with two B.A. degrees. The School of
Education and Social Policy is the only school of its kind in the country and com-
petes with Vanderbilt for education majors. Students and faculty members alike are
encouraged to range across traditional disciplinary barriers— a policy that has led to
the creation of some entirely new fields such as materials science— and students are
free to switch schools once they are enrolled.
Consistent with this approach, students say the university’s best programs
include the Integrated Science Program and Mathematical Methods in the Social
Sciences, a selective program that gives students the technical skills to move into
various areas of the social sciences. Strong arts and sciences departments include
chemistry and history, although the humanities as a group are less strong. The social
sciences (especially economics, psychology, and political science), journalism, neu-
roscience, engineering, and visual and performing arts enroll the most majors. Each
of the undergraduate schools determines its own general education requirements,
but broad outlines are similar. Each school requires a graduate to have coursework
in “the major domains of knowledge”— science, mathematics and technology,
Website: www .northwestern
.edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 22,732
Undergraduates: 8,527
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 45%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 29%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 51,261
Accepted: 7%
Enrolled: 55%
Grad in 6 Years: 97%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (847) 491- 7271
Email Address: ug -admission
@ northwestern .edu
Strong Programs:
Journalism
Radio/Television/Film
Theater
Engineering
Music
Education
Chemistry
History
“The academics are
rigorous and will take
some adjustment from
high school.”
“The nicer dorms on
campus are competitive to
get into.”
Incoming students
take part in Wildcat
Welcome, a weeklong
orientation designed
to ease the transition
into college life.
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individual and social behavior, historical studies, values, the humanities, and the
fine arts. Incoming students take part in Wildcat Welcome, a weeklong orientation
designed to ease the transition into college life.
Unlike most schools on a 10- week quarter system, Northwesterners take four (not
three) courses each quarter, except in engineering, where five are permitted. “Students
tend to be supportive and collaborative,” says a senior, but “the academics are rigor-
ous and will take some adjustment from high school.” Virtually all undergraduate
courses are taught by regular faculty members. Introductory courses are larger than
most, but 78 percent of all undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. “The
quality of teaching at Northwestern depends on the department and the professor,”
confides a senior, “but overall I would say it’s very high quality.” The Office of
Undergraduate Research helps students apply for research assistantships and faculty-
mentored independent projects, often with the support of grants. About a third of
students take a break from campus through their choice of 150 study abroad pro-
grams in 50 countries.
Upon graduating, NU students tend to pursue business fields like consulting and
finance, with technology, education, and communication distant followers. “Many
students are overachievers,” comments a social policy major. “Many are goal- and
career- oriented.” Twenty- six percent of under-
graduates hail from Illinois, and 11 percent come
from overseas. Students of color represent a siz-
able contingent of the student body, with Asian
Americans accounting for 21 percent, Black students 7 percent, Hispanics/Latinos
14 percent, and multiracial students 7 percent. Merit scholarships average $9,000,
and 365 athletic scholarships are available in 19 sports. NU guarantees to meet the
full demonstrated need of every admit and has eliminated need- based loans from its
financial aid packages.
Fifty- five percent of undergraduates reside in university housing, mostly in
double rooms, although there are also singles, triples, and suites. “Housing varies
significantly in quality at Northwestern,” reports a journalism and political science
major, and a classmate adds, “The nicer dorms on campus are competitive to get
into.” Several residential colleges, in areas like engineering, commerce and indus-
try, and communication, bring students and faculty members together during fac-
ulty “firesides” or simply over meals. Fraternities and sororities also have their own
houses. Most upperclassmen move off campus, but a senior cautions, “Housing in
Evanston is expensive.” Students can choose to eat at any one of six residential
dining halls or a variety of restaurants and cafés on campus. “There is always at least
one option for halal, kosher, vegan, vegetarian, gluten- free, or allergen- free needs,”
says a sophomore. Students generally feel safe on campus, but crime has been a con-
cern in Evanston, especially after dark.
Much of the social life at NU is centered on the Greek system, with 12 percent
of the men and 13 percent of the women joining up. Some students say finding a
social niche can be tough, especially for those who aren’t involved in Greek life,
athletics, journalism, or theater. The school’s alcohol policy is stiff but not always
effective, “like the vast majority of campuses nationwide,” says a student. The stu-
dent government and Activities and Organizations Board sponsor an array of cam-
puswide events, including theater productions, concerts, and movies. The 30- hour
Dance Marathon and Dillo (Armadillo) Day, an end- of- the- year music festival with
big- name artists, food trucks, a beer garden, and art installations, are popular annual
events. Another tradition is upheld when representatives of student organizations
slip out in the dead of night to paint their colors and slogans on a centrally located
rock. In all, there are more than 500 student organizations, ranging from an African
drum and dance ensemble to Adshop, an advertising agency that lets students hone
Half of
Northwestern’s
undergraduates
are enrolled in arts
and sciences.
“[Suburban Evanston is]
the restaurant haven of
Chicago’s North Shore.”
Northwestern
consistently posts the
highest graduation
rates among major
football programs.
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their marketing skills by promoting local businesses. Suburban Evanston is “the
restaurant haven of Chicago’s North Shore,” says a junior. A short stroll off campus
brings you to the town’s myriad restaurant options, trendy bars, and coffee shops
with space to plug in a laptop and study, but most businesses close by 10 p.m. For
culture or a night out, of course, Chicago is right across the border.
Football and tailgate parties are a traditional way of bringing alumni back and
rousing the students to support the smallest and only private school in the Division
I Big Ten. The Wildcats football team’s trip to the 1996 Rose Bowl remains the stuff
of legend. And Northwestern consistently posts the highest graduation rates among
major football programs. In the last few years, women’s lacrosse and softball have
brought home Big Ten championship titles. As far as facilities, NU is on par with
many schools its size and larger, with the beautiful Norris Aquatics Center/Henry
Crown Sports Pavilion and the Nicolet Football and Conference Center used for con-
ditioning of varsity athletes. The student- sponsored intramural program provides
vigorous competition among teams from dorms and rival Greek groups, and over 30
club sports are an option too. Northwestern also boasts one of the winningest debate
teams in the country.
Northwestern occupies a unique niche in U.S. higher education. It has the aca-
demics of the Ivies, the spirited atmosphere of the Big Ten publics, and, along with
Duke, Stanford, and perhaps Vanderbilt, combines success in Division I sports with
quality instruction. Northwestern students bask in their school’s balance of chal-
lenging academics, preprofessional bent, and myriad opportunities to get off campus
to learn and let loose.
Overlaps
Columbia, UPenn,
Stanford, Duke,
Brown, Yale,
WashU in St. Louis,
University of
Michigan
If You Apply To ›
Northwestern: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Northwestern’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Notre Dame
220 Main Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556
The Holy Grail of higher education for many Roman Catholics. ND’s heartland location
and 80- percent- Catholic enrollment make it a bastion of solid education and equally
solid values, religious and otherwise. Offers business, science, architecture, and
engineering in addition to the liberal arts. ND’s personality is much closer to Boston
College or Holy Cross than Georgetown. Only school ever ranked #1 in both football
and graduation rates.
Founded in 1842 by the French priest Edward Sorin from the Congregation of Holy
Cross, the University of Notre Dame has come a long way from its fledgling days in
a rustic log cabin. While described as “a Catholic academic community of higher
learning,” its students need not be affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.
Notre Dame takes pride in fostering a culture that values open discussion of reli-
gious, spiritual, and social issues, and it appeals to non- Catholics who are commit-
ted to social justice or seek a broadly spiritual dimension to their education. A soft
spot for football doesn’t hurt either.
With 1,250 acres of manicured quads, twin lakes, and woods, the university offers
a peaceful setting for studying. The lofty Golden Dome that rises above the ivy- covered
Website: www .nd .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 12,717
Undergraduates: 8,899
Male/Female: 52/48
Financial Aid: 48%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
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512 UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Gothic and modern buildings and the old brick stadium, where Knute Rockne made
the Fighting Irish almost synonymous with college football, are national icons. The
university recently completed a $1.1 billion construction spree that added 20 new
buildings in less than a decade, including several new academic buildings and resi-
dence halls. The nine- story Duncan Student Center overlooks the football stadium and
boasts a career services center, dining facilities, a fitness center with a massive rock-
climbing wall, and premium stadium seating for football VIPs. Notre Dame’s $19 bil-
lion endowment is the largest of any of the country’s Catholic colleges and universities.
Liberal education is more than just a catchphrase at Notre Dame. No matter what
their major, students must take the First Year of Studies, one of the most extensive
academic and counseling programs of any university in the nation. The core of the
program is a one- semester writing- intensive uni-
versity seminar limited to 20 students per section.
The remainder of each freshman’s schedule is
reserved for the first of a comprehensive list of
general education requirements covering writing and mathematics, natural science,
theology, philosophy, history, social science, and fine arts. Academic and peer advi-
sors are assigned to each student, as are tutors if necessary. Administrators are quick to
point out that, due in part to the success of the first- year support program, a whop-
ping 97 percent of freshmen make it through the year and return for sophomore year.
In the College of Arts and Letters, highly regarded departments include English,
theology, and philosophy. Physics and chemistry are tops in the College of Science,
bolstered by the first- rate equipment in the Nieuwland and Jordan Science Halls.
Within the engineering school, chemical engineering rules, while the Mendoza
College of Business’s accountancy program is ranked among the nation’s best.
Another standout is the School of Architecture’s five- year undergraduate degree
program, in which students spend their entire junior year in Rome. The most pop-
ular majors overall are finance, economics, political science, and neuroscience and
behavior. Students describe the academic climate as fairly competitive but not
cutthroat by any measure. “The workload is very demanding,” says a senior. “It
requires the student to have very good time- management skills.” Sixty percent of
classes enroll fewer than 20 students, and students praise faculty members for being
dynamic, personable, knowledgeable, and accessible. “The professors here care a
great deal about their students, and it shows,” says a biology major.
Notre Dame offers a variety of special academic programs and options. One of
the most popular is the Program of Liberal Studies, in which students study art, phi-
losophy, literature, and the history of Western thought within their Great Books
seminars. The Summer Comprehensive Grant program awards up to $5,000 to stu-
dents wishing to spend their summer focusing on independent research. Roughly
70 percent of undergrads take part in Notre Dame’s extensive international study
program, which includes opportunities at the university’s Global Gateways in
London, Dublin, Rome, Beijing, and Jerusalem.
With a predominantly lay board of trustees and faculty, Notre Dame remains
committed to “the preservation of a distinctly Catholic community,” and it has a
more self- consciously Catholic identity than any other major research university,
including Boston College and Georgetown. The
president and several other top administrators are
priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and
each dorm has its own chapel with daily masses, though attendance is not required.
The main social issues discussed on campus include abortion; gender, racial, and
LGBTQ issues; and faith. Black students make up 4 percent of the undergraduate stu-
dent body, Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, Asian Americans 6 percent, and multiracial
students 6 percent. Despite its relative cultural homogeneity, Notre Dame recruits
from all over the country; 90 percent of the students are from states outside of Indiana,
(continued)
Student Loans: 36%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 26,509
Accepted: 13%
Enrolled: 60%
Grad in 6 Years: 96%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (574) 631- 7505
Email Address: admissions @
nd .edu
Strong Programs:
English
Theology
Physics
Chemical Engineering
Accountancy
Architecture
Finance
Economics
“The workload . . . requires
the student to have very good
time- management skills.”
The School of
Architecture’s five-
year undergraduate
degree program
allows students to
spend their entire
junior year in Rome.
“The campus is self-
contained and well- lit.”
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and 3 percent hail from other countries. Competitive merit awards average $14,100,
and the university meets 100 percent of accepted students’ demonstrated financial
need. The Division I powerhouse deals out hundreds of athletic scholarships as well.
Seventy- nine percent of ND students live on campus, which is required for their
first three years. For their freshman year, students are assigned to a residence hall,
mixed among the other classes, and they are encouraged to stay in the same one
until graduation. Since ND has never had Greek organizations, the single- sex dorms
become surrogate fraternities and sororities that breed a similar spirit of community
and family. “The dorm culture is a unique part of ND’s personality,” comments a
sophomore. Notre Dame has been co- ed since 1972, and parietal rules (midnight on
weekdays, 2 a.m. on weekends) are still strictly enforced— and the subject of many
student complaints. Students eat in the North or South dining halls or take their
pick from 26 other restaurants, cafés, and to- go locations. As for safety, “The campus
is self- contained and well- lit,” reports a student.
ND’s social life isn’t as rambunctious as it once was, thanks to policies that forbid
alcohol at campus social events. The rules relating to alcohol in the dorms are a bit
more relaxed. For those who choose not to indulge, there are several groups dedicated
to good times without alcohol. Most activities
take place on campus and include parties, con-
certs, and movies. A popular event is the An Tóstal
(Gaelic for “the pageant”) festival, which comes the week before spring finals and
guarantees to temporarily relieve academic anxiety with silly games, free food, give-
aways, music, and other activities. The annual Notre Dame Forum brings internation-
ally known speakers to campus to address timely topics like sustainability and the
Catholic Church’s sex abuse crisis. Students are involved in the community through
volunteer work— more than 10 percent of grads enter public service positions. The
best outlet for culture is nearby Chicago, about 90 minutes away. South Bend, with a
metro area population of 325,000, offers plenty of entertainment options as well.
Notre Dame competes in the Division I Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for all
sports except football and ice hockey. There’s nothing like Notre Dame football,
with its proud gridiron heritage and legends from Knute Rockne and the Gipper
right on down to more recent greats such as Joe Montana. ND’s name may be French,
but the spirit of the Fighting Irish reigns supreme and has regained its former glory
under head coach Brian Kelly. “Notre Dame football is massive,” cheers a sopho-
more. It wasn’t intentional— at least that’s what they say— but the giant mosaic of
Jesus Christ on the library lifts his hands toward the heavens as if to signal yet
another Irish touchdown. Tailgate parties are celebrated events, occurring before
and after the game. Aside from football, Notre Dame offers a solid all- around athletic
program. Men’s soccer and men’s cross- country have brought home recent ACC
championships, and the co- ed fencing program won its third consecutive national
title in 2023. Die- hard jocks who weren’t recruited for varsity teams will find plenty
of company in ND’s very competitive club and intramural sports. The Bookstore
Basketball Tournament, the largest 5- on- 5, outdoor hoops tournament in the world
with more than 700 teams competing, lasts for a month.
From administrators to students, everyone here is considered part of the “Notre
Dame family.” Traditions are held in high esteem. For those looking for high- quality
academics, a friendly, caring environment with a Catholic bent, and an excellent
athletic scene, ND could be an answer to their prayers.
Notre Dame’s
$19 billion endowment
is the largest of any
of the country’s
Catholic colleges
and universities.
“Notre Dame football is
massive.”
The annual Notre
Dame Forum brings
internationally known
speakers to campus to
address timely topics.
Overlaps
Boston College,
Holy Cross, Duke,
University of
Pennsylvania,
Northwestern,
Vanderbilt,
Princeton, Villanova
If You Apply To ›
ND: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Notre Dame’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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Oberlin College
38 E. College Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
The college that invented nonconformity. From the Underground Railroad and
coeducation to global learning and the modern peace movement, Obies have long
been in the forefront. As at Grinnell and Reed, Oberlin’s curriculum is less radical than
its students. Oberlin is especially strong in the sciences, and its music conservatory
is among the nation’s best. The annual Drag Ball is quintessential Oberlin.
New and contrasting ideas are a way of life at Oberlin College, a liberal arts school
where nonconformity is a cherished tradition and student activism continues to
make occasional headlines. Tucked away in a small Ohio town and dating to 1833,
Oberlin was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and it was the first American col-
lege to adopt a policy to admit students of color and the first to grant undergraduate
degrees to women in a coeducational program. That pioneering spirit has not faded.
With diverse academic challenges ranging from cinema studies to neuroscience,
Obies thrive on higher thinking and exploring their myriad talents. As one junior
puts it, “Students here don’t sit around during their free time; there’s always another
activity to be doing, a book to read, a lecture to go to.”
Oberlin’s attractive 440- acre campus features a mix of Italian Renaissance build-
ings (four designed by Cass Gilbert), late 19th- and early 20th- century organic stone
structures, and some less interesting 1950s barracks- type dorms. The buildings rise
over flatlands typical of the Midwest, which do
little to stop brutal winter winds. The Allen
Memorial Art Museum, sometimes mentioned in
the same breath as those at Harvard and Yale, is
one of the loveliest buildings on campus, with a brick- paved, flower- laden courtyard
and a fountain. The Oberlin College Science Center offers state- of- the- art classrooms,
a science library, and laboratory space. Work is underway on the $140 million
Sustainability Infrastructure Project, which will convert the entire campus to geo-
thermal heating and cooling with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025.
There are no academic requisites for freshmen at Oberlin, but general education
requirements include proficiency in writing and math and coursework in arts and
humanities, natural sciences and math, social and behavioral sciences, and cultural
diversity. Students must also participate in three January terms, during which they
pursue monthlong projects, traditional or unique, on or off campus. About 40 differ-
ent First- Year Seminar classes are available every semester, with enrollment limited
to 14 students each, and although optional, almost all freshmen sign up because “it’s
a great way to make friends,” says a student. “It also introduces you to the Oberlin
academic experience.”
Oberlin’s Conservatory of Music occupies a well- deserved spot among the
nation’s most prominent performance schools; the voice, violin, and technology in
music and related arts programs are especially praised. It is the oldest continuously
operating music conservatory in the country, and Oberlin is one of only a hand-
ful of liberal arts colleges with a conservatory (see also Bard and Lawrence). The
conservatory boasts 150 practice rooms, a substantial music library, and Steinway
pianos— one of the world’s largest collections. It enrolls about a fifth of Oberlin
undergrads, who must audition to gain acceptance. Each year, about 40 students
enter the Double Degree Program, which allows them to earn both a B.M. and a B.A.
in five (or fewer) years; these students must be admitted to both the college and the
music conservatory.
Website: www .oberlin .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,918
Undergraduates: 2,905
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 80%
Pell Grant: 8%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 46%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 10,597
Accepted: 34%
Enrolled: 26%
Grad in 6 Years: 82%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (440) 775- 8411
Email Address: college
.admissions @ oberlin .edu
Strong Programs:
Music
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Studies
Neuroscience
Creative Writing
Dance
Economics
“There’s always another
activity to be doing, a book
to read, a lecture to go to.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Oberlin has been a leader among liberal arts colleges seeking to promote their
science offerings; biology and chemistry are two of the college’s strongest depart-
ments, and environmental studies and neuroscience are well regarded. The creative
writing and dance departments are notable, and
students also flock to economics, politics, psy-
chology, and computer science. Interdisciplinary
and self- created majors, such as Africana, East
Asian, Russian, Jewish, and gender studies, are
popular— not surprisingly at such a liberal school. For those with more technical
inclinations, 3– 2 engineering degrees are offered in partnership with Case Western
Reserve, WashU in St. Louis, Columbia, and Caltech. One of Oberlin’s more unusual
offerings is ExCo, an experimental college that offers students and interested towns-
folk the chance to teach and learn together. Most classes are taught by students, and
topics can range from community organizing to knitting to salsa dancing, and much
more.
Oberlin’s students are as serious about their schoolwork as they are about poli-
tics, justice, and other social causes, and heavy workloads are the norm. “Oberlin is
academically rigorous but not competitive between students,” says a junior. Seventy-
seven percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and a math and economics
double major says, “I always love how much passion the professors bring because it
makes classes more engaging.” Most departments offer group and individual inde-
pendent study opportunities and invite selected students to pursue demanding
honors programs, especially during their senior year. Sixty- six percent of students
conduct undergraduate research, and a whopping 80 percent of students study,
intern, or do service work abroad in Oberlin- directed programs in Italy, Spain, and
the UK, or more than 90 other affiliated programs.
Oberlin students are— in a word— passionate. “We’re all pretty quirky, all pretty
dorky. Oberlin students love learning and love talking about the things they’re
passionate about,” says a politics and history major. Eighty- two percent of under-
graduates are from states outside of Ohio, pri-
marily from the Mid- Atlantic states, and
11 percent come from abroad. But achieving
diversity in rural Ohio has been a challenge:
Black students account for 6 percent of the stu-
dent body, Asian Americans 5 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, and multiracial
students 8 percent. Merit scholarships averaging $23,000 are available to qualified
students, and Oberlin promises to meet students’ full demonstrated financial
need— though a mere 8 percent of incoming freshmen are eligible for Pell Grants.
For all its talk of nonconformity, Oberlin is also a model of political correctness.
“Though the student body is homogeneously liberal,” says a junior, “there are more
protests, awareness and advocacy groups, and campaigns here than I can keep track
of.” A popular annual event is the Drag Ball, in which half the student body comes
in full drag. “It’s very Oberlin, because it’s all about challenging social norms,” says
a student.
Ninety- one percent of Oberlin students live in campus housing, including sev-
eral program houses focusing on various foreign languages and cultural backgrounds.
For five dollars, students can rent up to two original works from the college’s art
museum to decorate their rooms. A small number of upperclassmen are allowed to
live off campus every year, and those who wish to do so must try their luck in a
random lottery. Students may eat in any of five dining halls and cafés. Appetizing
alternatives to institutional fare can be found at the six co- ops that comprise the
Oberlin Student Cooperative Association, a nearly $3- million- a- year corporation
run entirely by students. Regarding safety, students say they feel safe on campus but
“[Taking First Year Seminar
classes] introduces you
to the Oberlin academic
experience.”
The Oberlin College
Science Center
offers state- of- the-
art classrooms, a
science library, and
laboratory space.
“I always love how much
passion the professors
bring because it makes
classes more engaging.”
Oberlin’s Conservatory
of Music occupies a
well- deserved spot
among the nation’s
most prominent
performance schools.
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516 OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE
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report that the administration’s handling of sexual assault cases needs improvement
to better support survivors.
Social life, like so much of the Oberlin experience, is lively and eclectic.
“Social life is based a lot around live music— we go to a lot of concerts, and par-
ties usually book at least one campus band,” says a junior. The midnight Organ
Pump concerts in Finney Chapel each semester combine serious classical music
with musical oddities, such as the school police blotter performed as Anglican
chant. Several house parties, plays, movies, and conservatory performances are
planned each week. And since there’s no Greek system, nothing is exclusive. “The
open- mindedness of the student body extends to social life, so while people do
drink and do drugs, there is little pressure to partake if that’s not your thing,”
comments a senior.
The small town of Oberlin offers some good restaurants and local shops,
although they tend to close early. “There’s only really two square blocks of down-
town,” says one student, “but within it is basically everything that you need.” When
the urge to wander strikes, Cleveland is only 30
miles away. Although relations between ultrapro-
gressive Oberlin and the town are sometimes
uneasy, Obies are always enthusiastic about giving back to the community through
volunteer activities at local schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.
The Division III Yeomen and Yeowomen (medieval terms for people who own
and cultivate land that hearken back to the college’s founding motto of “Learning
and Labor”) appear to be building a loyal fan base: the women’s cross- country team
is a perennial powerhouse, and men’s cross- country and women’s track and field
have claimed North Coast Athletic Conference championships in recent years. As
for intramural and club sports, 30 percent of students compete, and ultimate Frisbee
and Quadball (formerly known as Quidditch) are consistent favorites.
Oberlin may be small, but its emphasis on global learning, undergraduate
research, and a vibrant liberal arts education helps it burst those statistical seams.
Students are more likely to discuss local poverty than the quality of cereal choices in
the dining halls, and they can be found playing a Steinway or plugging away at
astronomy. One Obie sums it up this way: “Oberlin is the epitome of a liberal arts
school, and that is reflected in all of the ways students customize their learning
experiences, from the topics they choose for papers and projects to how they dem-
onstrate that they care about current events.”
“Social life is based a lot
around live music.”
For five dollars,
students can rent up
to two original works
from the college’s art
museum to decorate
their rooms.
Overlaps
Kenyon, Vassar,
Carleton,
Macalester,
Northwestern,
Reed, Lawrence,
Wesleyan
If You Apply To ›
Oberlin: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Applicants to Conservatory of Music must
audition. Please consult Oberlin’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Occidental College
1600 Campus Road, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Oxy is a streetwise cousin to the more upscale and suburban Claremont Colleges.
Plentiful internships and study abroad give Oxy students real- world perspectives.
Opportunities for undergraduate research are abundant. Oxy’s innovative diplomacy
and world affairs program features internships with UN agencies. Strong focus on
diversity and social justice.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Founded in 1887, Occidental College is one of a handful of small colleges located
in a big city, in this case La La Land. But unlike the sprawling and impersonal City
of Angels, Oxy emphasizes a strong sense of community and a decidedly diverse
student population. Notable attendees include former president Barack Obama.
“Students dream big at Oxy,” says a senior. “Whether a student wants a career in
Hollywood or on Wall Street, everyone knows that it starts in the classroom.”
Set against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, Oxy’s self- contained
Mediterranean- style campus is a secluded enclave of flowers and trees between
Pasadena and Glendale, minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The McKinnon
Center for Global Affairs features a two- story, LED- lit wall of sculpted glass with
embedded interactive screens that display a shifting array of student and faculty
research and coursework. Newer campus additions include a state- of- the- art music
production center and an $18 million aquatic center.
Inside this urban oasis resides a thriving community of high achievers who
don’t for a moment believe that the liberal arts are dead or even wounded. Required
first- year cultural studies seminars include topics
in human history and culture, with an emphasis
on writing skills, and are limited to 16 students
each. In addition, all Oxy students must show
proficiency in a foreign language and complete
coursework in world cultures, fine arts, the prein-
dustrial era, science, and math. In their final year, all students complete a senior
comprehensive, or “comp,” such as a project, paper, or exam that shows mastery in
their field.
Many of Occidental’s academic departments are excellent; economics, diplo-
macy and world affairs, psychology, biology, urban and environmental policy, pol-
itics, and chemistry are among the strongest and most popular majors. The media
arts and culture major, which offers concentrations in critical media and media
production, is solid; students learn both theory and production skills and enjoy
access to internships in L.A.’s film and entertainment industries. There are also 3– 2
engineering programs with Caltech and Columbia University and a 4– 2 biotechnol-
ogy program with Keck Graduate Institute (of the Claremont Colleges). Academics
at Oxy are challenging, but the atmosphere is not competitive. Faculty members are
readily available in and out of the classroom, and students say the teaching, in gen-
eral, is excellent. Seventy percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and as aca-
demic advisors are responsible for about four students per class (16 total), personal
relationships develop quickly. “Professors’ office doors are always open for students
if they need help in class or in life,” confirms a senior.
Oxy encourages diverse learning experiences through independent study,
internships, and study abroad. The college boasts an unusual UN program that
allows students to intern with UN- related organizations while also taking classes and
living in Manhattan for a semester. The Campaign Semester, offered every two years,
gives students a chance to work full- time on political campaigns and then return to
campus for a seminar where they reflect on their experiences. About two- thirds of
students study abroad or pursue international research or internships in programs
offered in more than 50 countries. The Summer Research Program supports more
than 100 student research projects in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities
every summer, and many students publish and present their work.
“Students at Oxy are generally creative, smart self- starters and politically and
socially engaged/opinionated,” says a sociology major. Perhaps not surprisingly,
students tend to be liberal, and the raging social concerns are “racial and social
inequalities, environmentalism, and gender issues,” according to one student.
Thirty- seven percent of the students are from California, and 5 percent hail from
Website: www .oxy .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,913
Undergraduates: 1,913
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 78%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 49%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 6,305
Accepted: 39%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 825- 5262
Email Address: admission @
oxy .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Diplomacy and World Affairs
Psychology
Biology
Urban and Environmental
Policy
Politics
Chemistry
Media Arts and Culture
“Whether a student wants
a career in Hollywood or
on Wall Street, everyone
[here] knows that it starts
in the classroom.”
Big events include
Apollo Night (a talent
contest) and the Fall
Fest and Spring Fest
concerts, featuring
big- name performers.
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518 OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE
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foreign nations. Black students make up 4 percent of the population, Hispanics/
Latinos 17 percent, Asian Americans 14 percent, and multiracial students 11 per-
cent. Merit scholarships average $14,600, but there are no athletic scholarships.
Unlike many of its peers, Occidental stopped pursing wealthy applicants years ago
and started investing in grants and scholarships for lower- income students of color.
The college now meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students.
The Barack Obama Scholars Program provides top achievers who have demonstrated
serious commitment to public service with a four- year scholarship covering the full
cost of attendance, as well as funding for three summer experiences, such as intern-
ships or service projects.
The residence halls are small— almost all house fewer than 150 students— and
co- ed by floor or room. Eighty percent of students live on campus, but what you get
depends on your luck in the housing lottery. Freshmen live together in five dedi-
cated first- year halls, and students are required to live on campus and purchase a
meal plan until their senior year, when they can
opt to move off campus. Special- interest hous-
ing, like Multicultural Hall, Food Justice House,
and Queer House, is popular. “The food is fresh
and yummy!” cheers a student. “It’s always changing and they bring in locally
sourced produce.” Resources related to sexual assault include the Project SAFE stu-
dent group, which a senior says “has been absolutely wonderful in creating a safe
and respectful campus.”
While the bustle of L.A. often beckons on weekends, the Oxy campus provides
its share of fun too, whether it be a “basketball game, concert, dance, or party,” says
one student. Greek organizations attract 12 percent of the men and 21 percent of
the women, but they are neither selective nor exclusive; students choose which to
join rather than being chosen, and the frats must invite everyone to their functions.
As for alcohol, “like most other colleges, there is underage drinking even though
this is illegal,” says a junior. Dance Production— a decades- old tradition in which
student dancers perform works by student choreographers— sells out both perfor-
mances each year. Other big events include Apollo Night (a talent contest) and the
Fall Fest and Spring Fest concerts, featuring big- name performers. You may want to
keep your birthday a secret, or on that unhappy day, a roaring pack of your more
sadistic classmates will carry you out to the middle of campus and mercilessly toss
you in the Gilman Fountain. It’s a tradition, after all.
A student characterizes the surrounding neighborhood of Eagle Rock as “a
quaint little community with an eclectic combination of ‘ma and pa’ restaurants
and plenty of hole- in- the- wall stores.” Community outreach is important at
Occidental and dates back to the mid- 1960s,
when the college opened its Community Literacy
Center and one of the country’s first Upward
Bound programs for underserved students. Half
of Oxy students participate in some kind of com-
munity project, most through the Center for
Community Based Learning. When students become weary of the social life in the
“Oxy fishbowl,” they head for the bars, restaurants, museums, and theaters of down-
town Los Angeles and Pasadena, where, one student notes, “You can find almost
anything except snow.” But the ski slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains are not far
away, and neither is Hollywood nor the beautiful beaches of Southern California. A
car (your own or someone else’s) is practically a necessity, though the college runs a
weekend shuttle service to Old Town Pasadena and other popular spots. The weather
is warm and sunny, but the air is sometimes thick with that infamous L.A. smog.
Oxy’s 20 sports teams (the Tigers) compete in Division III. Men’s and women’s
“Students at Oxy are . . .
politically and socially
engaged/opinionated.”
All Oxy students must
show proficiency in a
foreign language and
complete coursework
in world cultures.
The college boasts an
unusual UN program
that allows students
to intern with UN-
related organizations.
“[Eagle Rock is] a quaint
little community with an
eclectic combination of ‘ma
and pa’ restaurants and
hole- in- the- wall stores.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
cross- country and track and field, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s water polo
are some of the most competitive teams. Oxy’s 125- year- old football rivalry with
Pomona– Pitzer ended in 2020 when the college discontinued the sport. The school’s
Io Triumphe (“Hurrah, O Triumph”) nonsense chant, a tradition since 1905, has been
mocked for nearly a century by rival Redlands, which made up a gibberish chant of
its own in 1921. Oxy’s small recreational sports program offers intramural soccer
and basketball along with seven club sports; rugby and ultimate Frisbee are popular.
Occidental’s creative, motivated, and diverse students are not here for the bright
lights and beautiful people of Los Angeles; those are just fringe benefits. Instead,
students are drawn to this intimate oasis of learning by professors who hate to see
anyone waste one whit of intellectual potential. “We are pushed to take our writing
and critical thinking to the next level,” says a sociology major. And students here are
only too happy to live up to these lofty expectations.
Overlaps
Carleton, Colorado
College, Macalester,
Pomona, Reed,
Scripps, Pitzer,
University of
Southern California
If You Apply To ›
Oxy: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Oxy’s web-
site for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Oglethorpe University
4484 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319
Small wonder that brochures for Oglethorpe trumpet Atlanta as the college’s biggest
drawing card. In a region where most liberal arts colleges are in sleepy towns,
Oglethorpe has the South’s most exciting city at its fingertips. Highly diverse student
body and extensive financial aid. Oglethorpe Idea stresses broad academic values,
while interdisciplinary Core Program gives shape to the curriculum.
Founded in 1835, Oglethorpe University is named for the visionary founder of the
state of Georgia, James Edward Oglethorpe. His idealism is well captured in the
school’s motto, Nescit cedere (He does not know how to give up), and in its ambi-
tion to become the first- choice university for high- achieving students in a region
where it faces tough competition from much bigger names. Even as it continues
to increase enrollment, the university remains committed to the Oglethorpe Idea
and to connecting students with real- world experiences. Says a junior, “Although
few outside of the Southeast have heard of it, this school provides a top- notch
education.”
Oglethorpe’s 118- acre campus is strategically located in Brookhaven, one of
Atlanta’s safest and most popular inner suburbs, with a picturesque Gothic campus
that gives a traditional college feel. The heavily
wooded, slightly rolling terrain is perfect terri-
tory for walks or long runs, and the beautiful
campus has served as the backdrop for numerous
movies and TV shows. Oglethorpe’s academic buildings and some residence halls are
in the English Gothic style. Newer facilities include the Cousins Center for Science
and Innovation, featuring laboratory- classrooms and workshops.
The university’s guiding principle is the Oglethorpe Idea— a philosophy based
on the conviction that education should help students make a life, a living, and a
difference. All students take the sequenced, interdisciplinary Core Curriculum pro-
gram at the same point in their college careers, providing them with a model for
Website: www .oglethorpe .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,391
Undergraduates: 1,391
Male/Female: 37/63
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 35%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 51%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 2,816
Accepted: 72%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 52%
Returning Freshmen: 76%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (404) 364- 8307
Email Address: admission @
oglethorpe .edu
“We tend to be open-
minded, thoughtful, and
intellectual.”
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520 OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
integrating information and gaining knowledge. In addition to requiring several lib-
eral arts and sciences courses that help develop students’ ability to reason, read, and
speak effectively, the core asks them to reflect on and discuss matters fundamental
to understanding who they are and what they ought to be.
Oglethorpe’s most popular majors— business administration, biology, commu-
nication studies, and psychology— are some of its strongest, along with English,
accounting, film and media studies, theater, and preprofessional advising for a vari-
ety of health and medical fields. Minors in urban leadership and nonprofit manage-
ment are specialties. The art department offers tracks in film production, medical
and scientific illustration, and photography. Aspiring engineers may take advantage
of dual- degree programs with Auburn, Georgia Tech, and other universities, and
future teachers can enroll in a dual- degree program with Mercer.
“I have never breezed through a class,” says an art history major. “The aca-
demics are so rigorous.” Oglethorpe’s faculty may be demanding, but they’re also
friendly and helpful. “They really do care for you intellectually and personally,” says
one junior. Classes are generally small— 76 percent have fewer than 20 students. The
Compass advising program guides students through all aspects of their first year,
while the “A_LAB” (Atlanta Laboratory for Learning) coordinates opportunities like
internships, research, service, and study abroad. Seventeen percent of students sign
up for a wide variety of study abroad programs, including short- term and faculty- led
options. Sophomores and juniors interested in producing an independent honors
thesis can apply for admission to the Honors Program.
What’s an Oglethorpian like? “We tend to be open- minded, thoughtful, and
intellectual,” explains one student. Most come from public schools and 81 percent
are Georgians; 1 percent hail from abroad. Oglethorpe prides itself on being one of
the first Georgia colleges to admit Black students. Currently, 22 percent of students
are Black, 4 percent are Asian American, and 23 percent are Hispanic/Latino.
Socioeconomic diversity is also strong, with
35 percent of freshmen receiving Pell Grants.
“The diversity is one of my favorite things about
our campus,” cheers a senior. Notably, every
admitted student who completes the FAFSA form receives a $500 grant, regardless of
financial need. Merit scholarships are also available, averaging $27,800. In an effort
to earn more national name recognition, Oglethorpe’s Flagship 50 program pledges
to match the in- state tuition rate of each U.S. state’s flagship institution for incom-
ing freshmen who meet certain academic requirements.
Fifty percent of Oglethorpe’s students live on campus— and most love it. “The
dorms are big and have nice furniture,” says an accounting major. Most rooms are
suites with private bathrooms, and some singles are available. Meals in the Petrel’s
Nest dining hall get average reviews. The Healthy Campus Task Force promotes
healthy lifestyles, tackling issues ranging from eating disorders to preventing
sexual assault.
The social scene on campus is active for a small school. “Our Student Government
Association sponsors events like bubble soccer, food truck Fridays, Bob Ross art night,
and more,” explains a human resource management major. Students of legal drink-
ing age are allowed to have alcohol on campus. Fraternities and sororities, which
claim 5 percent of the men and 6 percent of the women, throw parties that draw
big numbers. “Greek parties are really fun but much less raucous/drug- infused than
parties at other schools like UGA and Georgia Tech,” opines one senior. The campus
celebrates its origins once a year during Oglethorpe Day. Named after a 1742 battle
in which James Oglethorpe defeated Spanish troops in southern Georgia, the annual
Battle of Bloody Marsh is a tug- of- war game between students and faculty. Each
holiday season brings a particularly unique tradition: the Boar’s Head Ceremony
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Biology
Communication Studies
Psychology
English
Accounting
Film and Media Studies
Theater
“The diversity is one of my
favorite things about our
campus.”
Every admitted
student who completes
the FAFSA form
receives a $500
grant, regardless of
financial need.
The annual Battle
of Bloody Marsh is
a tug- of- war game
between students
and faculty.
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THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY 521
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
celebrates a medieval scholar who halted a stampeding wild boar by ramming his
copy of Aristotle down the animal’s throat.
It’s rumored that Oglethorpe barflies do more hopping than Georgia bullfrogs,
and bars, clubs, and cafés abound within 10 minutes of campus. Students can also
find excitement on the campuses of the dozen or so other colleges in the area or
in downtown Atlanta. “There are always city events like free yoga that are just a
short MARTA ride away!” enthuses a junior. Atlanta proper offers everything you
can imagine— arts, professional sports (including basketball’s Hawks, football’s
Falcons, and baseball’s Braves), and entertainment (ride the Great American Scream
Machine at Six Flags). Oglethorpe always has a big contingent going to Savannah for
St. Patrick’s Day and to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and sunny Florida beckons too.
Oglethorpe’s mascot, the Stormy Petrel, is a sea bird that flies in the face of
storms. (James Oglethorpe was inspired by them on his first visit to Georgia in 1733.)
Oglethorpe fields 16 Division III varsity sports. The men’s golf team is a powerhouse,
and men’s soccer and tennis are recent Southern Athletic Association champions.
Men’s and women’s basketball games against cross- city rival Emory are popular.
Intramural sports attract about 10 percent of the student body. The Georgia land-
scape makes possible a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking at nearby Stone
Mountain and boating or swimming in Lake Lanier (named for Georgia poet Sidney
Lanier— Oglethorpe Class of 1860).
Though Oglethorpe is still working to achieve widespread name recognition, its
diverse and growing group of students get all the attention they need from a caring
faculty on a close- knit campus. And being in a large city like Atlanta provides any-
thing else that might be lacking, ranging from great nightlife to internships and
postgraduate employment with big- name corporations. In a sea of large Southern
state schools, Oglethorpe stands out as a place where students come first.
Overlaps
Agnes Scott,
Hendrix, Emory
& Henry, Austin
College, Millsaps,
Mercer, Berry
If You Apply To ›
Oglethorpe: Early action, rolling admissions. Please consult Oglethorpe’s website for the most up- to- date information
regarding standardized test requirements. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Application includes optional
questions on gender identity and preferred pronouns.
The Ohio State University
Student Academic Services Building, 381 West Lane, Columbus, OH 43210
The biggest school in the Big Ten, Ohio State competes for top students not only with
Michigan and Wisconsin but also with two other fine Ohio publics, Miami and Ohio
U. Operates the mother of all college sports programs, which consistently racks up
national titles and spills over into undergraduate wellness programs. Check out the
top- notch honors program. Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is booming.
Envision a campus with 52,000 full- time students and too many opportunities to
count. What might come to mind is The Ohio State University (and don’t forget
the “The”— it’s trademarked), located in the heart of the state’s capital, offering 15
colleges and 12,000 courses in more than 200 undergraduate majors. If those num-
bers aren’t staggering enough, consider the fact that OSU has 36 varsity sports, 20
intramural sports, nearly 60 sports clubs, and the third largest campus in the nation.
It also has an operating budget larger than that of the state of Delaware. While
Website: www .osu .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 52,402
Undergraduates: 42,360
Male/Female: 50/50
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522 THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
students cite the school’s size as both a blessing and a curse, all seem to agree that
at OSU, the sky is the limit for those with a desire to sample its academic and other
resources.
This megauniversity stands on 1,665 acres in the middle of the city, just two
miles north of downtown Columbus. “One part of the campus maintains a nostalgic
air while another is relatively modern,” observes a student. The grounds are nicely
landscaped, and a centrally located lake provides
a peaceful setting for contemplation and a break
from all the surrounding activity. OSU’s rich
array of academic resources includes 12 libraries
with eight million volumes. Across the Olentangy
River from campus is a teaching and research farm associated with the College of
Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. The Recreation and Physical
Activity Center (RPAC) is the nation’s largest facility dedicated to student fitness,
wellness, and recreation. In the past decade, eight new residence halls, a dining hall,
and a recreation facility have been added to the campus’s North district, and the
Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts building got a $165 million renovation
and expansion.
Ohio State’s general education curriculum gives students the flexibility to
pursue minors or second majors. The university’s commitment to liberal arts learn-
ing remains strong: all undergrads must satisfy requirements that include courses
in writing, math, data analysis, arts and humanities, historical studies, social and
behavioral science, and diversity. Some of the school’s most celebrated departments
include business, engineering, neuroscience, dance, and design; political science
and education are also strong. OSU is internationally known for pioneering work in
computer graphics and animation. The African American and African studies pro-
gram offers one of the most extensive offerings of African languages of any U.S.
university. Furthermore, the university has the nation’s only ABET- accredited pro-
gram in welding engineering and the nation’s first undergraduate program in data
analytics. The majors that enroll the most students include finance, psychology,
communication, and biology. A personalized study program enables students to
create their own majors.
Freshmen may take advantage of numerous first- year programs, including the
First Year Success Series, covering topics like study skills and career exploration,
and pre- enrollment programs like Buckeyes First (for first- generation students).
Once the academic year is underway, they expe-
rience a variety of class formats and sizes, rang-
ing from intimate freshman seminars to large
lectures; overall, 34 percent of undergraduate
classes have fewer than 20 students. “Classes
demand a lot of attention, independence, and
self- advocacy on the part of the student,” com-
ments a sport industry major. Teaching assistants hold smaller recitation sections
of large lecture courses and deal on a personal level with students. Class sizes gen-
erally whittle down as students continue in their fields of study. At such a large
institution, the quality of instruction can vary greatly, and students report this to
be the case.
OSU’s honors program allows selected students to learn from top professors in
small classes averaging about 25 students each. “The whole system of honors classes,
priority scheduling, honors housing, and cocurricular activities really adds to the
overall experience at OSU,” a biology major says. Twenty- four percent of undergrad-
uates participate in research opportunities. Columbus affords students access to
internships with the state government and major tech and research organizations,
(continued)
Financial Aid: 78%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 44%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 65,189
Accepted: 53%
Enrolled: 12%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (614) 292- 3980
Email Address: askabuckeye
@ osu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Engineering
Neuroscience
Dance
Design
Political Science
Education
Finance
“Classes demand a lot of
attention, independence,
and self- advocacy on the
part of the student.”
“The Scholars Program . . .
puts you in a learning
community with other
people who have the same
major or professional
goals.”
The Recreation and
Physical Activity
Center (RPAC) is
one of the nation’s
largest facilities
dedicated to student
fitness, wellness,
and recreation.
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THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY 523
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
including the IBM Analytics Solutions Lab and Battelle. About 8 percent of students
study abroad through 200 programs offered in more than 50 countries.
“Most students are extremely well- mannered, ambitious, open- minded, and
obsessed with the Buckeyes,” says a loyal sophomore. Seventy- four percent of Ohio
State’s undergraduates hail from Ohio, and most out- of- staters come from Illinois,
Pennsylvania, California, New York, and New Jersey. Seven percent come from for-
eign countries. The student body is 8 percent Black, 5 percent Hispanic/Latino,
9 percent Asian American, and 4 percent multiracial. Several programs aim to attract
and retain students of color, including a statewide Young Scholars Program that
begins working with students when they start the seventh grade. As for politics, a
sociology and political science major opines, “Because we are such a large institu-
tion, there are people from all kinds of social and political backgrounds.” Qualified
students compete for merit scholarships averaging $7,200, and hundreds of athletic
scholarships go to talented athletes each year. The Ohio State Tuition Guarantee sets
and freezes rates for tuition, fees, and room and board for in- state freshmen in each
entering class for four years.
The residence halls, which house 32 percent of the Ohio State students, are
located in three areas: North, South, and Olentangy (that is, those closest to the
Olentangy River). Freshmen and sophomores are required to live in residence halls
unless they are commuting from home, and freshmen are scattered among each
of OSU’s 42 residence halls. A senior advises, “Make sure to look into the Scholars
Program, which puts you in a learning community for four years with other people
who have the same major or professional goals.” Campus residents may choose
from four meal- plan options, and the food gets mostly positive reviews. Buckeyes
ACT is a comprehensive program intended to combat sexual misconduct and rela-
tionship violence on campus.
OSU is a bustling place on weekends. “Social life is never- ending,” cheers one
student. With nearly 1,400 student organizations to choose from, it’s hardly diffi-
cult to find something to get involved with.
Various social events are planned within resi-
dence hall communities. The student union runs
eateries, a tavern, movies, and other activities.
Eight percent of OSU men and 11 percent of the women join fraternities and soror-
ities. “Greek organizations do not dictate social life on campus,” says a junior, and
most partying happens off campus.
Such a large student market has, of course, produced a strip of bars, fast- food
joints, convenience stores, bookstores, vegetarian restaurants, and you- name- its
along the edge of the campus on High Street, and downtown Columbus is just a
few minutes away. The fine public transportation system carries students through-
out this capital city. “There are so many unique neighborhoods to explore,” raves a
junior. “I don’t think I could ever try everything Columbus has to offer during my
four years if I tried.” Columbus boasts a symphony orchestra, a ballet, and profes-
sional hockey and soccer teams; OSU’s D-Tix program offers students discounted or
free tickets to cultural and sporting events. The city’s central location in the state
makes it easily accessible to Cleveland and Cincinnati. Outdoor enthusiasts can ski
in nearby Mansfield, canoe and sail on the Olentangy and Scioto rivers, hike the
city’s 19 metro parks, or camp in nearby Hocking Hills.
Ohio State operates arguably the most lavish— and successful— college sports
program in the nation. The Buckeyes field 16 men’s, 17 women’s, and three co- ed
varsity teams, from golf to gymnastics to riflery. (A buckeye, incidentally, is a small,
shiny nut that falls from Ohio’s official state tree.) Recent national champions
include women’s ice hockey, synchronized swimming, and dance and co- ed pistol,
while Big Ten champs include men’s and women’s tennis and women’s swimming
Ohio State operates
arguably the
most lavish— and
successful— college
sports program
in the nation.
“There are so many unique
neighborhoods to explore
[in Columbus].”
OSU is internationally
known for pioneering
work in computer
graphics and
animation.
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524 OHIO UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and diving. “Football is somewhat like religion,” says one student. “As hard as stu-
dents may work during the school week, everything stops on game day.” Rivalries
abound, although the annual gridiron contest with “That Team Up North”
(Michigan’s Wolverines) gets the most heated; preparations for the big game include
“crossing out every letter M on all campus signs with red tape,” explains a fervent
fan. Many students take advantage of an extensive roster of club sports and an ambi-
tious intramural program that boasts a dozen basketball courts and 26 courts for
handball, squash, and racquetball.
OSU’s sheer size is sometimes overwhelming to be sure, but students here seem
to thrive on the challenge and excitement of a big university, not to mention
Buckeye spirit. For those who really want to be Buckeyes, be prepared to jump in
with both feet and be assertive about your goals. “Knowing what you want is great,
but to get it, you’ll need to work hard,” warns one student. “Because if you want it,
there are likely hundreds of other people who want it too.”
Overlaps
University of
Michigan, U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
Penn State,
UW– Madison,
University of
Maryland, Miami
University (OH),
University of
Cincinnati, Purdue
If You Apply To ›
OSU: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult OSU’s website for
the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Ohio University
Chubb Hall 120, Athens, OH 45701
OHIO is roughly one- third the size of Ohio State and plays up its homey feel compared
to the cast of tens of thousands in Columbus. The Honors Tutorial College is a draw
for top students who want to work closely with faculty. Communication and journalism
top the list of prominent programs, and learning communities are plentiful. OHIO is not
in the Big Ten, but the Mid- American Conference generates excitement.
With top- notch programs in journalism, business, health care, and engineering, Ohio
University has become a competitive R1 public research institution, without shedding
its small- town roots. Faculty interests range from dinosaur anatomy to rural diabetes
rates. Students here love to hit the town for fun but are quick to hit the books as well.
Those who choose to attend OHIO receive ample returns, says a senior, including “a
quality education, lifelong friends, supportive faculty, and a beautiful campus.”
Established in 1804 as the first institution of higher learning in the old Northwest
Territory, Ohio University is located in Athens, which lies about 75 miles southeast of
Columbus, the state capital, and was named after the ancient center of learning in
Greece. Encircled by winding hills, the campus fea-
tures neo- Georgian architecture, tree- lined redbrick
walkways, and white- columned buildings all clus-
tered on “greens,” which are like small neighbor-
hoods. Long walks are especially nice during the
fall foliage and spring cherry blossoms seasons. In
an effort to improve campus sustainability, all new construction and renovation proj-
ects over $2 million follow standards for LEED Silver or higher certification. Heritage
Hall, a state- of- the- art research facility, is dedicated to advancing medical students.
The BRICKS general education curriculum involves two writing- intensive foun-
dations courses, a standard set of distribution requirements, and an upper- level
Website: www .ohio .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 17,751
Undergraduates: 14,600
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 86%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 64%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 24,978
Accepted: 87%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 65%
Returning Freshmen: 79%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
“[Through learning
communities] you can
make connections in your
program in your very first
class.”
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OHIO UNIVERSITY 525
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
capstone course, and it incorporates interdisciplinary, intercultural, and hands- on
learning. Students enroll in nine undergraduate colleges and one center, and the
Scripps College of Communication contains five distinct schools: journalism, infor-
mation and telecommunication systems, communication studies, media arts and
studies, and visual communication. OHIO’s most popular majors are nursing, com-
munication studies, biological sciences, and psychology. The highly regarded jour-
nalism program offers tracks in news and information and strategic communication
in addition to an emphasis on learning to use current and emerging technology.
Nursing and education are also strengths.
OHIO students work hard, but a communication major says the academic envi-
ronment is “open and inviting.” Freshmen are often taught by full professors with
TAs handling study sessions. OHIO supports more than 250 learning communities,
in which 98 percent of first- year students participate; some have a residential com-
ponent, but most do not. “Learning communities are paired with a professor in your
area of study, so you can make connections in your program in your very first class,”
explains a journalism major. Classes of 100- plus students do exist, but 32 percent of
undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, and faculty make themselves as
available as possible. “The professors are more than willing to help you learn if you
are willing to ask,” says a junior.
One of the advantages of an Ohio University education, and something that sets
the school apart from run- of- the- mill state institutions, is the Honors Tutorial College.
Founded in 1972, it’s the nation’s first multidisciplinary, degree- granting honors pro-
gram modeled on the tutorial method used in
British universities, notably Oxford and Cambridge.
The program is highly selective: fewer than 100
students are accepted into it every year. Students
pursue an individualized curriculum in their major field and spend much of their time
in one- on- one weekly tutorials with profs. Special opportunities abound for those not in
the honors college too. A separate OHIO Honors Program, open to students in all col-
leges, offers challenging small- group seminars and the option to complete honors proj-
ects in traditional classes. Co- op programs are available for engineering students, and
nearly anyone can earn credit for an internship. The Provost’s Undergraduate Research
Fund provides financial support for undergraduate research, and students showcase
about 850 research and creative projects at the university’s annual Student Research
Expo. The Office of Global Opportunities offers worldwide destinations for anywhere
from one week to one year; 11 percent of students study abroad.
“Students at Ohio University are accepting, motivated, and enthusiastic about
being Bobcats,” says a communication studies major. Eighty- six percent of under-
graduates are Ohioans, and 1 percent are international. Students express a desire for
greater diversity on campus: “While we do have a strong Multicultural Center, they
are representing such a small population of students,” says a senior. Just 5 percent of
undergraduates are Black, 4 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 2 percent are Asian
American, and 4 percent are multiracial. The student body’s liberal leanings are pro-
nounced in comparison to the conservatism of southeast Ohio. The OHIO Excellence
Awards program provides merit scholarships and need- based grants for outstanding
students, and the athletically gifted can vie for over 200 scholarships. The “OHIO
Guarantee+” initiative sets fixed rates for each incoming class for tuition, housing,
dining, and most other fees that are guaranteed not to increase for four years. It also
provides students with individualized graduation plans to ensure that they graduate
on time— or OHIO will cover the cost of additional courses.
Forty- nine percent of students live in campus housing. Five LEED- certified resi-
dence halls have been built in recent years. Juniors and seniors usually move to nearby
apartments or rental houses. Both campus dining halls have been renovated and receive
(continued)
Admissions: (740) 593- 4100
Email Address: admissions @
ohio .edu
Strong Programs:
Communication Studies
Journalism
Business
Engineering
Nursing
Education
Management
Marketing
“Students at Ohio University
are . . . enthusiastic about
being Bobcats.”
Students showcase
about 850 research
and creative projects
at the university’s
annual Student
Research Expo.
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526 OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
positive reviews; one location now accepts food stamps. A senior comments, “There has
been increasingly more transparency from my school about sexual assault, but there can
always be more help and more awareness for this issue and for the [survivors].”
Campus social life includes guest speakers and performers, plays, midnight
movies, and other events. Only about 10 percent of the men and 7 percent of the
women choose to participate in Greek life. The administration has attempted to
curtail underage drinking with a strict alcohol policy, and many students complain
that OHIO’s traditional party- school image overshadows the school’s academic
quality, but an accounting major concedes that “there is definitely a large party
atmosphere.” Students look forward to university- sponsored events such as home-
coming and the International Street Fair, as well as unsanctioned events like the
so- called fest season in Athens. “We are known for our street fests,” says a journal-
ism major. “Almost every Saturday in the spring has a party on a street.” Court Street
is dotted with bars and clubs, and the city’s fabled Halloween celebration is a huge
block party that draws people from all over the Midwest. Volunteer opportunities,
such as Habitat for Humanity and a local homeless shelter, are available through the
Campus Involvement Center. Students also love to hike and camp at the nearby
state parks and national forest or trek to Columbus for shopping.
Division I sports are a big draw at OHIO. The Bobcats field 16 varsity teams,
and men’s basketball is a recent Mid- American Conference champion. The Bobcat
football team makes regular bowl game appearances, and the baseball, women’s
volleyball, soccer, and softball teams are competitive too. The university also boasts
a nationally ranked forensics team. OHIO also offers more than 30 club sports, and
16 percent of students participate in that and intramurals each year; popular choices
include flag football, rugby, and soccer.
Students say Ohio University has much to offer, from quality professors to a vibrant
social life and a sense of community. “We are always looking out for one another,” says
a sophomore, “and we all love Athens— it has a special place in our hearts.”
Five LEED- certified
residence halls
have been built
in recent years.
Overlaps
Ohio State, Miami
(OH), University
of Cincinnati,
Penn State, West
Virginia University,
Colorado State,
Kent State, Bowling
Green State
If You Apply To ›
OHIO: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Honors
Tutorial College applicants must interview. Visual and performing arts applicants must submit portfolio or audition.
Ohio Wesleyan University
South Sandusky Street, Delaware, OH 43015
OWU serves up the liberal arts with an emphasis on linking theory and practice. Has
expanded campus housing in recent years as part of efforts to enhance the residential
experience. Attracts middle- of- the- road to liberal students with preprofessional
aspirations. Offers a variety of research, travel, and internship programs, notably
New York Arts and Wesleyan in Washington.
Ohio Wesleyan University is a small school with a big commitment to providing
its students with a well- rounded education. Established in 1842 and traditionally
affiliated with the United Methodist Church, OWU has instituted what it calls an
indefinite “pause” in its relationship with the denomination in response to the
church’s decision in 2019 to strengthen its ban on LGBTQ clergy and same- sex mar-
riages. Hallmarks of an OWU education include strong preparation for graduate and
Website: www .owu .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,390
Undergraduates: 1,390
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OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY 527
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
professional school, a solid grounding in the liberal arts, real- world experience, and
an emphasis on having fun outside the classroom.
Situated in the center of the state and on the outskirts of Columbus, OWU’s
spacious 200- acre campus is peaceful and quaint. Several buildings are on the
National Register of Historic Places. The architecture ranges from Greek Revival
to colonial to modern, with brick academic buildings on one side of a down-
town thoroughfare that runs through the campus and dormitories and frater-
nities on the other side. Stately University Hall, with its majestic spire and bell
tower, is the main campus landmark and houses the president’s office and the
1,100- seat Gray Chapel, home to the largest Klais organ in the United States.
In a significant expansion of campus housing, the university has opened four
duplexes for living/learning communities, renovated a first- year residence hall,
and built a new apartment village for seniors.
OWU launched a new general education curriculum in 2023 that shifted the
focus from discipline- based requirements to capability- based courses and includes
a problem- solving first- year seminar focusing on a complex global challenge.
Students must also take a college writing semi-
nar and at least one course in each of nine core
competencies that include the arts, sciences,
communications, foreign languages, power and
diversity, and more. The most popular majors
are psychology, zoology, business, environmental science, and botany and micro-
biology. Preprofessional education has always been Ohio Wesleyan’s forte, espe-
cially in business; the curriculum also includes majors in education, nutrition, and
data analytics, and the highly popular zoology, botany, and microbiology majors
are interesting alternatives to the traditional premed route. Nursing, dentistry,
optometry, veterinary medicine, law, and public administration round out the list
of preprofessional offerings. The Woltemade Center for Economics, Business, and
Entrepreneurship caters to budding entrepreneurs, and the music and fine arts
programs offer both professional and liberal arts degrees. Classes are small, with
65 percent enrolling fewer than 20 students, and an economics and psychology
major says, “Professors want to see their students thrive and help them every step
of the way.”
All students are required to participate in the OWU Connection, supplementing
their major with interdisciplinary learning, global perspectives, service learning, and
practical experiences; students may fulfill these expectations by choosing from a
number of pathways, such as special courses, study abroad, internships, and inde-
pendent projects. The Career Connection office guides students from every major
and helps them to secure internships across the country. Students seeking financial
support for such endeavors may apply for a Theory- to- Practice Grant. The honors
program offers qualified students one- on- one tutorials and a chance to conduct
research with faculty members in areas of mutual interest. Students who desire
careers in public policy and service may choose to pursue a semester- long internship
through the Wesleyan in Washington program, while others may join the New York
Arts program to spend a semester in Manhattan in apprenticeships with working
professionals in the arts and creative industries. The university’s travel- learning
courses, which append one to two weeks of travel to a regular semester- long class,
are particularly popular.
Sixty- three percent of students come from Ohio and 7 percent are interna-
tional. Students agree that diversity could be improved but is valued on campus;
Black students make up 7 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 6 per-
cent, Asian Americans 3 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. Liberals
and conservatives are well represented on campus, and hot topics include racial,
(continued)
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 27%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 70%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 5,324
Accepted: 52%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 66%
Returning Freshmen: 82%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 922- 8953
Email Address: owuadmit @
owu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Zoology
Botany
Microbiology
Psychology
Communication
Exercise Science
Education
“Professors want to see
their students thrive and
help them every step of the
way.”
OWU launched a new
general education
curriculum in 2023
that includes a
problem- solving
first- year seminar
focusing on a complex
global challenge.
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528 OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
gender, and sexual equality. Merit scholarships averaging $32,400 are available for
qualified students.
Eighty- two percent of OWU students live in university- sponsored housing.
All but one of the dorms are co- ed, and rooms are mostly doubles or apartment-
style, four- person suites. All fraternities offer a residential option, and there is a
Panhellenic House for women in sororities. “We have small- living units or SLUs,
which are essentially themed houses,” says a senior. “The members of these houses
do house projects every semester for the campus and are an extremely important
part of the OWU community.” Students enjoy numerous culinary choices, from
24/7, all- you- can- eat in the main dining hall to snacks from the college grocery
store, although the price of meals is a common complaint. The Department of
Public Safety operates the SafeRide program, where student employees use an OWU-
branded vehicle to safely provide passage for other students at night.
“There are many social events on campus to keep students busy and entertained.
The school hosts many functions, like laser tag or roller- skating or different events
with free food,” says a sophomore. Does the buttoned- down seriousness of recent
years mean that OWU has forsaken its heritage of raucous partying? Administrators
certainly hope so. Part of OWU’s commitment to mend its partying ways includes dry
rush for all fraternities and an armband policy at parties. Still, Greek membership
attracts 21 percent of men and 18 percent of women. “There is definitely pressure to
drink, because so many people do it every weekend,” says one student. Among OWU’s
best- loved traditions are homecoming in the fall and the President’s Ball in December.
Day on the Jay, held at the beginning of the year and again at the end of the spring
semester, is a carnival- like celebration with games, inflatables, and plenty of free food.
The city of Delaware (population 42,000) is “adorable,” says one junior. “There
are several small shops and restaurants that are also relatively diverse from Greek to
Cajun to just regular pizza and burger joints.” The Little Brown Jug, one of harness
racing’s Triple Crown events, takes place each
autumn, bringing thousands of people to the
city. Sixty- five percent of students devote more
than 40,000 hours to community service annu-
ally, either through mission trips or local service
projects like Habitat for Humanity, Delaware Reads, and the Delaware County
Humane Society. “Because of the high amount of volunteering that OWU students
do in Delaware, we have a fairly good relationship with the town,” one student says.
Ohio’s capital and largest city, Columbus, is only 30 minutes away by car and offers
many internship and job opportunities. Lakes, farms, and even ski slopes are within
a few hours’ drive.
OWU’s Division III Battling Bishops are a North Coast Athletic Conference pow-
erhouse. Men’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, field hockey, and men’s and
women’s track and field are among the strongest teams. Sports fever carries over into
intramural and club sports; ultimate Frisbee and rugby draw the most enthusiasm.
Ohio Wesleyan offers a solid liberal arts education focused not on bells and
whistles, but on practical, career- related experience. “Ohio Wesleyan is a place
where the education goes well beyond the classroom,” says one student. “The family
atmosphere and the opportunities that the college provides you enrich the entire
college experience.”
Among OWU’s best-
loved traditions are
homecoming in the fall
and the President’s
Ball in December.
“The school hosts many
functions, like laser tag or
roller- skating or different
events with free food.”
Overlaps
College of Wooster,
Allegheny,
Denison, DePauw,
Earlham, Miami
(OH), Otterbein,
Wittenberg
If You Apply To ›
OWU: Early decision, early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
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UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA 529
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Oklahoma
1000 Asp Avenue, Room 127, Norman, OK 73019
Tops among public universities in attracting National Merit Scholars, OU is strong in
engineering and geology- related fields. Check out the nationally recognized Honors
College and the growing variety of living/learning options. Football aside, OU has
traditionally lacked the visibility of rival UT Austin. Counseling services are a national
model.
The University of Oklahoma has more to boast about than its powerhouse football
program. Founded in 1890, OU has capitalized on its Great Plains location by cul-
tivating strengths in petroleum and geological engineering, meteorology, and the
history and culture of the American West. It has also worked to make itself, in the
words of a first- year student, “a large university with a small- town vibe” by capping
the size of freshman comp courses and establishing residential colleges. Couple that
with a genuine friendliness among the student body, and it’s easy to understand
this favorite saying: “Sooner born and Sooner bred, when I die, I’ll be Sooner dead!”
Located about 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, OU’s 3,500- acre Norman
campus features tree- lined streets and predominantly redbrick buildings. Many are
historic in nature and built in the Cherokee Gothic or Prairie Gothic style. The
Norman campus is home to 16 colleges; six med-
ical and health- related colleges are located on the
OU Health Sciences Center campus in Oklahoma
City, and programs from colleges on both campuses are also offered at OU’s
Schusterman Center in Tulsa. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
houses more than 10 million artifacts, including the oldest work of art ever found in
North America— a lightning bolt painted on an extinct bison skull— and the largest
Apatosaurus on display in the world. Newer facilities include the 75,000- square- foot
Gallogly Hall, the university’s first LEED Gold– certified building, which houses the
biomedical engineering program.
OU’s general education requirements consist of coursework in symbolic and
oral communication (including English composition), natural science, social sci-
ence, and arts and humanities. Freshmen must take a First- Year Experience course,
choosing one of three options: Gateway to Belonging at OU, Global Perspectives and
Engagement, and Ethical Leadership Development. Students must also complete at
least one upper- division course outside of their major. Most OU first- years start out
in University College before choosing among OU’s degree- granting colleges.
The most popular majors include business, engineering, communication and
journalism, and psychology. The Gallogly College of Engineering offers aerospace,
civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering, among others. The Mewbourne
College of Earth and Energy provides programs in geology, geophysics, and paleon-
tology, and its petroleum engineering program ranks among the best in the nation.
OU is home to the largest school of meteorology in the country and the National
Weather Center. In the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, the natural sci-
ences, notably chemistry, are strong. The Price College of Business, OU’s second- largest
college, offers a dozen majors, including energy management, entrepreneurship and
venture management, and healthcare business. Other well- recognized programs at
OU include history of the American West and Native American studies majors and
a minor in Constitutional studies. The Rainbolt College of Education’s rigorous
teacher- certification program, Teacher Education Plus, incorporates field experi-
ence, mentoring, and instruction from 63 full- time faculty.
Website: www .ou .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 22,293
Undergraduates: 18,453
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 92%
Pell Grant: 24%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 45%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 21,548
Accepted: 73%
Enrolled: 26%
Grad in 6 Years: 76%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (405) 325- 2151
Email Address: admissions @
ou .edu
Strong Programs:
Petroleum Engineering
Geology
Meteorology
Chemistry
Energy Management
Entrepreneurship and Venture
Management
History of the American West
Native American Studies
“[OU is] a large university
with a small- town vibe.”
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530 UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“I have never had a course that is impossible,” comments a psychology major,
“but I have also never been in a class that requires little effort.” Study groups are
common, and students recommend University College’s academic tutoring and
advising services. OU has worked to address large
classes and is one of the nation’s few public uni-
versities to cap first- year English comp courses at
no more than 19 students; overall, 47 percent of
undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 stu-
dents. In the past two decades, increased private support has allowed OU to create
significantly more endowed faculty positions, helping the school attract and retain
talented professors. “Professors do a great job of engaging students and making the
material easy to understand and fun to learn,” says one sophomore. OU’s recently
expanded advising service offers support on topics ranging from financial and
mental health issues to life skills.
The rigorous Honors College offers 2,200 students small classes with outstand-
ing faculty members, independent study options, and opportunities to apply for
competitive funded research programs, including the Honors Research Assistant
Program. Students across the university compete for Undergraduate Research
Opportunities Program grants of up to $1,000 to support faculty- mentored research
and creative work. Study abroad opportunities are available in 80 countries, includ-
ing programs at OU’s study centers in Italy and Mexico. Students are often able to
apply their financial aid to study abroad, and special scholarships are available for
qualified students as well.
A nursing major says OU students create a “lively, energetic, young, and studious”
atmosphere on campus. Fifty- nine percent of undergraduates hail from the Sooner state,
and 3 percent come from abroad. Black students account for 5 percent, Asian Americans
7 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, American
Indians 3 percent, and multiracial students 10 per-
cent. A meteorology major describes the political
climate as “open and accepting,” with greater diversity of views than one tends to find
in the rest of the very red state. Qualified students receive scholarships based on aca-
demic merit, with awards averaging $3,100, and there are also more than 250 athletic
scholarships in 17 sports. OU offers a variety of special aid programs aimed at making
the university more affordable for low- income students.
About a third of OU undergraduates live on campus, and the university is making
living/learning communities a major focus. The residence halls and Cross Village are
mostly occupied by first- year students, who can choose to live on specific academic
floors or at the Honors College. Residential colleges modeled after those at Yale and
Oxford also serve as living/learning communities and are the preferred option, along
with the OU Traditions Square apartment community, for upperclassmen. Come meal-
time, one student says, “Eating at the Caf is like eating dinner with the whole freshman
class every night.” Students say they feel safe on campus and praise programs like OU
Advocates and required trainings for their efforts in sexual assault prevention.
The OU social scene is vibrant and well balanced with on- campus activities and
off- campus fun. Twenty- eight percent of men and 32 percent of women go Greek.
Although the dorms and Greek houses are dry, off- campus fraternity parties are
the highlight of weekends at OU. The “three- strikes” alcohol policy “has greatly
cut down on alcohol incidents” on campus, says one student. Campus Corner,
located right across the street from campus, is another source of nightlife, with
several restaurants and bars, as well as coffee shops and boutiques. Norman, pop-
ulation 128,000, is Oklahoma’s third- largest city, and Oklahoma City is just 20 min-
utes away. OU’s annual day of volunteering, the Big Event, sends more than 5,000
students into the community for a day of service. Favorite traditions include the
“Eating at the Caf is like
eating dinner with the
whole freshman class every
night.”
OU is one of the
nation’s few public
universities to cap
first- year English
comp courses at no
more than 19 students.
“Professors do a great job
of engaging students.”
The annual Big Event
sends more than
5,000 students into
the community for
a day of service.
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OLIN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 531
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University Sing talent show, tailgating, and, of course, the annual road trip to Dallas
for the OU– Texas football game.
OU is known for successful Division I athletics and is capitalizing on that rep-
utation by moving to the Southeastern Conference in 2025. Sooner football has
brought home the Big 12 Conference title seven times in recent years. “Every foot-
ball game day, the town swells to over 500,000 people, and I consider game days an
all- day festival,” says a letters major. The women’s gymnastics team was the national
champion in 2022, and the softball team took home its third straight national title
in 2023. The men’s gymnastics and men’s and women’s basketball teams make reg-
ular NCAA Tournament appearances too. Recreational and intramural programs
attract 16 percent of the undergraduate population, and flag football and basketball
are especially popular.
“OU offers the classic college experience,” says a senior. Indeed, students at
Oklahoma have a lot to brag about. “The educational opportunities are top- notch,”
says one junior, and “a student can come from anywhere and find that they are part
of something special.” If you’re searching for a school with plenty of spirit and a
feeling of family, OU may be worth a look— sooner, rather than later.
Overlaps
UT Austin, Texas
A&M, University
of Kansas, CU
Boulder, Texas
Christian,
Oklahoma State,
Texas Tech, Baylor
If You Apply To ›
OU: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult OU’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Olin College of Engineering
1000 Olin Way, Needham, MA 02492
BEST
BUY
Olin opened its doors in 2002 with an innovative and forward- looking project- based
curriculum and a commitment to turning out “technologists with soul.” Already an
elite institution that competes head- to- head with Caltech and MIT for top students.
Every enrolled student gets a hefty merit scholarship. Located in Needham, near
Babson and Wellesley, on the outskirts of Boston.
In the mid- 1990s, leaders of the F. W. Olin Foundation began daydreaming about
what “state- of- the- art” engineering education for the 21st century would look like.
Two decades and $470 million later they have their answer: the Franklin W. Olin
College of Engineering. This elite engineering school aims to turn out farsighted grad-
uates who are not only technically competent but who can “come up with innovative
ideas and products.” The curriculum is project- based, and students become as com-
fortable in the machine shop as in labs and classrooms. The founders also decided
that, rather than gradually building up the quality and reputation of their new school,
they would invest in excellence from the get- go. By offering every enrolled student
a half- tuition scholarship worth more than $115,000 over four years, Olin has suc-
ceeded in luring superbright students away from Caltech, MIT, and other engineering
highfliers. Sure, the college lacks the rich tradition and reputation for research of more
established institutions. But that doesn’t seem to bother the more than 350 students
who have latched on to perhaps the best deal in U.S. higher education.
Olin’s 70- acre campus is located adjacent to Babson College in a pleasant suburb
less than 15 miles west of Boston. The campus design is an innovative blend of the
traditional and futuristic. Five buildings curve around a central green space, creating
Website: www .olin .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 356
Undergraduates: 356
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 34%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 862
Accepted: 19%
Enrolled: 45%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 99%
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532 OLIN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a sense of community and echoing the design of the traditional New England col-
lege. The modular classrooms set the stage for hands- on work, and there are plenty
of meeting and public spaces to encourage the kind of collaboration called for in
modern- day engineering.
Olin’s innovative curriculum emphasizes science and engineering, as well as
business and entrepreneurship. Students choose from three majors— electrical and
computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or a self- designed major in engineer-
ing with a concentration, such as bioengineering,
computing, design, robotics, or sustainability. In
addition, students must complete 30 credits of
math and science and 28 credits of arts, human-
ities, social sciences, and entrepreneurship. The course catalog is thin, especially in
liberal arts subjects, but students can and do take courses at nearby Babson, Wellesley,
and even Brandeis.
The hands- on nature of Olin’s curriculum means that students start engineering
right away with relatively simple projects, building mechanical systems intended
to mimic animals or insects that hop in the first- semester Design Nature course.
They then progress to more sophisticated challenges like Principles of Integrated
Engineering, in which they build a project involving electronic, mechanical, and
software components (such as an automatic cake decorator or a light- seeking flower
pot). Concern for “engineering design” is built into every subject. Each student also
completes one of two options— SCOPE (Senior Capstone Program in Engineering) or
ADE (Affordable Design and Entrepreneurship)— for a yearlong, team- based senior
capstone project, in which they apply their knowledge to solving real- world prob-
lems, in partnership with outside organizations or communities.
Courses are rigorous, but working in teams and across disciplines is the norm for
faculty as well as students. “We work very hard, and we work a lot,” says one senior,
“but there’s no real feeling of anything but the friendliest competition.” Grading
starts after the first semester. Fifty- one percent of all classes have fewer than 20 stu-
dents, and all are led by professors, with whom students are on a first- name basis.
Prospective faculty members must go through an extensive interview and audition
process, and once hired, none are ever granted tenure. Like their students, many of
them have been lured from the likes of MIT because they like the challenge of helping
to create what one of them termed “the model of engineering for the future.” A soph-
omore explains, “The professors value feedback from the students very highly— courses
are often altered halfway through the semester with suggestions from the students.”
First- year students participate in an interactive, weeklong orientation program
that includes team- building exercises, meetings, and meals with faculty and advi-
sors, as well as a trip into Boston. The college also encourages students to engage in
“Passionate Pursuits” by enabling them to
pursue personal interests via independent proj-
ects, for which they receive nondegree academic
credit and, often, funding. A sampling of stu-
dent projects includes rock climbing, guitar
making, marathon training, gelato making, and Bhangra (Indian folk dancing).
Olin offers several direct- exchange options, as well as preapproved programs at
approximately 40 institutions around the world; 26 percent of students study away
from campus. Eighty- three percent conduct research with faculty members.
“We’re all engineers, but we have social skills!” asserts a senior. Only 12 per-
cent of students hail from Massachusetts, and 7 percent come from abroad. Black
students represent a mere 3 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 21 per-
cent, Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent, and multiracial students 11 percent. Students
appreciate the balanced male/female ratio as “very uncommon” for an engineering
(continued)
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (781) 292- 2222
Email Address: info @ olin .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
“The professors value
feedback from the students
very highly.”
Many students join
extracurricular project
teams that participate
in competitions
like Formula SAE,
SAE Baja, and
robotic sailing.
“I think our healthy
disregard for tradition
makes life a little more
interesting.”
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school, and according to a sophomore, “Students are generally liberal but not par-
ticularly active in promoting political issues.” To make sure that it selects students
who are a good fit for Olin’s unique approach to engineering, the admissions office
invites approximately 250 applicants to attend one of three “candidates’ weekends”
in the spring, where they learn about the school, take part in team projects such
as building a weight- bearing bridge out of Styrofoam, and go through a 25- minute
interview with a team that may include faculty, staff, students, and alumni. About
150 of these students are accepted, and about 40 are placed on a waitlist. In addition
to awarding half- tuition scholarships, Olin guarantees to meet 100 percent of any
remaining demonstrated financial need for all enrolled domestic students.
All students live on campus in Olin’s two residence halls, first- years and sopho-
mores in doubles in West Hall and upperclassmen in either doubles or suites in East
Hall. Meal options in Olin’s sole dining hall get average reviews. Olin operates with a
student- designed honor system that makes for unlocked rooms and take- home exams.
“You can leave your laptop in the lounge, and it won’t walk off,” says a senior. Campus
security is good and “students do feel physically safe,” says one student.
When students aren’t laboring over the latest Modeling and Simulation of the
Physical World assignment, they tend to congregate on campus for fun. “There are par-
ties in the residence halls, and the Student Activities Committee hosts some sort of
schoolwide event every weekend,” says a junior.
There are no Greek organizations, and students say
the social scene does not revolve around alcohol.
“The campus alcohol policies are quite reasonable,” says a student, “relying largely on
student responsibility.” The student orchestra has no conductor— or, as the joke goes,
“not even a semiconductor.” When the campus scene grows tiresome, students often
travel to nearby Babson (on foot) or Wellesley (by shuttle bus) to mingle. Aside from
frequent visits to Boston, students enjoy road trips to Vermont or the beaches of Maine.
The surrounding town of Needham “isn’t a great college town but does have some
good restaurants,” says a sophomore. Students take advantage of volunteer opportu-
nities, and the college organizes community- oriented events, such as a charity auction
where students offer up everything from original artwork to haircutting services.
Campus traditions, however, are few and far between. “I think our healthy disregard
for tradition makes life a little more interesting,” says a senior, adding, “We do have a
traditional spring formal and an academic exposition at the end of each semester.”
Although Olin does not offer varsity sports, two competitive club sports are
available: soccer in the fall and ultimate Frisbee in the spring. In addition, “pick- up
leagues have evolved for soccer, Frisbee, football, and basketball,” says a junior, and
students are allowed to participate in intramural sports at Babson and Wellesley.
Many students join extracurricular project teams that participate in competitions
like Formula SAE, SAE Baja, and robotic sailing.
For those who have what it takes, Olin College offers a top- notch engineering
degree at a bargain price. Olin students have watched their school grow up and blos-
som before their eyes, frequently taking part in shaping its innovative approach to
engineering education. Students here value interdisciplinary, project- based instruc-
tion, and the importance of “learning to learn,” and they graduate inspired to shake
up the workforce. As one junior comments, “Olin is pretty quirky, and we like to
think we’re different— passionate, weird, and doing fun things.”
Every enrolled
student is offered
a half- tuition
scholarship worth
more than $115,000
over four years.
“We’re all engineers, but we
have social skills!”
Courses are rigorous,
but working in teams
and across disciplines
is the norm for faculty
as well as students.
Overlaps
MIT, Stanford,
Caltech, Harvey
Mudd, UC
Berkeley, Yale,
Carnegie Mellon,
Rose- Hulman
If You Apply To ›
Olin: Regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Olin’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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534 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Oregon
1585 E 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403- 1226
A flagship university of manageable size in a great location, UO is notable for its
emphasis on the undergraduate educational experience in and out of the classroom.
Liberal arts are more than just a slogan, and programs in the sciences, business,
and communication are strong. Splashy sports program plays a big role in shaping
the vibrant campus life and culture. Lagging state funding assures that it lacks the
academic range of larger flagship universities.
Blend two vegetarians, one track star, one fraternity brother, two tree huggers, three
hikers, and one conservative. What have you got? Ten UO students. Sure, the joke’s
hokey, but its offbeat humor is typical of the laid- back, slightly eccentric attitude
that prevails here in Eugene, where bicycling is the main form of transportation,
recycling is a requirement, and littering is déclassé. As the most accessible of the
West Coast flagship universities, the University of Oregon attracts brainy students
who are proud of their quirky ways.
UO’s buildings date from as early as 1876 and are surrounded by the universi-
ty’s lush 295- acre arboretum- like campus, which boasts more than 4,000 trees rep-
resenting nearly 500 species. Many academic buildings were built before World
War II and represent a blend of classical styles,
including Georgian, Second Empire, Jacobin,
and Lombardic. Major renovations have been
made to the Student Recreation Center and the
Erb Memorial Union, and new residence halls
have gone up in recent years or are under construction. Among other newer build-
ings is a 160,000- square- foot, glass- and- steel facility, part of the Knight Campus for
Accelerating Scientific Impact (funded in part by UO alum and Nike cofounder Phil
Knight and his wife).
Oregon’s academic calendar is organized by quarters, and its general educa-
tion program consists of standard distribution requirements, as well as one course
exploring difference, inequality, and agency in the U.S. and one course on global
perspectives. Each summer, the university offers IntroDUCKtion to new students,
featuring opportunities for orientation, registration, and advisement. First- Year
Interest Groups (FIGs) help new students develop close working and advising rela-
tionships with faculty members and other students. Each FIG consists of 20 fresh-
men who take three courses together around a common theme, such as Going Green
and Path to Global Citizenship.
UO’s professional schools— journalism, design, education, law, business, and
music and dance— are highly regarded, and considered to be more accessible to
entry- level students than similar programs elsewhere. The most popular majors
include business administration, psychology, general social science, and psychol-
ogy. The College of Design is the home of sought- after programs in architecture,
landscape architecture, and interior architecture— the state’s only accredited degrees
in these fields. In the College of Arts and Sciences, environmental studies is strong,
and the science departments enjoy advanced resources and research opportunities
in fields like nanotechnology, optogenetics, and neuropsychology. Pine Mountain
Observatory, a field- study resource for astronomy and physics students located high
in the Cascade Mountains, and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology give students
a chance for hands- on studies in their major. The interdisciplinary comics and car-
toon studies minor is the first of its kind in the nation. Among several new majors
Website: www .uoregon .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 21,421
Undergraduates: 18,185
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 68%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 42%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 37,154
Accepted: 86%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 73%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 232- 3825
Email Address: uoadmit @
uoregon .edu
Strong Programs:
Journalism
Design
Education
Business
Music
Dance
Architecture
Environmental Studies
“The academic climate at
the University of Oregon
is collaborative yet
challenging.”
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UNIVERSITY OF OREGON 535
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
offered are cybersecurity, popular music, Native American and Indigenous studies,
and environmental design.
“The academic climate at the University of Oregon is collaborative yet challeng-
ing,” says an accounting major. “Above all else, it is what you make of it.” Thirty-
seven percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. The quality of instruction
varies, and it’s not uncommon to find teaching assistants handling some of the
teaching duties, but a math major says most professors are knowledgeable and will
“check in on students’ progress.” A senior adds that it is possible to find “supportive
and encouraging mentors” among the faculty.
Highly motivated undergraduates may apply to the Clark Honors College, a
small liberal arts college with its own four- year curriculum that includes a senior
thesis and opportunities for exclusive research assistantships. Student- run commu-
nity internship programs provide credit for community volunteer work. Twenty-
nine percent of undergrads study or complete internships abroad during their time
at UO, and more than 300 programs are offered in more than 90 countries.
Only half of undergraduates are native Oregonians, largely because the university
has increasingly relied on revenue from full- paying outsiders to balance the budget.
“There are a lot of people from California,” says a freshman, and “a lot of artsy hipsters.”
International students account for 4 percent of the
student body. Asian Americans represent 7 per-
cent, Black students 3 percent, Hispanics/Latinos
15 percent, and multiracial students 9 percent.
“The political climate is skewed liberal all across campus,” notes a sophomore. Numerous
merit scholarships worth an average of $6,700 are awarded to qualified students, as are
more than 100 athletic scholarships in 20 sports. The PathwayOregon program covers
tuition and fees for Pell- eligible Oregonians.
Twenty- nine percent of UO students live in the university’s 10 residence halls,
which are a mix of traditional halls and modern high- rises. Freshmen are required to
reside on campus. A student says of the rooms, “They are pretty small, but I love
the cozy feeling.” There are a number of thematic living arrangements, including the
Global Scholars Hall, the Clark Honors College, and Kalapuya Ilihi Hall, which is
named for the native inhabitants of the Willamette Valley and offers communities
for Native American and indigenous studies, social activism, art and design, and
media and social action. Students can choose from five meal plans, and 14 dining
venues serve up fresh, diverse menus. “The food on campus is actually amazing,” says
a sophomore. Students say they feel secure on campus, but some cite the growing
homeless population just off campus as a safety concern. Even so, a senior reports,
“There is a ride service called Duck Rides that can pick you up within a five- mile
radius of campus and bring you back to your residence hall or off- campus apartment
for free, no questions asked, to ensure students’ safety.”
Sixteen percent of UO men and 17 percent of the women join Greek organiza-
tions, which provide living space, interesting social diversions, and a wealth of lead-
ership and community service opportunities. “The university plays host to a variety
of concerts, culture nights, film viewings, guest
lecturers, sporting events, and dances,” a journal-
ism major says. Students 21 and over may have
alcohol in their rooms, but only with the doors
closed. A junior says, “There are large parties hap-
pening around campus most nights of the week for people who would like to spend
their time on such activities,” but there is no pressure to do so. Everyone looks for-
ward to the biannual Street Faire that brings local vendors to campus in the fall and
the spring. “There is great food, local businesses, and artists, and everyone on campus
gets to enjoy something different,” explains a psychology major. Other major events
Major renovations
have been made to the
Student Recreation
Center and the Erb
Memorial Union.
“The political climate is
skewed liberal all across
campus.”
The interdisciplinary
comics and cartoon
studies minor is
the first of its kind
in the nation.
“[At football games]
thousands of students
whoop and holler and
scream their lungs out.”
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536 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
include the Willamette Valley Music Festival, where big- name artists perform for stu-
dents on campus, and, of course, every home football game, where “thousands of
students whoop and holler and scream their lungs out” for their Ducks.
Eugene (population 175,000) offers plenty of popular hangouts and is, according
to one enthusiastic student, “the best college town ever! Everything about Eugene is
based around the Ducks!” The one drawback to all this fun is Oregon’s weather: it rains
and rains from late fall through spring. Still, the moist climate rarely dampens enthu-
siasm for the many expeditions available through the university’s well- coordinated
outdoor program, from rock climbing to skiing. An hour to the west, the rain turns to
mist on the Pacific Coast; an hour to the east, it turns to snow in the Cascade Mountains.
Those who stick around all year are rewarded with green, sunny summers.
UO’s official mascot is a whimsical yellow- and- green likeness of Donald Duck.
The athletic program is financially independent of the university, and the Ducks
continue to dominate their Division I athletic rivals. As of 2024, they joined the
Big 10. The women’s program made NCAA history by becoming the first to win
national titles in women’s cross- country, indoor track, and outdoor track in the
same season— the “triple crown.” Football, men’s track and field and golf, and wom-
en’s basketball have had impressive successes as well. Duck fans love cheering on
their teams, especially during the annual football game against archrival Oregon
State, a grudge match that has been playing out since 1894. Intramurals are another
time- honored pastime here, with flag football, basketball, soccer, and softball being
the most popular.
A recent University of Oregon Orientation Week T-shirt sported a picture of a
duck and a simple exhortation: “Let your future take flight.” UO offers ample oppor-
tunities for those with lofty ambitions to succeed. Indeed, UO’s accessible academ-
ics, expert faculty, and abundance of social activities confirm that UO is all it’s
quacked up to be.
Major events include
the Willamette Valley
Music Festival, where
big- name artists
perform for students.
Overlaps
University of
Arizona, CU
Boulder, UCLA,
UW– Madison,
University
of Maryland,
University of
Washington,
Oregon State,
Cal Poly– San Luis
Obispo
If You Apply To ›
UO: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
The biggest dilemma facing the typical 18- year- old Oregonian is whether to be
a Beaver or a Duck. Choose Duck and hang with the ex- hippies in cosmopolitan
Eugene. Choose Beaver and get small- town life with professional programs in
business, engineering, and life sciences in Corvallis. Strong STEM focus, along with
global emphasis.
Once known as Moo U, there’s much more to Oregon State University than cows,
fruits, and vegetables. One of the most accessible West Coast public universities,
OSU is strong in many departments, including biotechnology, forestry, and engi-
neering. As a land grant university founded in 1858, OSU offers abundant research
opportunities and co- op work experiences, especially for students in STEM fields.
Says one satisfied student, “Anyone would be lucky to be at Oregon State.”
Located in the pristine but rainy Willamette Valley, OSU’s campus is a mix of
older buildings and more modern structures. In addition to the 500- acre main campus,
Website: www .oregonstate
.edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 22,887
Undergraduates: 19,697
Male/Female: 51/49
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OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY 537
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OSU owns 13,000 acres of forestland near campus and numerous agricultural tracts
throughout Oregon. Thousands of azalea and rhododendron bushes welcome spring-
time on campus with their colorful blooms, and summers are unfailingly sunny.
Newer facilities include the eco- friendly, $65 million Oregon Forest Science Complex.
OSU’s extensive Baccalaureate Core requires courses in a variety of areas, includ-
ing skills; perspectives; and difference, power, and discrimination. One writing-
intensive course is required as well. Perhaps the core’s most innovative facet is its
“synthesis” requirement, in which upperclass-
men take two interdisciplinary courses on global
issues in the modern world. The level of aca-
demic pressure varies by major, but even those in
the various honors programs say they don’t feel overworked. Although classes can
be large, a senior says, “Professors make sure to get to know each individual and
work with them, so that we as students gain the most from our education.”
OSU’s College of Liberal Arts ranks with business and engineering as the largest
on campus, but there are many more preprofessionals than poets. With the excep-
tions of history and English, the liberal arts— including such standard fare as sociol-
ogy, economics, and philosophy— play second fiddle to more practical, technical
fields. The business school offers some of the finest business- related programs in
the state, and majors in forestry, natural resources, marine biology, oceanography,
climate science, and engineering are strong drawing cards. Even though agriculture
doesn’t lure as many students as it used to, those who do come find excellent pro-
grams, including agricultural sciences, animal sciences, and food science and tech-
nology. Computer science, business administration, mechanical engineering, and
psychology are among the most popular majors.
Students in the Honors College participate in small seminars with top professors
and hands- on research, culminating in a senior thesis. The university’s small- town
location makes it difficult to find much career- oriented part- time employment, and
internships are hard to come by. (OSU operates on a quarter system.) Students in
almost all majors, however, can participate in the cooperative education program,
which allows them to alternate terms of study with several months of work in a
relevant job. About a quarter of undergraduates get involved in research. The 6 per-
cent who choose a semester abroad may select from 200 study abroad programs or
research and internship opportunities in 70 countries around the world.
“The best way to describe students at Oregon State? Two words: ‘Go Beavs!’” cheers
a senior. Indeed, school spirit runs high on this friendly campus, where most students
are “well- rounded and chill but diligent,” says a biohealth sciences major. Fifty- seven
percent of undergraduates are from Oregon, and 4 percent hail from foreign countries.
Just 2 percent are Black, 12 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 9 percent are Asian American,
and 7 percent are multiracial. The Office of Diversity and Cultural Engagement spon-
sors several cultural resource centers, conferences, social justice retreats, and other
diversity initiatives to support students from
underrepresented backgrounds. Students report
that the campus is split fairly evenly between liber-
als and conservatives. Merit scholarships averaging $6,800 are awarded annually, as are
nearly 350 athletic awards in 17 sports. The Bridge to Success program allows roughly
3,000 in- state students per year to attend the university tuition- free.
Freshmen are expected to live in college housing, though fraternity pledges have
the option of living in their houses. Co- ed and single- sex options are available in the
dorms, which house 18 percent of the students. “I loved living in my hall because
it is where I made many friends; however, I much prefer living off campus because it
is not as expensive,” a student says. In addition to standard rooming situations,
several living/learning communities in areas like engineering, outdoor adventure,
(continued)
Financial Aid: 63%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 25,651
Accepted: 83%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 70%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (541) 737- 4411
Email Address: osuadmit @
oregonstate .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Engineering
Forestry
Natural Resources
Marine Biology
Oceanography
Climate Science
Agricultural Sciences
“[Students are] well-
rounded and chill but
diligent.”
A favorite campus
tradition is the
All- University Sing
(featuring musical
numbers staged
by fraternity and
sorority members).
“People in the valley don’t
tan, they rust.”
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and the environment are also options. “Dining on campus is great, and so are the
eateries just off campus: reasonably priced, with different styles and cuisines,” says a
mechanical engineering major. Campus security gets good reviews too.
Eight percent of both men and women join fraternities and sororities, and Greek
events offer a social scene but don’t dominate campus life. Administrative efforts to
make Greek parties safer include a ban on hard alcohol, a training program for stu-
dents who wish to serve as sober party monitors, and a medical amnesty policy.
Favorite campus traditions include the All- University Sing (featuring musical num-
bers staged by fraternity and sorority members) and the Dam Jam music festival in
the spring. As for Corvallis (population 60,000), a senior says, “Corvallis is a little
dry when it comes to outings, but OSU’s clubs and activities make up for that.” A
popular student activity is complaining about the Willamette Valley weather:
“People in the valley don’t tan, they rust,” warns one native. One reward for all the
rain, however, is the abundance of flowers that bloom in all colors and shapes each
May. Beautifully rugged beaches are less than an hour away, and some of the best
skiing in the country can be found in the Cascade Mountains, two hours east. Hiking
and rafting are nearby too, and camping on the coast provides more good times.
Cheering for Beavers athletic teams claims a lot of students’ time and energy here,
as does participation in 40 intramural leagues and 40 club sports. Benny Beaver, the
school’s former (and somewhat benign) mascot, has been replaced by a more aggres-
sive beaver that students have dubbed the “angry beaver.” Baseball, men’s soccer,
and men’s and women’s basketball are highly competitive in the Pac- 12 Conference
and on the national stage. Oregon State’s rivalry with the University of Oregon dates
back to 1894, and one student says, “Games between OSU and U of Oregon are a big
part of every season.”
While still a leader in agricultural education, OSU has expanded its reputation
as a university that prepares students for successful futures in ever- evolving scien-
tific, technical, and business fields. OSU doesn’t scream for attention. Instead, it’s
content to be a “nice” college, in “a safe and pleasant little town,” where professors
are “helpful” and, even if everyone doesn’t know your name, they’ll let you stand
under their umbrella whenever the skies open up.
The business school
offers some of the
finest business- related
programs in the state.
Overlaps
Colorado State,
Washington State,
University of
Nebraska– Lincoln,
Oklahoma State,
Iowa State,
University of
Oregon, University
of Washington,
Cal Poly– San Luis
Obispo
If You Apply To ›
Oregon State: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Applicants have the option of identifying their gender, preferred name, and sexual orientation.
University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95211
The university’s name dates from a time when there were no other universities near
the Pacific. Still the only small, independent university in California north of L.A., it
offers an eye- popping array of programs for an institution its size, including business,
engineering, pharmacy, and education. The student body is just as diverse.
University of the Pacific was established in 1851 by Methodist ministers as
California’s first institution of higher education. Perhaps that’s why it looks like 175
acres of New England plunked down in California wine country. With its stately
combination of red brick and ivy, it could be mistaken for an East Coast liberal arts
Website: www .pacific .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
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college. But instead of a blanket of snow, Pacific is surrounded by the lush green-
ery of the San Joaquin Valley. On campus, this increasingly competitive bastion of
learning offers its 3,200 undergrads a solid and diverse academic program and scores
of things to do when not hitting the books.
With majestic evergreens and flowering trees complementing collegiate Gothic
buildings, Pacific’s Stockton campus is home to six undergraduate schools, includ-
ing the College of the Pacific, the university’s lib-
eral arts and sciences division. There is also a
school of law in Sacramento, a superlative school
of dentistry in San Francisco, a pharmacy school
in Stockton, and the School of Health Sciences in
Sacramento. A biological sciences building provides 56,000 square feet of space for
the biological sciences department. Newer facilities include Calaveras Hall, an
apartment- style residence hall for sophomores.
The university- wide general education program has four components: core semi-
nars, a breadth program, a diversity and inclusion requirement, and fundamental skills.
All students entering in their first year must complete two core seminars: problem-
solving and oral communication and writing and critical thinking. In addition, stu-
dents must complete six to nine courses in the breadth program and must demonstrate
competence in writing, math, and reading. Strong offerings abound in the schools
of engineering and business (with specialty concentrations in arts and entertainment
management, business law, and entrepreneurship). The sciences, education, English,
and international relations are also strong. A freshman says, “The best academic
departments tend to be prepharmacy, predentistry, and the health, exercise, and sport
science programs, because they do an astounding job of preparing students for their
future professions.” Students may also design their own majors with faculty approval.
Students report that the academic atmosphere is relaxed. “Instead of students
who do whatever it takes to be at the head of the class, everyone works together,”
says an international relations major. Forty- four percent of the undergraduate classes
have fewer than 20 students, and teaching assistants teach labs only. “The faculty
members are very accessible and always willing to help,” says one sophomore. The
university guarantees graduation in four years (assuming the student follows all uni-
versity guidelines), or it will pay for the extra schooling. Students are also guaran-
teed to have the opportunity for some type of experiential learning, and a number
of internship and co- op programs are available. An extensive study abroad program
offers 200 choices in dozens of countries; international relations and global studies
majors are required to spend at least one semester abroad.
Pacific students are “genuinely nice and friendly,” says one freshman. Ninety-
one percent of undergraduates are California residents, and 8 percent hail from
foreign countries. As for ethnic diversity, Asian Americans account for 36 percent,
Black students 4 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 26 percent, and multiracial students
5 percent. The school is middle- of- the- road to conservative, though politics in gen-
eral play a small role on campus. “We’re very open to all political, religious, sexual
orientations, etc.,” says a senior. Though not unusually expensive by national stan-
dards, the university price tag can seem steep when compared to the University of
California system. So Pacific has stepped up efforts to compete, using merit schol-
arships, which average $22,600 annually, as well as athletic scholarships in several
sports. Thirty- seven percent of freshmen qualify for Pell Grants.
Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus, and 51 percent of all
undergrads make their home on campus. “Housing is generally pretty clean and the
sense of community is felt all across the halls,” says one student. With three meal
plans, two dining halls, and one fast- food- type facility, residents are well fed. A
senior reports, “Campus security is pretty effective.”
(continued)
Total Enrollment: 5,489
Undergraduates: 3,174
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 73%
Pell Grant: 37%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 55%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 5,891
Accepted: 93%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 70%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (209) 946- 2211
Email Address: admission @
pacific .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Business
Education
English
International Relations
Prepharmacy
Health, Exercise, and Sport
Science
“Instead of students who
do whatever it takes to be
at the head of the class,
everyone works together.”
Pacific dropped
football long ago,
but the Tigers
field a number of
other competitive
Division I teams.
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“The social life happens on campus, whether it is at sporting events, going to
events for different fraternities, sororities, or clubs, or simply playing games out on the
university center lawn,” says a student. Just 4 percent of the men and 5 percent of the
women go Greek, and the majority of Greek houses are designated substance- free. “I
only recently attended my first party where there was alcohol,” one student says.
“There was no pressure for me to drink.” Students caught violating the alcohol policy
must take an online course in alcohol education. Other social opportunities are offered
by the Residence Hall Association, intramural and club sports, conservatory and
drama/dance programs, campus movies, and more than 170 student clubs. Annual
campus festivities include the Lip Sync competi-
tion during homecoming, the popular Fall
Festival, Diversity Week, and International Spring
Festival. For weekend excitement, Pacific students
love to hit the road: within about two hours, they can be skiing, shopping in San
Francisco, or surfing in Monterey. Stockton itself (population 322,000) offers shop-
ping and plenty of fast- food joints, as well as numerous volunteer opportunities.
Pacific dropped football long ago, but the Tigers field a number of other
competitive Division I teams. The women’s volleyball team makes regular NCAA
Tournament appearances, and men’s and women’s basketball and water polo are
also strong. The university also sponsors a solid speech and debate team.
Pitted against the state’s immense public university system, Pacific stands out
for offering major university opportunities in a small- college setting. The adminis-
tration is striving to place more focus on its student body, which is becoming more
top- notch and diverse. A political science major says, “When you come here, you
instantly feel like you are surrounded by very friendly and loving people.”
The university
guarantees graduation
in four years, or
it will pay for the
extra schooling.
“We’re very open to all
political, religious, sexual
orientations, etc.”
Overlaps
UC Davis, UC
Berkeley, UCLA,
Caltech, UC San
Diego, UC Santa
Barbara, University
of Southern
California
If You Apply To ›
Pacific: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
University of Pennsylvania
1 College Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104
An Ivy League institution in name, Penn has more in common with places like
Georgetown and Northwestern— where the liberal arts share center stage with
preprofessional programs. At Penn, that means business, engineering, and nursing.
Penn has something else other Ivies don’t: school spirit. It’s a good idea to apply
early decision if Penn is your first choice.
Benjamin Franklin would be proud of the way the university he helped create has
surged in recent years. Once relegated to the bottom rungs of the Ivy League (and
often confused with Penn State), the University of Pennsylvania is now the first
choice for top students who see no conflict between high- level academics and
having a life. The undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences— once on the univer-
sity’s back burner— is now central not only to its undergraduates, but also to three
other undergraduate schools that tap into its programs and course offerings. With
a distinguished history that dates to 1740, Penn established the nation’s first med-
ical school, the first business school, the first journalism curriculum, and the first
psychology clinic, and it is a pioneer in service learning and service research. In
Website: www .upenn .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 21,943
Undergraduates: 9,717
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 43%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
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her inaugural address, a former president paid tribute to Franklin as “the ultimate
visionary and pragmatist. Franklin thought education should be for the body as
well as for the soul— that it should enable a graduate to be a breadwinner as well
as a thinker, that it should produce socially conscious citizens as well as conscien-
tious bankers and traders.”
“Penn” is the university’s traditional informal name. In recent years “UPenn”
has also emerged as a nickname; although this alternative is used more by outsiders
than by students themselves, it is gaining currency. Penn’s campus is situated in a
tree- shaded, self- contained, 299- acre nest called
University City, which is adjacent to downtown
Philadelphia. Its 218 buildings range from
Victorian Gothic to postmodern. There are very
old structures, such as College Hall, and newer ones, such as Wharton’s Huntsman Hall
and Skirkanich Hall, home to Penn’s bioengineering programs. New College House
West, a $163 million, 450- bed undergraduate residential house, opened in 2021.
Penn’s reputation has traditionally been wrapped up with its 12 graduate schools,
especially the prestigious Wharton School of Business; the Annenberg School of
Communication; and the well- known law, medical, and veterinary schools. (Penn
claims to be the first university in the country to offer both undergraduate and grad-
uate studies.) Three of the four undergraduate schools— engineering, nursing, and
the undergraduate division of Wharton— are also professionally oriented and offer
an education that’s hard to beat anywhere. The undergraduate College of Arts and
Sciences (a.k.a. “The College”) has come into its own in recent years and provides
students with high- quality instruction as well as the chance to run into a Nobel
laureate here and there.
Finance is among the most popular undergrad majors, followed by econom-
ics and nursing. Penn’s anthropology department ranks with Chicago’s as tops in
the country, while the management and technology program is also outstanding.
Penn has earned applause in the field of cognitive and computer sciences because
of its special program linking psychology, linguistics, and computers with phi-
losophy. Another popular créme- de- la- créme interdisciplinary major, biological
basis of behavior, combines psychology, biology, and anthropology. Students are
allowed to design their own individualized majors, and they can hop from school to
school— undergraduate or graduate— in doing so. Students in the Vagelos Program
in Life Science and Management pursue studies in both the College of Arts and
Sciences and the Wharton School, exposing them to research and development,
biotech start- ups, managed care, and other related issues.
At the Wharton School (named after the 19th- century industrialist who founded
it), the Joseph Wharton Scholars program emphasizes breadth in the arts and sci-
ences. Another added plus that comes with a Penn undergraduate education is the
opportunity for early entry (submatriculation)
into the university’s graduate programs. Juniors
may apply to any master’s program (continuing
into the Wharton M.B.A. program is especially
popular) and begin completing graduate require-
ments during their senior year. Penn offers no co- op programs and discourages full-
time internships for credit, remaining true to the Ivy League belief that learning
should be based in academic settings. Thirty percent of students explore more exotic
classrooms by studying abroad at Penn’s programs in Italy, Scotland, Japan, China,
and Nigeria, among others. Freshmen are encouraged but not required to participate
in a seminar program that explores various areas of academic interest, and also in
the Penn Reading Project, which involves student and faculty discussion of a
common text.
(continued)
Student Loans: 18%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 54,588
Accepted: 7%
Enrolled: 68%
Grad in 6 Years: 96%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (215) 898- 7507
Email Address: info @
admissions .upenn .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Engineering
Nursing
Communication
Anthropology
Management and Technology
Cognitive Science
Biological Basis of Behavior
“Most departments have
fantastic professors who
are tops in their field.”
On Hey Day, juniors
don Styrofoam hats
and march down
Locust Walk to
become seniors, taking
chomps out of each
other’s hats as they go.
“Penn students have
historically been extremely
involved with the local
community.”
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Two- thirds of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, and while
professors at Penn take their research responsibilities seriously, they are surprisingly
accessible to freshmen. “Most departments have fantastic professors who are tops
in their field,” says one student, “and have developed a great teaching style.” The
academic program at Penn is well supplemented by its huge and busy library, which
houses more than six million volumes.
Despite all the preprofessional programs, Penn never lets its undergraduates
stray too far from the liberal arts. The general education requirements in the College
of Arts and Sciences mandate that students take at least one course in each of seven
“sectors”: society; history and tradition; arts and
letters; living world; physical world; humanities
and social sciences; and natural sciences and
mathematics. Students must also complete one
course in each of six “foundational approaches” areas, including writing, foreign
language, quantitative data analysis, formal reasoning and analysis, cross- cultural
analysis, and cultural diversity in the U.S. Strict academic policies and demanding
professors exacerbate the academic pressure. “Penn is a competitive university,” says
one nursing major, “but is also intellectually stimulating.”
Thousands of faculty and students give expression to Benjamin Franklin’s adage
that service to humanity is “the great aim and end of all learning.” To wit, Penn is a
national leader in service learning and service research. Students work with local
public school students as part of academic coursework in disciplines as diverse as
history, anthropology, and mathematics. There are tons of opportunities to
volunteer— from tutoring to Big Brothers Big Sisters to the Ronald McDonald House.
“Penn students have historically been extremely involved with the local community
and have taken the experiences they’ve had in the neighborhood with them to the
real world,” an economics and history double major says.
Nineteen percent of Penn undergraduates are Pennsylvania natives, and 13 per-
cent are international. “There are all kinds of people with all kinds of personalities,
interests, and backgrounds,” says a student, “all of which makes Penn a vibrant place
to live and study.” Eight percent of undergrads are
Black, 10 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 28 percent
are Asian American, and 5 percent are multiracial.
Penn admits students regardless of need— and meets full demonstrated need with
loan- free financial aid packages— but does not offer any merit or athletic scholarships.
Outreach programs target hundreds of schools and thousands of students from low-
and middle- income families in an effort to improve socioeconomic diversity.
Sixty percent of all undergraduates live on campus and enjoy a wide range of
living options in Penn’s 13 co- ed “College Houses.” The Quad, home to three of the
13 houses, seems to be the hot spot, described as “well maintained and incredibly
comfortable.” Most College Houses offer living/learning programs for those who
want to be surrounded by others with the same interests. Some upperclassmen move
to the apartment- style accommodations in three high- rises across campus, but most
head to nearby off- campus houses and apartments— “for the freedom, plus it’s a lot
cheaper,” a junior says. Meal plans are required for freshmen, and the food isn’t all
that bad for institutional fare. “The best kept secret on campus is the kosher cafete-
ria,” a finance and management major says.
Undergraduates may work hard during the week, but in contrast to typical Ivy
League achievers, they leave it behind them on weekends. “Social life at Penn cen-
ters around frats,” a junior explains. “Parties freely serve alcohol to underage drink-
ers,” according to another student, despite school policies dictating otherwise. More
than two dozen fraternities attract 20 percent of the men, while sororities claim
21 percent of the women. The frats’ exclusive claim to the houses along Locust
“Penn is a competitive
university but is also
intellectually stimulating.”
Penn’s campus
is situated in a
tree- shaded, self-
contained, 299-
acre nest called
University City.
“Social life at Penn centers
around frats.”
Juniors may apply
to any master’s
program and begin
completing graduate
requirements during
their senior year.
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Walk, the main artery on campus, has been undone: after some controversy, it was
determined that non- Greeks, too, must be able to live at the social nexus of the
campus. Two big annual events at Penn are Spring Fling, a weekend “nothing short
of absolutely incredible fun,” and Hey Day, a century- old tradition where juniors,
donning Styrofoam hats and thin wooden canes, march down Locust Walk to offi-
cially become seniors, taking chomps out of each other’s hats as they go.
Downtown Philadelphia is only a few minutes away by foot, Lyft, or public
transportation. Penn is located in the western part of town, once considered to be
dangerous, but nowadays, as a senior explains, “There are a wealth of cultural
resources at the tip of your fingers, and more and more students are able to find jobs
in the Philadelphia area after graduation.” Students frequent sporting events, malls,
South Street (“a miniature Greenwich Village”), and, of course, myriad bars and
clubs. The city is home to several other colleges, and a student says, “There is a lot
of social intermingling among the schools, and university students dominate the
nightlife.” Road trips include New York City, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, and
even Maine and Florida.
Penn is more sports- minded than most Ivies, and football (they’re in the Division I
Football Championship Subdivision) is the biggie. The team is accustomed to sitting
on the top of the Ivy League and is at the nexus of widespread school spirit. Tickets are
free for those with a student ID. The Penn– Princeton rivalry is always a crowd- pleaser.
At the end of the third quarter of each home game, everyone in the stands begins
belting out the lyrics of the Penn fight song, and when they get to “Here’s a toast to
dear old Penn,” the students shower the field with burnt toast, “a moment that makes
all Penn students proud,” according to a senior. Other solid Quakers teams include
men’s and women’s basketball, men’s lacrosse, and women’s field hockey and fenc-
ing. A bevy of intramurals and nearly 40 club sports bring thousands of less- seasoned
athletes out to play each year, and all types of athletes benefit from the swanky track
and weight- lifting facilities. Each spring, Penn hosts the prestigious Penn Relays, a
track- and- field extravaganza that attracts the nation’s best track athletes.
While its students work hard, Penn lacks the intellectual intensity of some of the
other top Ivies, and you can detect preprofessional undercurrents. But most accept it
for what it is: a first- rate university where you can live a relatively normal life in the
heart of Philadelphia. Penn is one Ivy League university where no one apologizes for
having fun. Says one sophomore, “There is a great balance between academics and
social activities, which is rare in such highly competitive institutions.”
Penn is a national
leader in service
learning and
service research.
Overlaps
Georgetown,
Northwestern,
Brown, Columbia,
Cornell University,
Harvard, Stanford,
Yale
If You Apply To ›
Penn: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Penn’s website
for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Pennsylvania State University
201 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802
With a student body the size of a small city, Penn State is strong in fields from
meteorology and business to film and television. The 1,800- student Schreyer Honors
College is one of the nation’s elite programs. Although its athletic programs have
tended to grab most of the headlines (not always positive), Penn State remains one
of the premier public universities academically.
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544 PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
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Living it up with over 40,000 fellow full- time undergraduates in what sportswrit-
ers have long dubbed Happy Valley is probably not for the faint of heart. But
those who can muster the energy to take advantage of Penn State’s legendary
school spirit and to navigate its vast sea of academic options will be rewarded
with stellar programs in engineering, the sciences, and other fields appropriate to
a land grant university.
With an eclectic architectural mix, including white- columned brick, stone, and
some modern apartments, Penn State, which was founded in 1855, continues to
experience growth as major renovation and expansion projects proceed. New facil-
ities and renovations are constantly underway. The $144 million Chemical and
Biomedical Engineering Building is among the newer additions to campus. “Penn
State just keeps growing and improving itself,” says one student.
Penn State’s general education requirements consist of 45 credits that include
several communications and quantification courses as well as humanities, arts, nat-
ural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and health and physical education
courses. The incorporation of critical- thinking
skills has been a priority in redesigning the gen-
eral curriculum. In addition, undergrads must
enroll in courses on U.S. and international diver-
sity. One helpful program offered to freshmen is LEAP (Learning Edge Academic
Program), which gives new students the benefit of a big university while making it
seem small. Students in LEAP take a team approach by taking classes and living
together. About 1,800 of the university’s best and brightest are invited to participate
in the Schreyer Honors College, which offers opportunities for research and an
honors thesis, as well as honors options in regular courses.
The most popular majors at Penn State fall under the categories of engineer-
ing, business, computer and information sciences, and social sciences. The univer-
sity maintains strong programs in the scientific and technical fields such as earth
sciences, engineering, forensic science, and life sciences, as well as nutrition and
family studies. The meteorology program boasts alumni worldwide, including the
founder of AccuWeather, an internationally renowned private forecasting firm. The
College of Information Sciences and Technology is designed to prepare students
for the digital age. The College of Agricultural Sciences has extensive facilities that
include huge livestock barns. Its food sciences program is one of the best in the
nation. Dairy products from the school’s cows are sold at an on- campus store, and
courses are offered in the production of its famous ice cream. Students can choose
from more than 160 undergraduate majors and more than 190 graduate fields spread
over 24 locations statewide, including the College of Medicine and Dickinson Law,
both located near Harrisburg, and Penn State Law on the University Park campus.
Combined undergraduate/graduate degree options are available, as are engineering
co- op programs, distance learning, and student- designed majors.
“The one thing about Penn State is that your academic experience is com-
pletely what you make it,” counsels one student. Some of the intro- level lecture
courses draw up to 400 students at University Park, yet most students seem to
agree that classes are excellent and require your full attention. Students report that
professors are accessible and engaging— when they are teaching; grad students fre-
quently take on that responsibility. For cramming outside of class, the Penn State
library system contains 8.6 million volumes. Roughly 16 percent of students study
abroad through nearly 300 summer, semester, and full- year programs offered in
roughly 50 countries.
“Penn State students are active, fun, and open- minded,” says one student. Fifty-
nine percent of undergraduates are residents of Pennsylvania, with 11 percent hail-
ing from foreign nations. More than half of Penn State’s undergrads who finish at
Website: www .psu .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 46,992
Undergraduates: 40,475
Male/Female: 53/47
Financial Aid: 42%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 85,784
Accepted: 55%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (814) 865- 5471
Email Address: admissions @
psu .edu
Strong Programs:
Meteorology
Business
Film and Television
Engineering
Forensic Science
Nutrition and Family Studies
Computer and Information
Sciences
Food Sciences
“Your academic experience
is completely what you
make it.”
The Learning Edge
Academic Program
gives new students
the benefit of a
big university while
making it seem small.
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University Park began their education at one of the university’s 19 undergraduate
campuses across the state. Many students note that race and diversity issues can be
pronounced on a campus that is still pretty homogeneous for a public university:
Asian Americans make up 7 percent of the undergrad population, Black students
4 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. A whop-
ping 695 athletic scholarships are available in 29 varsity sports, as are thousands of
merit awards, averaging $5,400.
Freshmen must live in the dorms, which students say are comfortable and
located near classroom buildings and dining facilities. Overall, 34 percent of stu-
dents live on campus; the rest find a home off campus, often in downtown apart-
ments. “I loved living in the dorms,” reports
one public relations major. “I think it’s part of
the whole college experience, and I made some
great friends along the way.” The meal plan operates on a point system where you
pay for what you eat. Stand for State is a comprehensive bystander intervention
program covering sexual assault, drug and alcohol use, acts of bias, and mental
health concerns.
“Social life at Penn State is huge,” says a freshman. Seventeen percent of men
and 20 percent of women go Greek. Partying at Penn State mostly happens at frater-
nities, but the administration has been focusing on measures to increase student
safety and reduce dangerous drinking, hazing, and sexual assault, including impos-
ing new rules for social events sponsored by Greek organizations. Greek Chapter
Scorecards track conduct violations and disciplinary actions, as well as academic
performance, community service hours, and philanthropic fund- raising efforts, for
every Greek chapter on campus. For social alternatives, the HUB (the campus union
building) offers nonalcoholic entertainment, and more than 1,000 student organi-
zations keep students busy too. Favorite annual events include the mid- July arts
festival, the Dance Marathon, and, of course, homecoming.
University Park students take advantage of the picturesque and peaceful locale
by engaging in outdoorsy activities, including skiing and snowboarding at a nearby
slope, and sailing, canoeing, hiking, and renting
cabins in Stone Valley. State College offers
restaurants, bars, and cultural events such as
symphonies, theatrical shows, and ballets, while
the Bryce Jordan Center hosts top- notch performers. The town may be small, but
according to a biochem major, “a majority of the students get involved in commu-
nity service to maintain and constantly improve town relations.”
Penn State was once viewed as the model of how the values of big- time football
and academic excellence could coexist, but this image took a major hit a decade ago
with the conviction of a former assistant football coach as a sexual predator. Since
then, new leadership, governance, and other changes have sought to put the scan-
dal in the rearview mirror. When thousands of alumni converge to cheer on their
Nittany Lions (named after a type of local mountain lion) in blue and white, the
festivities include tailgating replete with pregame parties and postgame revelry. As a
member of the Big Ten, Penn State’s foes include Michigan and Ohio State, both of
which make great road trips. Nittany Lions teams have won 80 national team cham-
pionships in a wide variety of sports; the men’s wrestling team has brought home 10
national titles in the last three years. Men’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s soccer
are recent conference champions. There are three large gyms, a competitive- size
pool, an indoor ice rink, and an extensive program of intramural and club sports for
the recreational athlete, including a large angler’s club.
After a period of agonizing soul- searching about what led to its football scandal
a decade ago and more recent Greek life troubles, Penn State’s sense of pride and
“Social life at Penn State is
huge.”
Dairy products from
the school’s cows
are sold at an on-
campus store.
“Penn State students are
active, fun, and open-
minded.”
Overlaps
University of
Pittsburgh,
Temple, University
of Maryland,
University of
Delaware, Rutgers,
Indiana University
of Pennsylvania,
Ohio State
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546 PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
community spirit have reasserted themselves. As one proud Lion explains, “Imagine
a family of 40,000— the excitement, compassion, and sense of belonging.”
If You Apply To ›
PSU: Early action, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular school or pro-
gram. Please consult Penn State’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263
With stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Pepperdine boasts what is arguably the most
beautiful campus setting in American higher education. Proximity to L.A., only 35 miles
away, contributes to its growing popularity. Pepperdine describes itself as a “Christian
university,” and students come ready to embrace its conservative Christian emphasis.
Given its picturesque surroundings, it’s easy to confuse Pepperdine University with
a Southern Californian resort. Surrounded by the beautiful seashore, Pepperdine
University might seem like paradise for students seeking sunshine rather than stud-
ies at this conservative Christian university, though students take their work and
their worship seriously. “The philosophy of the school is that God and the academic
experience must be married,” says a senior communication major. “This creates
an intimate learning environment that prides itself on moral integrity and a high
academic standard.” Business and communication are the most blessed programs,
though other departments deserve recognition too. Undergrads praise their educa-
tional opportunities, the strength of their school’s spiritual community, and the
vast sandy beaches beckoning below their hilltop campus.
There’s no denying that Pepperdine’s location, nestled in the Santa Monica
Mountains about 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is a strong selling point. The 830-
acre Malibu campus, to which the school moved
from L.A. in 1972, overlooks the Pacific Ocean
and features fountains, hillside gardens, moun-
tain trails, and a 20- minute walk to the beach.
Spanish revival architecture— cream- colored
stucco buildings topped with red ceramic tile
roofs— dots the landscape. The Phillips Theme Tower, a 125- foot- tall white stucco
cross, stands 345 feet above sea level on the outskirts of campus, reminding students
and faculty of the school’s Christian heritage.
Pepperdine was founded in 1937 by George Pepperdine, a lifelong member of the
conservative Churches of Christ who established a hugely successful retail auto parts
company and became concerned that too many young people were losing their religious
faith when they entered college. The church’s continued influence on the school per-
vades many aspects of campus life, from the prohibition of overnight dorm room visits
by members of the opposite sex to the requirement that students attend Seaver 200—
“faith exploration gatherings” similar to chapel— 10 times each semester. Drinking is
officially prohibited on campus too. Though restrictions like this might drive the average
American kid up a wall, most Pepperdine students like what one calls the “highly moral”
atmosphere. “In comparison to other schools, Pepperdine students generally have a more
religious foundation and thus have high standards of moral integrity,” opines a student.
Website: www .pepperdine
.edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 5,971
Undergraduates: 3,449
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 92%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 47%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 11,466
Accepted: 49%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (310) 506- 4392
Email Address: admission
-seaver @ pepperdine .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Communication
Public Relations
Psychology
Marketing
Economics
Biology
Sports Medicine
“[Pepperdine has]
an intimate learning
environment that prides
itself on moral integrity and
a high academic standard.”
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The academic programs of Seaver College, Pepp’s undergraduate school, aim to
provide students a “traditional liberal arts curriculum based on a Christian world-
view.” Individual classes are demanding, as is the required General Education pro-
gram, which includes a first- year seminar and
courses in English composition, speech and
rhetoric, math, a foreign language, Western cul-
ture, world civilizations, laboratory science, fine
arts, literature, and human institutions and
behavior. Students must also take three religion courses. Faculty members are said
to be accessible and responsive— not surprising when 74 percent of classes have
fewer than 20 students. One student says professors “demand a lot from their stu-
dents and expect a high standard and quality of work.”
The business administration department is unequivocally the strongest and most
popular at Pepperdine, and it tends to set the tone on campus. Those seeking advanced
business education can enroll in a B.S./M.B.A. program that allows them to earn a
bachelor’s degree in business administration from Seaver College and an M.B.A. from
the university’s graduate business school in five years. The communication depart-
ment, with majors including advertising, public relations, and journalism, is also
highly touted and boasts radio and television broadcasting studios. Psychology, mar-
keting, economics, biology, and sports medicine are also popular. Dual- degree engi-
neering programs are available in partnership with the University of Southern
California and Washington University in St. Louis. The well- organized Career Center
allows students to sign up for job fairs, interviews, and individual and group career-
counseling sessions. Sophomores interested in international culture may spend a year
at Pepperdine’s own facilities in Buenos Aires, Florence, Heidelberg, Lausanne, or
London. Locations for summer study have included East Africa, the Galapagos Islands,
Madrid, and Oxford. Roughly 80 percent of Pepperdine’s undergraduates participate
in short- and long- term study abroad programs.
One might expect students at this religiously oriented school to be politically conser-
vative, and a good portion are. Many come from well- to- do California Republican fami-
lies; there are also quite a few wealthy international students. Students joke that there’s
never a shortage of Porsches and BMWs on campus,
but there is a shortage of places to park them. “I
think students who are struggling financially would
have a difficult time fitting in,” confesses an adver-
tising major. Overall, 48 percent of undergraduates
are California natives, and 10 percent come from abroad. Hispanics/Latinos account for
18 percent of the students, Asian Americans 14 percent, Black students 4 percent, and
multiracial students 7 percent. The Republican influence is felt far and wide. Pepperdine
has received millions of dollars from conservative donors, including the late Pittsburgh
financier Richard Mellon Scaife. Nevertheless, one student says, “Pepperdine tends to shy
away from political activism.” The university awards merit scholarships averaging
$17,145 to top achievers, in addition to about 325 athletic scholarships in 14 sports.
Sixty- three percent of undergraduates live on campus. A senior declares that
Pepperdine’s residence halls are “comfortable, convenient, and really quite nice.”
Rooms are assigned on a first- come, first- served basis, and the housing stock consists
of 25 dorms, including the newer, suite- style Seaside Residence Hall. First- year stu-
dents are typically assigned to suites with bathrooms, living rooms, and four double
bedrooms. Some consider these arrangements crowded, but a junior says they “con-
nect freshmen instantly to seven suitemates and friends.” Despite the above- average
cost of living in the Malibu area, many upperclassmen choose to live off campus. As
for dining in the campus’s 11 venues, a senior says, “The meals are just OK.” Some
students express a desire for greater transparency regarding incidents of campus
“[Professors] demand a lot
from their students and
expect a high standard and
quality of work.”
Dual- degree
engineering programs
are available in
partnership with
the University of
Southern California
and Washington
University in St. Louis.
“Parties on weekends . . .
probably draw a larger
portion of students than
church on Sunday.”
Students typically
head to L.A.,
Hollywood,
Westwood, and Santa
Monica for fun.
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548 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
sexual harassment and assault, reporting that the administration “has tried to hide
certain cases without sharing them with the student body.”
Some say flashy student vehicles fit into the small, very wealthy community of
Malibu better than the students themselves. Because the social scene in Malibu is
pretty slack, with a 10 p.m. noise curfew and high price tags for everything, students
typically head to L.A., Hollywood, Westwood, and Santa Monica for fun. “For a large
proportion of students, academics and their social lives take priority over religious
matters,” says a public relations major. “Parties on weekends are well attended and
probably draw a larger portion of students than church on Sunday.” Eighteen per-
cent of the men and 33 percent of the women join one of five national fraternities or
eight national sororities, which are playing a larger role in social life. Along with stu-
dent government, they sponsor dances, movies, and other typical college activities,
including the occasional illicit drink. “Pepperdine enforces a ‘dry’ campus,” says
one student. The Tyler Campus Center serves as the main social center, and annual
events including Songfest, Waves Weekend, and Midnight Madness draw crowds.
Sports receive a lot of attention at Pepperdine. The Waves compete in the
Division I West Coast Conference. Competitive teams include men’s and wom-
en’s golf, men’s volleyball, women’s tennis, and women’s swimming and diving.
Ten club and intramural sports keep students busy, as does the physical education
department, with classes in everything from surfing to ballet. A tennis pavilion and
recreation center serves varsity jocks and weekend warriors alike.
Pepperdine has taken up the challenge of trying to marry the Christian focus of
a Bible college with the academic rigor of a secular university— all in a location not
known for the strength of its moral fiber. Students love to tease their well- manicured
university with T-shirts proclaiming, “Pepperdine. 8- month party. 60K cover
charge.” But most seem to think the solid, values- oriented education they receive is
worth the stiff price tag.
Overlaps
Baylor, Loyola
Marymount, Santa
Clara, Southern
Methodist,
University of San
Diego, Chapman,
Westmont,
Wheaton (IL)
If You Apply To ›
Pepperdine: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Fine arts applicants must submit portfolio.
Performing arts applicants must audition. Please consult Pepperdine’s website for the most up- to- date information regard-
ing standardized test requirements.
University of Pittsburgh
4227 Fifth Avenue, Alumni Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
As its home city has risen in stature, Pitt has become a hot commodity along with
next- door neighbor Carnegie Mellon. A state- related university in the mold of the
University of Cincinnati— not the state flagship, but strong in a host of preprofessional
programs, especially in health fields. Curiously, Pitt is among the nation’s best
in philosophy. Admissions is rolling, so apply early.
Pittsburgh has joined the ranks of the most livable cities in the United States. The
University of Pittsburgh has matured, too, becoming a formidable public research
institution. The school offers numerous opportunities for students pursuing medi-
cal, engineering, and business careers but leaves a great deal of room for exploration
in the liberal arts. Students are encouraged to be individuals and carve out their own
academic niche, either with multiple majors or with certificate programs. “The great
Website: www .pitt .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 26,522
Undergraduates: 19,206
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
thing about Pitt is they are always adding and adapting programs to fit the students’
needs and interests,” says a junior.
Pitt began as a tiny, private educational academy in the Allegheny Mountains in
1787. Oh, how times have changed. The university, which became state- related in
1966, is adjacent to Carnegie Mellon and is now part of the landscape of shops,
museums, and galleries that make up Oakland,
the heart of Pittsburgh’s educational and medi-
cal center. Spacious, light- filled, contemporary
buildings and generic modern office buildings
make up the Pitt campus, but the architectural
focal point is the fabled 42- story, neo- Gothic academic building, appropriately
called the Cathedral of Learning, a national historic landmark. The stately and tow-
ering cathedral, with its unique Nationality Rooms, attracts 30,000 visitors annu-
ally. And contrary to images you may hold of inner- city Pittsburgh, the campus
adjoins a 456- acre city park. Construction on the new, 270,000- square- foot Campus
Recreation and Wellness Center is slated for completion in 2024.
Academic requirements in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences include writing,
quantitative and formal reasoning, and foreign languages, as well as coursework in the
humanities, social and natural sciences, and foreign cultures. First- year students undergo
an extensive orientation before the fall term starts, take a one- credit freshman studies
seminar, and complete a course on anti- racism. Pitt offers guaranteed admission into a
wide variety of graduate programs for outstanding freshman applicants. The Outside
the Classroom Curriculum is an optional cocurricular program in which students partic-
ipate in activities in 10 goal areas, such as leadership development, sense of self, service
to others, and arts appreciation, in order to round out their college experience.
With 16 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools and more than
100 undergraduate majors across its five- campus system, Pitt rightfully claims to
accommodate students with diverse needs. The engineering and nursing schools
are excellent and attract high- caliber students. Premed students can watch trans-
plants at the famed University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, one of the world’s
leading organ transplant centers. The rehabilitation science major prepares students
for Pitt’s highly competitive physical therapy program, which is tops in the country;
bioengineering is also a strength. The most popular majors include research and
experimental psychology, registered nursing, biological sciences, and finance. The
interdisciplinary politics and philosophy major is a unique offering.
Coursework at Pitt is described as intensive but manageable; a chemistry major
says, “With the rigorous material and courseload comes a lot of support from faculty
and staff, so it all ends up balancing out.” Forty- two percent of classes have fewer
than 20 students, and a senior says the atmosphere is “incredibly collaborative.” Pitt
faculty members are often at the top of their fields, leading the way in areas like
astronomical discoveries and medical advances.
The academically motivated can pursue a distinctive, research- focused bachelor
of philosophy degree from the excellent University Honors College. Pitt is one of the
top 10 institutions in the nation in terms of annual research support awarded by the
National Institutes of Health. Forty- six percent of
undergrads pursue research projects, facilitated
by the university’s 400 centers, institutes, labora-
tories, and clinics. For those who want to travel,
the university boasts study abroad options in 65
countries; 27 percent of undergrads participate. Closer to home, Pitt is a partner
with Carnegie Mellon University in the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. Students
praise the Career Center’s internship prep program, which places students in local
internships after they’ve completed a set of workshops and other requirements.
(continued)
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 47%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 59%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 53,072
Accepted: 49%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (412) 624- 7488
Email Address: pitt
.admissions @ pitt .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Nursing
Rehabilitation Science
Bioengineering
Philosophy
Business
Biological Sciences
Psychology
“Pitt is . . . always adding
and adapting programs to
fit the students’ needs and
interests.”
Favorite annual events
include Bigelow Bash,
a spring concert that
brings recognizable
performers to campus.
“The administration
has shown that they’re
receptive and responsive to
student concerns.”
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550 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Sixty- one percent of undergraduates are from Pennsylvania, including a sub-
stantial number from the Pittsburgh area, and 5 percent hail from 57 other coun-
tries. Black students account for 5 percent of the student body, Asian Americans
14 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 7 percent, and
multiracial students 5 percent. “From the Black
Action Society to the Rainbow Alliance, there is
an organization or group for students of any
identity and background at Pitt,” says a junior. When it comes to political and social
issues, students say the campus is “very vocal” but also respectful. Pitt offers merit
awards averaging $10,300 to incoming freshmen, and more than 250 athletic schol-
arships are available in 19 varsity sports. Pell Grant recipients benefit from the Pitt
Success Pell Match Program, which matches the federal grant dollar for dollar.
While student housing may have been scarce in the past, Pitt continues to
increase the amount of on- campus living space and guarantees housing for three
years. Forty- two percent of students live on campus in 30 co- ed and single- sex dorms
with all kinds of rooming situations, from singles to seven- person, apartment- style
suites. Students say the quality varies and some options are overpriced. Living/
learning communities are popular, with 17 options for first- years and nine for upper-
classmen. Hungry students may choose from two all- you- care- to- eat dining facilities,
25 on- campus retail dining locations, and several off- campus local spots; the campus
food gets average marks. Campus safety is bolstered by a consistent police presence,
and a sophomore notes, “The administration has shown that they’re receptive and
responsive to student concerns about issues like sexual assault.”
Within minutes of Pitt’s campus are shops, parks, museums, professional sport-
ing events, and performing arts venues, and PITT ARTS provides students with low-
cost tickets to attend cultural events in the city. The university also grants students
fare- free access to city buses. “Exploring the city has been one of my favorite parts of
my Pitt experience. There’s so much more to do and see outside of Oakland,” says a
senior. Another adds that, for students of age, “Bars tend to be big here.” On campus,
students have more than 600 clubs and organizations to choose from, and 11 per-
cent of the men and 14 percent of the women belong to the Greek system. “Greek
life is small on campus, so they don’t take over the scene like at other schools,” says
one senior. Favorite annual events include I Love Pitt Day, the Black and White Ball,
and Bigelow Bash, a spring concert that brings recognizable performers like T-Pain
and MisterWives to campus. Adjacent Schenley Park offers jogging trails and facili-
ties for outdoor recreation. Ski slopes and mountain trails are not far away, and road
trips to Penn State and Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City are popular.
The Pitt Panthers compete in the Division I Atlantic Coast Conference, and
men’s wrestling and women’s volleyball have taken home recent championships.
“The Pitt vs. Penn State game is always a highlight each year,” cheers a junior.
Approximately 40 percent of undergrads take part in intramurals and club sports;
basketball, flag football, soccer, and volleyball are the most popular.
Pitt is a large university made to feel small. Its flexibility in adapting to students’
needs and its commitment to community breed a kind of loyalty and pride that
students say can’t be found elsewhere. Case in point, one senior declares, “I have
two separate friends who have our unofficial slogan, ‘Hail to Pitt,’ tattooed on
them.” Now that’s commitment.
“Greek life [doesn’t] take
over the scene like at other
schools.”
First- year students
undergo an extensive
orientation before
the fall term starts.
Overlaps
Penn State, Ohio
State, University
of Michigan,
Purdue, University
of Maryland,
Northeastern,
Rutgers, Carnegie
Mellon
If You Apply To ›
Pitt: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Pitt’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Pitzer College: See page 151.
Pomona College: See page 153.
Presbyterian College
503 S. Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325
A South Carolina liberal arts college that competes head- to- head with Wofford
for students who want their education served up with plenty of personal attention.
Business programs complement the focus on liberal arts. Lacks the urban allure
of Furman or Oglethorpe, but Scottish heritage adds flavor. About two- thirds of PC
students are from South Carolina.
Consistent with the school’s founding by clergyman William Plumer Jacobs way
back in 1880 to educate orphans, Presbyterian College students live up to the motto
Dum Vivimus Servimus (“While we live, we serve”). Virtually all students volunteer
while at PC. Increasingly, they are also logging research hours in the lab, traveling
to far corners of the world, and trying out potential careers through internships. At
the same time, they continue to pursue personal, spiritual, and academic growth in
a liberal arts environment.
The Presbyterian campus sits on 240 acres in the South Carolina piedmont. The
redbrick buildings are largely Georgian in style, with tall, white columns and lots of
shade trees. Many structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
including the campus’s most recognizable building, Neville Hall. The campus resem-
bles Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia, with buildings grouped around three
plazas just perfect for reading, studying, or throwing a Frisbee. New apartment- style
housing for seniors was recently completed.
Presbyterian’s curriculum emphasizes the traditional liberal arts, with a range of
required courses, as well as experiential learning: all students either study abroad, con-
duct independent research, or complete an intern-
ship before graduation. The required Compass
program extends from freshman through senior
year, beginning with a First- Year Exploration
course that focuses on critical thinking, academic
skills, and personal exploration of vocation and calling. Sophomores take a course that
helps them explore potential career paths. Students must also develop an electronic
portfolio and participate in a senior capstone course.
“The coursework is intense at times but is not so intrusive that it devours all
of a student’s time,” says a political science major. An honor code holds students
accountable for their behavior and creates an atmosphere of mutual respect. Classes
are small, with 71 percent enrolling fewer than 20 students, encouraging personal
relationships with faculty. “My professors have been so much more than just
teachers to me— they have become my friends, travel partners, mentors, and role
models,” enthuses an English and history double major. The most popular majors
are business administration, biology, psychology, and history. These are also some
of PC’s strongest programs, along with English and music. Computational biology is
an unusual offering. Aspiring engineers can take advantage of dual- degree programs
Website: www .presby .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,110
Undergraduates: 873
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 89%
Pell Grant: 30%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 72%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 3,329
Accepted: 59%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 63%
Returning Freshmen: 70%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (864) 808- 1880
Email Address: admissions @
presby .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Biology
Psychology
History
English
Music
Computational Biology
Prepharmacy
“My professors have been
so much more than just
teachers to me— they have
become my friends.”
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552 PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE
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with Auburn, Clemson, Georgia Tech, and other institutions. High- achieving stu-
dents desiring a degree in pharmacy can apply to the Early Entry Pre- Pharmacy
Program, which allows them to earn a doctorate degree in six years through the PC
School of Pharmacy.
Options for off- campus study, in which 20 percent of students partake, include
semester- long exchange programs as well as highly popular, short- term Maymester
trips led by faculty to destinations such as Australia, Greece, South Africa, India,
and, of course, Scotland. For eight weeks each summer, 10 to 25 Summer Fellows
receive stipends to live on campus, undertake independent research guided by fac-
ulty, and present the findings of their work. Fifteen percent of all undergrads get
involved in research.
While less than 10 percent of students are Presbyterian, the campus atmosphere
is distinctively Christian. “Our students practice servitude and Christian love in
their daily lives,” a senior says. Thirty- seven percent of undergraduates hail from
states outside South Carolina, and 4 percent come from nations abroad. Minorities
are a small but increasing presence on campus: Black students make up 19 percent
of the population, Hispanics/Latinos 6 percent, Asian Americans 1 percent, and
multiracial students 5 percent. Politically, reports a senior, “PC seems to be split
between both major political parties.” Merit scholarships worth an average of
$21,500 are handed out to eligible students, as are roughly 100 athletic awards.
Ninety- three percent of Presbyterian students live on campus, where accommo-
dations range from traditional rooms with hall baths to suites and apartments, and
quality is said to vary. Housing selection is based on academic standing: in each
class, students with the most credits and the best
grades get to choose first. “It’s more incentive to
study hard and have a good GPA so you can live
where you want to live,” explains a business
administration major. The two dining facilities on campus, a buffet- style dining hall
and a food court, receive mixed reviews. “The Sunday buffet is awesome. After
church, people from the community pay to eat in our cafeteria,” says an English
major. A senior notes that the campus feels safe and the school’s strict honor code
means that “you can trust your neighbors at PC.”
Twenty- three percent of PC’s men and 30 percent of the women join Greek
groups, and “social life is very active,” says one student. “Fraternity Court is the
popular spot on weekend nights.” The school has taken a firm stand against under-
age and unsafe drinking: all frat parties must be registered and attended by sober
party monitors, while staff check IDs and distribute under- 21 wristbands at the door.
For alternatives, the Student Activities Board hosts movie nights, coffeehouses, art
nights, and other events on campus, and many students join clubs. Owing to PC’s
aforementioned motto, Student Volunteer Services is the largest organization on
campus, routinely sending students to local orphanages, nursing homes, schools,
and other facilities where their time and talents can be helpful. Favorite annual tra-
ditions include Shuckin’ and Shaggin’, an oyster roast and dance in the fall, and
Spring Fling, a weekend carnival. Students also look forward to the Christmas at PC
concert and to the outdoor graduation ceremony under the oaks, complete with
bagpipes. As for the surrounding area, “Clinton is not a very active town,” states a
business administration major, so students usually head to Greenville, Spartanburg,
or Columbia (all within an hour’s drive) when they want to get off campus for a bite
to eat or shopping. PC is equidistant from South Carolina’s mountains and beaches,
providing many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
PC’s 19 varsity sports teams compete in Division I. The college’s mascot is the
Blue Hose, a reference to the stockings of their Scottish ancestors. (While some
students wear kilts during athletic events, most constrain such enthusiasm, says
Favorite annual
traditions include
Shuckin’ and Shaggin’,
an oyster roast and
dance in the fall,
and Spring Fling, a
weekend carnival.
“Our students practice
servitude and Christian
love in their daily lives.”
Sophomores take a
course that helps them
explore potential
career paths.
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PRESCOTT COLLEGE 553
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a junior.) Men’s tennis is a recent Big South Conference winner, and other strong
programs include women’s wrestling, tennis, and basketball and men’s soccer.
Recreational sports are divided into three divisions, depending on how competitive
you are. All students may take advantage of PC’s 31- acre recreational facility, with
lighted softball, football, and soccer fields, volleyball courts, a basketball court, a
track, and an amphitheater.
Presbyterian College students take pride in the school’s history and traditions,
including its very own tartan. PC’s church affiliation keeps students focused on ser-
vice and on bettering the broader world, adding dimension to their classroom experi-
ences. One Blue Hose sums it up this way: “PC is Southern, classic, timeless, and fun!”
Overlaps
Wofford, Anderson,
Furman, Charleston
Southern,
Berry, Sewanee,
Oglethorpe
If You Apply To ›
Presbyterian: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Prescott College
220 Grove Avenue, Prescott, AZ 86301
With its commitment to environmental studies, sustainability, and social justice in a
liberal arts context, Prescott attracts students who love the outdoors and are looking
for an alternative college experience. Unique academic calendar. Has ready access
to northern Arizona and southern Utah, the nation’s most exotic outdoor playground.
College of the Atlantic is the only remotely comparable college in the Fiske Guide. If
you loved Outward Bound, consider Prescott.
Future Hunger Games contestants take note: this tiny outpost in the wilderness of
central Arizona is a perfect spot for the nature lover who seeks adventure, wants to
learn survival skills, and likes studying outdoors. Where else but Prescott College
could you major in adventure education or take courses like Backcountry Skiing and
Avalanche Training, Ecopsychology, and Barrio Pedagogy? Before any Prescott stu-
dent sets foot in a classroom, they head to the outback for three weeks of hiking and
camping, or to the town of Prescott for service learning, research projects, and field
trips. Wilderness Orientation and Community- Based Orientation offer an intro-
duction to everything Prescott stands for: hands- on experience, personal and social
responsibility, cooperative living, and stewardship of the environment.
Founded in 1966 and still the only private liberal arts college in Arizona, Prescott
retains the air of a 1960s commune. Surrounded by national forest, the college’s
“campus” consists of a two- block- long handful
of buildings in the small town of Prescott. The
architectural style of the campus ranges from the
historic to the modern. The largest of the col-
lege’s buildings is the Crossroads Center, an all- green building, which houses the
library, computer labs, classrooms, conference centers, and the Crossroads Café. The
administrative building was once a convent; its chapel is now used for meetings, art
shows, and performances.
Prescott’s requirements for graduation are characteristically unorthodox. Instead
of grades, faculty members give narrative evaluations, although students may elect to
receive grades. And rather than accruing credits, students design individualized “degree
plans” that outline the competence (major) and breadth (minor/concentration) areas
Website: www .prescott .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 479
Undergraduates: 243
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 68%
Pell Grant: 43%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 81%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 186
Accepted: 98%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 57%
Returning Freshmen: 54%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (877) 350- 2100
Email Address: admissions @
prescott .edu
“You can interact with your
coursework in a way that’s
more meaningful to you.”
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554 PRESCOTT COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
they will pursue and the Senior Project (thesis) they will complete to demonstrate
competence (graduate). Students must obtain two levels of writing certification (col-
lege level and thesis level) and math certification, showing knowledge of college- level
algebra. Students also take a set of required interdisciplinary Core Curriculum courses,
which are cotaught by faculty from multiple fields. Prescott’s personal touch even
extends to graduation, a unique experience where a faculty member speaks about
each student personally and then the student speaks on their own behalf.
Prescott bills itself as a college “for the liberal arts and the environment,” and
students tend to envision themselves becoming teachers, researchers, park rangers,
wilderness guides, social activists, and the like. To design their degree plans, stu-
dents start by selecting an area of study: adventure education, arts and letters, cul-
tural and regional studies, education, environmental studies, psychology and
human development, or sustainable community development. Those with eclectic
interests can opt for interdisciplinary studies to
blend courses from multiple areas. Each area of
study offers several concentrations. In the stand-
out environmental studies program, for instance,
concentrations cover impressive breadth and
depth, ranging from earth science and marine studies to natural history and ecol-
ogy. Adventure education, in which students learn everything from alpine moun-
taineering to sea kayaking, is also a specialty. The teacher preparation program offers
students teaching credentials in elementary and secondary education. Several pro-
grams have accelerated pathways in which undergrads can earn a master’s degree
tuition- free. Prescott does not offer a comprehensive program in advanced math,
chemistry, physics, or foreign languages other than Spanish.
“People are inspired to work hard because their projects reflect their passions,
not because they’re worried about getting an A,” observes one senior. A human con-
sciousness major adds, “Because you’re not cramming for the next test (I never took
one here), you can interact with your coursework in a way that’s more meaningful
to you.” There’s no tenure track at Prescott, and publishing and research take a back
seat to teaching, although students warn that the quality of instruction can be
inconsistent. With virtually all classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, the aca-
demic atmosphere is intimate, to say the least.
Prescott’s academic calendar consists of two 16- week terms, each of which is divided
into four blocks. During each block, students pursue intense immersion in just one
course for four weeks, a model designed to allow maximum flexibility for fieldwork,
community- based studies, and outdoor learning.
Students may spend a block in the backcountry of
Baja California or the alpine meadows of Wyoming,
for example, or in a local service clinic. Students
can even take a one- month rafting trip down the Colorado River for credit. Though
Prescott does not offer a traditional study abroad program, students are encouraged to
take courses in marine biology and cultural studies at the Kino Bay Center for Cultural
and Ecological Studies in Mexico, as well as a social justice course in Kenya; about half
of Prescott students have an international experience by the time they graduate.
“Prescott’s campus has no borders,” says a sustainable community development major.
“There are so many opportunities to go abroad or be out in the field.” Paid internships
are available through partnerships with AmeriCorps and other organizations.
“There is a ‘hippie’ stereotype of PC students, but I think that image is slowly
shifting,” remarks a senior. Environmental issues still predominate among the lib-
eral student body. Despite the challenges of low retention and graduation rates,
Prescott’s unconventional approach continues to entice students well beyond
Arizona. Prescott’s Changemaker Scholarship is bringing in more students by
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Environmental Studies
Adventure Education
Education
Psychology and Human
Development
Cultural and Regional Studies
Arts and Letters
“There is a ‘hippie’
stereotype of PC students,
but I think that image is
slowly shifting.”
Founded in 1966 and
still the only private
liberal arts college
in Arizona, Prescott
retains the air of a
1960s commune.
“There are so many
opportunities to go abroad
or be out in the field.”
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PRINCETON UNIVERSITY 555
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
awarding guaranteed tuition scholarships worth up to $16,000 per year to every
incoming undergraduate who enrolls in a degree program. Currently, 68 percent of
undergraduates are out- of- staters; less than 1 percent come from other countries.
The minority population is small but growing, with Black students making up 4 per-
cent of the total, Hispanics/Latinos 4 percent, Asian Americans 4 percent, American
Indians 2 percent, and multiracial students 1 percent. Pell Grant recipients represent
43 percent of incoming freshmen.
Twenty- six percent of full- time undergrads call the on- campus housing units— a
grouping of eight- person townhouses known as the Village— home. The vast major-
ity of students fend for themselves in the town of Prescott, a rapidly growing com-
munity of approximately 47,000 where almost everything is accessible by bicycle.
The college assists with the apartment hunt by providing lists of available properties
and by cosigning leases when necessary. The Crossroads Café, the only dining facil-
ity, draws praise for being tasty and fresh. “Omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, and
gluten- free folk all love the food in the café,” cheers one student. Additionally, “The
café staff offer cooking lessons throughout the semester. There’s also free commu-
nity lunch every Wednesday.”
Social life at Prescott is informal, often consisting of small, “mellow” off- campus
parties. With fewer than 20 student organizations and no strong traditions to speak
of, students say the campus doesn’t offer much in the way of a social scene. “If
you love the outdoors, Prescott is great. Do not come here for a social experience,”
advises an adventure education major. As for the townsfolk, students describe them
as “a mix of artists, activists, students, locals, retirees, and ranchers.” Those looking
for nightlife can hit Whiskey Row, the town bar scene, or drive to Flagstaff (90 min-
utes) or Phoenix (two hours).
The college offers just one sport— cycling— which has won titles in road cycling,
mountain biking, and cyclocross. For other sports, students often participate in city
leagues. “Our school has bike jousting, juggling, barefoot soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and
capoeira— none of which involve competing against other schools,” says one student.
Prescott may not have the huge campus or financial resources that are typically
associated with larger schools; however, the small classes and specialized programs
appeal to a student who would not be interested in your “typical” college. As a
senior explains, “Our passion and dedication to education spring from a deep inner
desire to effect positive change in the world.”
Several programs have
accelerated pathways
in which undergrads
can earn a master’s
degree tuition- free.
Overlaps
Alaska Pacific,
College of the
Atlantic, Warren
Wilson, Dickinson,
Northern Arizona,
Arizona State, Fort
Lewis
If You Apply To ›
Prescott: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Princeton University
110 West College, Princeton, NJ 08544
Princeton is the smallest of the Ivy League’s Big Three, which means more attention
from faculty and plenty of opportunity for rigorous independent work. Offers
engineering but no business major. The affluent suburban location contrasts with
urban New Haven and Cambridge. Residential college system modeled on Yale’s
provides a support network and a social alternative to long- standing eating clubs.
Generous financial aid program covers full tuition, room, and board for about one-
quarter of undergraduates.
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556 PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Princeton occupies a distinctive niche among America’s superelite universities. It is a
major research university with a world- class corps of professors who, in the absence
of lots of graduate and professional students, lavish their attention on a relatively
modest number of undergraduates. Princeton has an engineering school as well as
programs in applied science, architecture and public planning, and public policy
and an Entrepreneurial Hub near campus, but it is basically an “arts and sciences
university.” The academic atmosphere across campus is dominated by commitment
to the liberal arts— with a carefully structured set of core requirements and a heavy
emphasis on independent study, including a mandatory senior thesis. A sophomore
says, “What sets Princeton students apart is that they come here not just for an
excellent education, but they come to share knowledge with others.”
For better or worse, Princeton has been known as a bastion of exclusivity,
although its undergraduates are now just as racially and ethnically diverse as any
other Ivy League school. Still, university leaders are looking to make Princeton’s
particular brand of high- powered undergraduate
liberal arts education available to an even more
diverse group of students. Sensitive to faculty
complaints that Princeton enrolls too many
bright students whose main claim to fame is that
they have learned to work the system, the admis-
sions office is on the lookout for more students with demonstrated intellectual
curiosity— including more STEM majors, creative types, and high- ability/low- income
students. The administration has made major investments in the sciences, engineer-
ing, and creative and performing arts to enhance these efforts. The Emma Bloomberg
Center for Access and Opportunity provides all students with mentorship and aca-
demic enrichment opportunities. Two of the center’s programs aimed at supporting
first- generation, low- income, and other underrepresented students include the
Freshman Scholars Institute, which offers an academic and social introduction to
Princeton over the summer before classes start, and the Scholars Institute Fellows
Program that covers all four years.
Cloistered in a secluded but upscale New Jersey town, Princeton’s architectural
trademark is Gothic, from the cavernous and ornate university chapel to the four-
pronged Cleveland Tower rising majestically above the treetops. Interspersed among
the Gothic are examples of colonial architecture, most notably historic Nassau Hall,
which served as the temporary home of the Continental Congress in 1783 and has
defined elegance in academic architecture ever since. A host of modern structures,
some by leading American architects Robert Venturi, Frank Gehry, and I. M. Pei,
add variety and distinction to the campus, but the ambiance is still quintessen-
tial Ivy League at its best. The outstanding library facilities embrace five million
volumes and provide 500 private study carrels for seniors working on those man-
datory theses; there are another 700 enclosed carrels in other parts of the campus.
Princeton’s campus is self- contained, but those who venture outside its walls will
find the surroundings quite pleasing. One side of the campus abuts quaint Nassau
Street, which is dominated by chic (and pricey) boutiques and restaurants, as well
as coffee shops and more affordable eateries. The other side of campus ends with a
huge man- made lake that was financed by Andrew Carnegie so that Princetonians
would not have to forgo crew. Two new residential colleges, Yeh College and New
College West, opened in 2022, and a third, Hobson College, is slated for completion
in 2026. A new art museum designed by Sir David Adjaye, renowned designer of the
National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., is
expected to open in 2024.
Princeton became the model for American- style liberal arts colleges after John
Witherspoon was lured from the University of Edinburgh to become president in 1768.
Website: www .princeton .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 8,739
Undergraduates: 5,527
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 62%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 17%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 38,019
Accepted: 6%
Enrolled: 69%
Grad in 6 Years: 98%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (609) 258- 3060
Email Address: uaoffice @
princeton .edu
Strong Programs:
Mathematics
Philosophy
Architecture
Economics
History
Computer Science
Engineering
Public and International Affairs
“Princeton students . . .
come here not just for an
excellent education, but . . .
to share knowledge with
others.”
Princeton requires
every graduate to
complete a senior
thesis— an enterprise
that serves as a
culmination of their
work in their field
of concentration.
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PRINCETON UNIVERSITY 557
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Today, Princeton is distinctive in its modest scale and its emphasis on undergraduates.
Each student’s Princeton experience begins with a week of orientation; each year, 800
students participate in Outdoor Action, a few days of wilderness activities immediately
preceding orientation. All first- year students are also assigned a faculty advisor. Seventy-
four percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. With fewer gradu-
ate students to siphon off resources or consume faculty time than at large research
universities, undergraduates get the lion’s— or
should we say Tiger’s!— share of both; at last count,
70 percent of Princeton’s department heads taught
introductory undergraduate courses. An econom-
ics major says, “I can open the newspaper and read
my professor’s article or turn on the TV and see him giving a speech, then go to a lec-
ture to hear him speak, then go to his office to speak with him one- on- one.” Two-
thirds of new students work closely with senior faculty members by participating in the
optional Freshman Seminar program, choosing from more than 75 options offered
annually, ranging from the Physics of Music to the Search for Life in the Universe.
Lovers of literature can study with poet Paul Muldoon, and nearly every other depart-
ment has a few stars of its own. “We have some of the most brilliant professors in the
world here,” confirms a junior. Senior professors lead at least one or two of the small
discussion groups that accompany each lecture course.
Every student must fulfill distribution requirements in culture and difference,
epistemology and cognition, ethical thought and moral values, historical analysis,
literature and the arts, social analysis, quantitative and computational reasoning, and
science and engineering. Students also take a first- year writing seminar and must
demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. During their junior year,
liberal arts students work closely with a faculty member of their choice in completing
two junior papers— about 30 pages of independent work each semester in addition to
the normal courseload. Princeton also requires every graduate to complete a senior
thesisan enterprise that serves as a culmination of their work in their field of con-
centration. As a result, “seniors develop close personal relationships with their thesis
advisors,” says one student. Alumni often cite the thesis as one of their best experi-
ences at Princeton.
Naturally, given Princeton’s small size, the number of courses offered is smaller
than at other Ivies, but students still have many high- quality options. Princeton’s
math and philosophy departments are among the best in the nation, and architec-
ture, economics, history, public policy, English,
physics, molecular biology, and romance lan-
guages are right on their heels. As part of a major
effort to become a national center in the field of
molecular biology, the university supports a sizable laboratory for teaching and
research. Princeton is one of the few top liberal arts universities with equally strong
computer science and engineering programs, most notably chemical, mechanical,
electrical, and aerospace engineering. Operations research and financial engineering
is one of the fastest- growing majors. One of Princeton’s best- known programs is the
prestigious Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (formerly named
after Woodrow Wilson, a former Princeton president), which offers a multidisci-
plinary, policy- focused major for undergraduates. The university renamed the school
in 2020 after years of student protests over former president Wilson’s strong advo-
cacy of racial segregation. Sixty- one percent of students study abroad in 100- plus
programs offered in more than 40 nations. For those wishing to postpone their entry
into the university in favor of an international experience, Princeton’s Bridge Year
program covers the full cost of one- year service abroad programs in Bolivia, India,
Indonesia, and Senegal.
“I can open the newspaper
and read my professor’s
article . . . then go to a
lecture to hear him speak.”
Seventy percent
of Princeton’s
department heads
teach introductory
undergraduate
courses.
“Seniors develop close
personal relationships with
their thesis advisors.”
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558 PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“The courses are very challenging and rigorous,” a junior reports, “but perhaps
because of that, people are very cooperative. They realize that no one can really suc-
ceed alone.” The university honor code, unique among the Ivies, allows for unproc-
tored exams. A limited number of courses can be taken on the pass/fail option.
Although the faculty gets high ratings for its academic advising, students are rather
cool on the university’s nonacademic counseling programs.
“Our students are tight- knit, extremely hardworking, highly cooperative, and
supportive of one another’s activities,” says an economics major. Eighteen percent
of undergraduates are New Jersey residents, and 12 percent are international. Black
students account for 8 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent,
Asian Americans 24 percent, and multiracial students 7 percent. While diversity is
present, the social atmosphere can be somewhat stratified. “As an African American,
I can say that even the African Americans are subdivided based on economics, place
of origin, and whether you went to public or private school,” explains one senior.
Although students report that there can be a general air of apathy around campus,
administrators are quick to point to the numerous political organizations on
campus as evidence of students’ interest in political and social issues. Princeton
undergraduates, both domestic and international, are admitted to the university
without regard to their financial need, and those who qualify for aid receive gener-
ous support that covers their full demonstrated need. In fact, Princeton was the first
university in the U.S. to replace loans with grants for all aid recipients. Students
from families with annual incomes of less than $100,000 do not pay tuition, room,
or board and also receive grants of $4,050 per year to assist with the cost of books
and personal expenses. Most students from families with annual incomes of less
than $150,000 only pay $12,500 per year.
In an attempt to improve campus life and broaden the social options, Princeton
has grouped its dorms into eight residential colleges, each with its own dining hall,
faculty residents, and an active social calendar. Under this system, nearly all stu-
dents live and dine with their residential college
unit for all four years. Just 5 percent of under-
graduates live off campus. The university’s
turn- of- the- century Gothic dorms may look like
crosses between cathedrals and castles, but stu-
dents say conditions on the inside are sometimes less glamorous. Some halls offer
apartment- and suite- style layouts.
Princeton’s eating clubs are its most firmly entrenched bastions of tradition.
Run by students and unaffiliated with the school, they line Prospect Avenue and
have, for more than a century, assumed the dual role of weekday dining hall and
weekend fraternity. Of the 11, five admit members through an open lottery, but the
others still use a controversial selective admissions process called bicker (because
of the wrangling over whom to admit), to the chagrin of the administration and
most students. While many of the clubs opened their doors to women back when
Princeton went co- ed, two of the oldest and most exclusive— the Ivy Club and the
Tiger Inn— remained all- male until 1991, when a court decision compelled them to
admit women. Now, all the clubs are co- ed.
Catering exclusively to upperclassmen, the eating clubs provide a secure sense
of community for their members. More than half of all sophomores join one of the
clubs at the end of the year, becoming full- fledged members by the fall of their
junior year. Annual dues vary; the most expensive is the Ivy Club, which charges its
members nearly $12,000 a year. Financial aid covers eating costs for those who qual-
ify and want to join. Unfortunately, the social options for those who choose not to
join may feel limited. All too often the upper- level eating clubs steal the thunder
from college- sponsored social events. As a result, “the underclassmen spend too
The admissions office
is on the lookout
for more students
with demonstrated
intellectual curiosity.
“People are very
cooperative. They realize
that no one can really
succeed alone.”
Princeton was the
first university in
the U.S. to replace
loans with grants for
all aid recipients.
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much time pining for the day when they, too, can join the closest thing Princeton
has to cliques,” says one student. Some opt for life in independent dormitories or
join the handful of Greek fraternities and sororities (not sanctioned by the adminis-
tration) that have sprung up on campus over the past few years and have become
feeders to particular eating clubs.
“Virtually all social life takes place on campus, both at the eating clubs and at
dorm parties,” says a sophomore. Princeton has the oldest licensed college radio
station in the nation, plenty of journalistic opportunities, a prestigious debating
and politics society (Whig- Clio) whose ranks have included James Madison and
Aaron Burr, and a plethora of arts offerings. The McCarter Theatre Center, adja-
cent to campus, houses Princeton’s Triangle Club, which counted Jimmy Stewart
and Brooke Shields as members. The roundup of annual campus events includes
lawn parties in the fall and spring and an international festival. Each year about
60 percent of students engage in volunteer activities such as tutoring, working in
soup kitchens, or helping the elderly. Few students complain about boredom, and
many praise the affluent town of Princeton for the parks, woods, bike trails, and,
most important, the quiet and safety it offers students. Students rarely venture
much farther than New York or Philadelphia, each one hour away (in opposite
directions) on the train.
Athletics are a big deal at Princeton, both varsity and intramural. Several of the
Tigers’ 38 Division I teams have claimed recent Ivy League conference titles, among
them football, men’s soccer and cross- country, and women’s basketball, lacrosse,
rowing, fencing, and golf. Women’s rugby is the
newest addition to the varsity roster. Dozens of
club and intramural sports are available, ranging
from archery to ballroom dancing to handball,
and the eating clubs and residential colleges offer recreational athletic programs too.
Every spring students compete in the annual dodgeball tournament.
Princeton’s unofficial motto is “Princeton in the nation’s service and the service
of humanity,” and the oft- repeated notion that with privilege comes responsibility
lives on as part of its culture. It’s easy to be humbled at Princeton. Even the most
jaded students must be awed and inspired when they think of those who’ve tra-
versed the campus paths before them. While some may find the ambiance too insu-
lar, not many turn down membership in this very rewarding club.
More than half of all
sophomores join one
of the eating clubs at
the end of the year.
“Virtually all social life takes
place . . . at the eating
clubs and at dorm parties.”
Overlaps
Harvard,
Stanford, Yale,
MIT, Columbia,
University of
Pennsylvania
If You Apply To ›
Princeton: Single choice early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Applicants must submit a graded,
written paper, preferably from an English, social studies, or history class. Please consult Princeton’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Principia College
Elsah, IL 62028
Prin is a tiny college in a tiny town about an hour from St. Louis. Most of its students,
faculty, and staff are practicing Christian Scientists. Prin is mainly liberal arts,
though one of its most popular programs is business administration. Sixty percent of
students study abroad. Campus tenor is similar to other places like Pepperdine and
Wheaton (IL) that take their religious values seriously.
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560 PRINCIPIA COLLEGE
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Many students come to Principia College with a common bond— Christian
Science. They shun smoking, drinking, drugs, and sex in favor of God and learn-
ing. Prin graduates are culturally, spiritually, and intellectually well- rounded, the
product of a liberal arts education that promotes critical thinking and a broad
worldview. As the only college anywhere for Christian Scientists, Prin, founded
in 1912 with the goal of “serving the Cause of Christian Science” (but with no
formal ties to the Boston- based church), attracts a lot of international students.
The historic campus is reminiscent of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, but the fictional
school of wizardry never had a woolly mammoth to unearth as Prin once did. Says
one senior, Prin “has a warm, calm, and cozy atmosphere that reminds me of a
second home.”
Principia’s 2,600- acre campus, on limestone bluffs above the mighty Mississippi
River, is a designated National Historic Landmark. The dominant architectural influ-
ences are colonial American, Tudor, and medieval, and many buildings— including
most student housing— were designed by
California architect Bernard Maybeck. A contem-
porary of Frank Lloyd Wright, Maybeck urged
Principia trustees to bring the college to its cur-
rent spot when they relocated from St. Louis in 1935. The College Chapel, whose
bells ring out hymns every Sunday evening, is the symbolic center of campus. An
$18 million renovation of the college’s main administrative and student services
building was completed in 2021.
In addition to coursework in their major, students must complete a broad range
of distribution requirements in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sci-
ences, as well as two physical education courses. All freshmen participate in a first-
year experience program their first semester, and all seniors must complete either
a capstone course or a major- related internship. Of the 26 majors offered, the most
popular are sociology, studio art, business administration, mass communication,
and educational studies. Environmental studies, visual and performing arts, and
religious studies are also strong. A dual- degree program in engineering science is
available in conjunction with the University of North Dakota.
Academics are challenging, but students can count on each other and their pro-
fessors for help. “Most classes take advantage of group work in small teams, and
this helps you develop teamwork, leadership, and collaborative skills,” says a senior.
Most professors receive high marks. “Due to the small classroom style, faculty mem-
bers are extremely accessible,” says a business administration major. Sixty percent
of Principia students participate in the five or six study abroad programs the school
organizes each year. Each program enrolls 18 to 22 students, and sites are deter-
mined by academic subject and focus. Recent locations have included England,
Malawi, Spain, Nepal, and New Zealand. Others participate in a prairie restoration
program, gather data for the study of the Mississippi River’s aquatic life, or build
solar cars to be entered in races around the world.
“We strive to be the most moral people we can be,” says one junior. The
minority population is minuscule— 3 percent of students are Black, 6 percent are
Hispanic/Latino, 1 percent are Asian American, and 3 percent are multiracial.
Still, an impressive 39 percent of students arrive from abroad, and only 9 percent
are from Illinois. One international student says, “I’ve found that diversity posi-
tively impacts me. I’ve learned that there are more good things that bind us than
negative things that divide us as human beings.” Principia does not accept any
governmental financial aid, so Pell Grants and the typical federal loans are not
available to students, but the school does offer merit scholarships averaging
$17,800, grants, and private, institutionally funded loans. No athletic scholar-
ships are available.
Website: www .principiacollege
.edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 314
Undergraduates: 314
Male/Female: 56/44
Financial Aid: 81%
Pell Grant: N/A
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 74%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 207
Accepted: 48%
Enrolled: 61%
Grad in 6 Years: 79%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H H H H
Admissions: (618) 374- 5181
Email Address:
principiacollegeadmissions @
principia .edu
Strong Programs:
Environmental Studies
Political Science
Religious Studies
Sociology
Studio Art
Business Administration
Mass Communication
Educational Studies
“Due to the small classroom
style, faculty members are
extremely accessible.”
A sit- down pub
and restaurant on
campus provides
a nice alternative
to traditional
dining- hall fare.
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All students live on campus, except for the few who are married or live locally
with their parents. “The housing at Principia is superb, in the form of large, his-
torical houses rather than the typical dormitory,” says a senior. Students are
expected not to be in wings where the opposite sex lives during “house hours”
every night. Freshmen live in two modernized Maybeck houses with upperclass-
men resident advisors trained to help new students adjust to college life. “Each
house has its own sense of culture and traditions, and houses have brother-
sister relationships as well as rivalries,” explains a business administration and
mass communication major. A sit- down pub and restaurant on campus provides
a nice alternative to traditional dining- hall fare. “Dining facilities are improv-
ing, but vegetarians and vegans are still struggling,” reports a junior. Students
agree that they feel safe on campus, citing the rural location and a strong secu-
rity presence.
In addition to eschewing alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, students are also asked
to sign a pledge of abstention from premarital and extramarital sexual relation-
ships. “Those who sign the contract are committed to those morals for religious
reasons,” a political science major says. “It’s a wonderful thing not to have to deal
with alcohol on campus,” adds a senior. It goes without saying that Greek organi-
zations are nonexistent; instead of partying,
students keep busy at school- sponsored con-
certs, movies, dances, or intramural sporting
events that pit one house against another. “Prin
is remote enough where people stay on campus
during the weekends to attend our awesome
social events,” says one student. Each house organizes its own annual celebration,
international students show off their native cuisines at the Whole World Festival,
and everyone looks forward to Spring Formal. The Public Affairs Conference is the
oldest student- run event of its type, bringing in big- name speakers to give talks,
lead workshops, and provide networking opportunities to students. “Elsah is not a
college town,” says a junior, complaining that “not much has changed” since the
town was founded in 1853. Stores, restaurants, and movie theaters are about
20 minutes away in Alton, and St. Louis is about an hour’s drive.
Principia’s Panthers compete in Division III, and men’s soccer and rugby, men’s
and women’s tennis and basketball are especially competitive. Thirty- five percent
of students play intramural and club sports; sand volleyball, basketball, and eSports
teams are strong. Campus athletic facilities include a four- court indoor tennis center,
a field house with gym and pool, and outdoor courts and running trails.
Prin students embrace the conservative environment at their Christian Scientist
school. Gone are the pressures that take hold of most college students, and a politi-
cal science major says it “promotes character development and personal growth.” A
strong international presence and study abroad opportunities give students a taste
of what lies beyond this quaint rural campus, but in the meantime, a junior says,
students enjoy the comfort of Prin’s “supportive community of like- minded
thinkers.”
“Prin is remote enough
where people stay on
campus during the
weekends to attend our
awesome social events.”
All freshmen
participate in a
first- year experience
program their
first semester.
Overlaps
Wheaton (IL),
Pepperdine,
Northwestern,
Purdue, William &
Mary
If You Apply To ›
Principia: Rolling admissions. Please consult Principia’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standard-
ized test requirements. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Only college in the world that admits only
Christian Scientists.
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562 PROVIDENCE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Providence College
Providence, RI 02918
Strong Catholic atmosphere makes Providence more comparable to Notre Dame
than to nearby Boston College or Holy Cross. Liberal arts emphasis rooted in a
required two- year interdisciplinary Western Civilization sequence, though more than
a third of the students eventually opt for business disciplines. Friars athletic teams
do well in small but high- profile Big East Conference. No fraternities or sororities, but
Providence is a vibrant college town.
As the nation’s only college or university operated by the Dominican friars,
Providence College, founded in 1917, wears its Catholic and Dominican identi-
ties on its sleeve. Over 60 percent of students are Catholic, friars in habits walk
the campus grounds, crucifixes adorn the walls of classrooms and offices, and
St. Dominic Chapel stands tall in the heart of the campus. The school’s mission
is grounded in these identities, as it aims to “provide an education for the whole
person— body, mind, and soul— that bridges the common divides between matter
and spirit, God and creation, faith and reason.” Students here enjoy solid offerings
in the sciences and liberal arts— including a unique and rigorous two- year Western
Civ course— and a tight- knit community of like- minded men and women.
Located only an hour’s drive from Boston and just a few hours’ drive from New
York City, Providence College’s 105- acre campus is situated in Rhode Island’s capital
city. The campus boasts open spaces, beautiful lawns, and student- centered facili-
ties. The traditional brick and stone academic
buildings, residence halls, and campus chapel
coexist with several contemporary structures.
The college’s campus transformation project has
added several new facilities over the past decade,
among them the Ruane Center for the Humanities, a four- level addition to the
Science Complex, and the $30 million Ryan Center for Business Studies. A new nurs-
ing and health sciences building is slated to open in 2025.
The heart of Providence’s Core Curriculum is a sequence of seminar- based classes
that comprise the Development of Western Civilization (DWC). This 16- credit course
spans students’ freshman and sophomore years and introduces them to the seminal
ideas and primary texts in history, literature, theology, and philosophy as well as the
music and visual arts that shaped the Western world and other civilizations. Aside from
DWC, students take additional coursework in theology, philosophy, natural science,
social science, quantitative reasoning, and fine arts, and they must demonstrate pro-
ficiency in intensive writing, oral communication, diversity, and civic engagement.
Providence comprises four schools: arts and sciences, business, education and
social work, and nursing and health sciences. The noteworthy School of Business
draws 40 percent of the students and offers some of the most popular majors,
include marketing, finance, accountancy, and management. All School of Business
majors share a common set of core courses to ensure that business graduates have a
broad understanding of all essential business disciplines. Biology, psychology, and
education are also popular choices, and the chemistry and biochemistry program is
strong. Providence has added majors in nursing, health sciences, and neuroscience.
The college also offers a combined degree program with the New England College of
Optometry, which allows for completion of the B.A. and doctorate in seven years.
“The academic climate at Providence College is rigorous but supportive,” says a
junior. Fifty- nine percent of the undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students
Website: www .providence .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 4,322
Undergraduates: 4,110
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 74%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 72%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 11,129
Accepted: 53%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 86%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (401) 865- 2535
Email Address: pcadmiss @
providence .edu
Strong Programs:
Marketing
Finance
Accountancy
Management
Biology
Psychology
Education
Chemistry
“[Most students are]
preppy, white, Catholic,
and generally upper middle
class.”
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and are taught by tenured or junior faculty. A Spanish and global studies double
major says, “Professors here go the extra mile for their students. They are enthusi-
astic and available to us.” The Liberal Arts Honors Program offers students of high
academic ability and initiative a more in- depth and rigorous version of PC’s core
curriculum, and small, seminar- style honors courses are offered in virtually all areas.
Students have ample opportunity for experiential learning through internships
and faculty- directed laboratory or field research. PC’s Center for Global Education
sends 40 percent of students to their choice of more than 40 countries, including
Argentina, Italy, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Twelve percent of PC’s undergraduates come from Rhode Island, and the remain-
der are mostly from the Northeast. Most students are “preppy, white, Catholic, and
generally upper middle class,” according to a sophomore. Just 2 percent are interna-
tional. Black students account for 3 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos
9 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent, and multi-
racial students 3 percent. Many students are vocal
about social and political issues, particularly when
it comes to religion and race. “We have a lot of
outspoken liberals and closet Republicans at PC,”
observes a senior. The lack of racial diversity on campus draws near- universal concern:
“I think it is felt very strongly among the minority students that we need more diver-
sity on campus, even with all of our cultural clubs,” says a junior. Merit scholarships
averaging $21,383 are available to qualified students, and gifted athletes may vie for
more than 100 awards.
Sixty- seven percent of students live in the dorms, where conditions are said to
be adequate and well maintained, if not spacious. Options include eight traditional
halls, five apartment buildings, and a suite- style residence. Many seniors move off
campus into the surrounding neighborhoods. Campus dining is “good and con-
stantly getting better,” says a global studies major. “We have a good line of commu-
nication between administration and students, and I feel as if PC has implemented
all that they can to keep students safe,” says an English major.
A junior says the social life is varied and, “There are free events for students to
attend almost every day of the week, including weekends.” Absent a Greek presence,
students find other ways to let off steam. Annual traditions include a spring concert
featuring top national acts and Civ Scream, held at midnight on the eve of Western
Civ finals: “The entire sophomore class circles around the quad and screams to let out
their frustration over Civ. People do crazy things, and it is always something to
remember,” says a student. And although the college is located in “kind of a run-down
area,” an English major says the city of Providence “is full of opportunities,” including
a mall, a movie theater, and a cultural district with all sorts of shops and eateries.
Owing to the college’s strong Catholic identity, community service and volunteer
work are popular pastimes. The city is also home to six other colleges, which enhances
the social scene. Popular road trips include treks into Boston and New York City.
The Providence Friars field 19 varsity teams, most of which play in the compet-
itive Division I Big East Conference (hockey is part of the Hockey East Association).
Highly ranked teams include men’s and women’s ice hockey, basketball, soccer, and
cross- country, as well as women’s field hockey. “Basketball and hockey games are
very important to PC students because we can show our school spirit,” says a soph-
omore. Students get especially rowdy when rivals UConn and URI are in town. A
majority of students get involved in intramurals and club sports, with flag football,
softball, rugby, and lacrosse proving to be particularly popular.
Providence College appeals primarily to those students who want to challenge
themselves academically without compromising their faith. Despite frequent com-
plaints about the length and rigor of the Western Civ requirement and the lack of
“Basketball and hockey
games are very important
to PC students because we
can show our school spirit.”
The noteworthy
School of Business
draws 40 percent
of the students and
offers some of the
most popular majors.
The Civ Scream is held
at midnight on the eve
of Western Civ finals,
when students scream
out their frustrations.
Overlaps
Holy Cross,
Fairfield, Stone
Hill, Villanova,
Loyola University
Maryland, Boston
College, Fordham,
Notre Dame
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564 UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
diversity, students here seem content with what the college has to offer and are
proud to be part of the PC community. “PC is preppy and a great place to be,” says
a senior. “We have Division I school spirit but in a small- school atmosphere.”
If You Apply To ›
Providence: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement.
University of Puget Sound
1500 North Warner, Tacoma, WA 98416
Ask anyone in Tacoma about Puget Sound and they’ll tell you that UPS (the college,
not the package service) delivers solid liberal arts programs with a touch of business.
Within easy reach of the Sound and Mount Rainier, the university specializes in all
things Asia, including a nine- month university- sponsored trip. Compare to Whitman
and Willamette.
A strong curricular emphasis on global awareness, supportive faculty, and a rela-
tively laid- back atmosphere have raised the profile of the University of Puget Sound,
transforming it from a regional liberal arts college in Tacoma to an undergradu-
ate institution with national reach. The school’s first- rate Asian studies program
continues to draw students interested in cultural studies, Pacific Rim economics,
and international travel, and the UPS community is as close- knit as ever. “People
don’t come here because they have heard of us before,” says one contented senior.
“They come here because they visit and they don’t want to leave.”
Founded by Methodists in 1888 to bring higher education to the region, Puget
Sound is cradled by the Cascade Range and the rugged Olympics, with easy access to
the urban energy of Seattle and the natural beauty
of Mount Rainier. The 97- acre campus boasts care-
fully maintained lawns, native fir trees, and plenty
of other greenery, thanks to the moist climate.
Most buildings, with distinctive arches and porti-
cos, were built in the 1950s and ’60s. Additional facilities include an athletics and
aquatics center and a 3,850- square- foot Sculpture House, with facilities for welding,
woodwork, and painting.
Puget Sound students must complete a core curriculum that includes a freshman
seminar in writing and rhetoric and another in scholarly inquiry and research; they
must also demonstrate foreign language proficiency and take a course on knowl-
edge, identity, and power. In their first three years at Puget Sound, students also
study five Approaches to Knowing— fine arts, humanities, math, natural sciences,
and social sciences. An upper- level capstone course, Connections, challenges tradi-
tional disciplinary boundaries and examines the benefits and limits of an interdisci-
plinary approach to learning.
After navigating UPS’s requirements, students may pursue a B.A., B.S., or B.M.
(bachelor of music) degree. Some of the most popular majors are psychology, pol-
itics and government, economics, business, biology, international political econ-
omy, and neuroscience. “I would recommend the environmental policy and
decision- making classes; you’re often able to go on field trips with professors and
Website: www .pugetsound
.edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,934
Undergraduates: 1,674
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 5,345
Accepted: 83%
Enrolled: 9%
Grad in 6 Years: 76%
Returning Freshmen: 79%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (253) 879- 3211
Email Address: admission @
pugetsound .edu
Strong Programs:
Asian Studies
Psychology
Politics and Government
Economics
Business
“Students at Puget Sound
are definitely outdoorsy.
Lots of Birkenstocks and
plaid.”
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working professionals,” notes a senior. The university has developed a reputation as
a jumping- off point to Asia— both literally and figuratively. Its curriculum stresses
two of the fastest- growing fields in the region: Asian studies and Pacific Rim econom-
ics. Nearly one- third of Puget Sounders take at least one Asian studies course, and
once every two years, there’s a nine- month, school- sponsored trip through Japan,
Thailand, Korea, India, China, and Nepal, where participants study art, architecture,
politics, economics, and philosophy. In all, more than 100 study abroad programs
are available in more than 40 nations; 32 percent of students participate. Other
special offerings include a classics- based honors program, the Business Leadership
Program, and residence- based humanities programs.
Students say that while their peers are academically motivated and coursework
can be challenging, the atmosphere at Puget Sound is “generally very relaxed and
enjoyable, with professors always encouraging lots of interaction from students,”
explains a history major. Sixty- eight percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.
“I have been so well taken care of by our professors, and I see them as instructors but
also mentors,” says a psychology major. Students also praise the plentiful opportu-
nities for undergraduate research, which have ranged from examining bacteria on
lizard eggs to summer fieldwork studying graffiti in Europe. Advising, which includes
both academic and peer advisors, and career services receive positive reviews.
“Students at Puget Sound are definitely outdoorsy,” says a Hispanic studies
junior. “Lots of Birkenstocks and plaid. Politically liberal, for the most part.” Most
come from western states, with 29 percent hailing from Washington; less than
1 percent come from abroad. Black students make up only 3 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos 12 percent, Asian Americans 8 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 9 percent. According to a junior, “There is a big push for more diversity on
campus,” and students are also concerned with LGBTQ rights, gender equality, and
environmental issues. There are no athletic scholarships, but merit awards averaging
$23,325 are doled out annually.
Sixty- six percent of Puget Sound students live on campus, and freshmen and
sophomores are required to do so. First- year students all live together, and after that
students may live in Greek chapter housing, pursue a single room in the dorms, or
apply for one of 60 university- owned houses,
many of which focus on themes like outdoor
leadership and music. “The surrounding neigh-
borhood is happy to rent out houses to students
who choose to live off campus their junior and senior years,” reports a computer
science major. Aside from the main campus dining area, students can chow down at
three campus cafés and the Cellar, and meals get good reviews for freshness and
variety. “We have a strong security team that takes sexual assault very seriously and
has been good at communicating with the campus about situations that have hap-
pened,” comments a junior.
Twenty- five percent of Puget Sound men and 24 percent of the women go Greek,
though fraternities and sororities don’t dominate the social scene and all Greek
parties are alcohol- free. “Social life at UPS is fairly intimate. In my experience, people
tend to hang out more off campus on the weekends, at people’s houses and such,” a
philosophy major says. Popular school- sponsored activities include the Log Jam
BBQ and club fair that kicks off the school year, the Foolish Pleasures festival of
short student- produced films, and the Lumbershoot music festival in the spring (a
play on Seattle’s Bumbershoot). An active Hawaiian student organization sponsors a
luau each spring, with “great food and lots of traditional dances.” The Repertory
Dance Group and Puget Sound Outdoors are among the most popular campus orga-
nizations. A few Tacoma bars and restaurants are within walking distance, and a
junior says the university is working “to give students pipelines to the local
(continued)
Biology
International Political Economy
Neuroscience
Once every two
years, there’s a
nine- month, school-
sponsored trip through
Japan, Thailand,
Korea, India, China,
and Nepal.
“You’re often able to go on
field trips with professors
and working professionals.”
The Repertory Dance
Group and Puget
Sound Outdoors
are among the most
popular campus
organizations.
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566 PURDUE UNIVERSITY
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community through volunteering and social justice programs, free and discounted
museum passes, and more.” With the mountains and beaches so close— Seattle is
30 minutes away by car, Portland two hours south, and Vancouver, British Columbia,
three hours north— road trips are de rigueur. That’s especially true during ski season,
and the school rents out all the necessary equipment.
Students are fond of saying that Puget Sound’s Division III varsity teams, the
Loggers, “Kick Axe.” Solid teams include football, men’s and women’s soccer,
women’s crew, and women’s volleyball. The school’s archrival is Pacific Lutheran
University; “football and basketball games against PLU are a big deal and always
packed,” says a fan. About half of the students sign up for intramural and club
sports.
Don’t let UPS students’ slacker- chic clothes and casual demeanor fool you. Puget
Sound means serious study for students seeking immersion in the liberal arts and the
natural beauty of the outdoors. As a molecular and cellular biology major explains,
“The vibe is laid- back but purposeful at the same time. People who come to this
school are passionate and love to share those passions with others.”
Overlaps
Lewis & Clark,
Whitman,
Willamette,
Reed, Pomona,
Pacific Lutheran,
Seattle University,
University of
Oregon
If You Apply To ›
Puget Sound: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (test- optional applicants must submit
two short- answer essay questions). Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Purdue University
475 Stadium Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Purdue is Indiana’s STEM university— with side helpings of business, health professions,
and liberal arts. Compare to Kansas State and Big Ten rival Michigan State. Does
better than most large universities in giving students hands- on opportunities such
as internships and co- ops— and resisting tuition increases. Flight technology and
aerospace— and turning out future astronauts— are longtime specialties.
Successful Indiana colleges typically have three things in common: a solid agricul-
tural program, a powerhouse basketball team, and a conservative student body.
Purdue University has all of these— along with one of the nation’s strongest engi-
neering programs and the distinction of having awarded more bachelor’s degrees in
the field than any other institution. Purdue is also home to the nation’s first com-
puter science department, and its programs in pharmaceutical sciences, nursing,
and management are top- notch. Budding classicists, dramatists, and literary critics
might want to look elsewhere, but those seeking small- school friendliness with big-
school spirit may be very happy to join the ranks of Boilermakers.
Purdue, founded in 1869 and named for its first major donor, is the main attrac-
tion in the small industrial town of West Lafayette, where the population triples
when students return each fall. The campus fea-
tures redbrick and limestone buildings arranged
around lush shaded courtyards. Newer facilities
include the $64 million STEM Teaching Lab,
which provides multidisciplinary laboratory classrooms for up to 15,000 undergrad-
uates. Purdue is also home to Amazon’s first ever brick- and- mortar location, where
students can have textbooks shipped overnight for no cost.
Website: www .purdue .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 42,999
Undergraduates: 36,133
Male/Female: 57/43
Financial Aid: 55%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 39%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 68,309
Accepted: 53%
Enrolled: 26%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
½
“The students here are very
academically focused and
driven.”
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PURDUE UNIVERSITY 567
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Students apply to and enroll in one of Purdue’s 10 colleges, and academic
requirements vary by school and major. Typically, they include English, math,
a lab science, and foreign language proficiency. Management is the most popu-
lar major, followed by mechanical engineering, computer science, and industrial
engineering. Students flock to the five- year engineering co- op program, one of the
most competitive on campus, because it marries classroom study with paid, real-
world work. Additionally, Purdue offers a strong undergraduate program in pro-
fessional flight technology, which includes hands- on training at the university’s
own airport. Purdue has produced more than 20 astronauts, including pioneers
Neil Armstrong and Gus Grissom. A four- year program in retail management is
available in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New
York. For those seeking to save money on their degree and pursue their post-
graduation plans sooner, Purdue offers more than 20 “Degree in 3” programs in
the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Education, through which students can earn a
bachelor’s degree in three years; options range from communication and history
to sociology and special education.
“The academic climate is fairly competitive and intense,” says a sophomore.
Despite the university’s size, 38 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students,
and many freshman classes are seminar- style, taught by graduate students and
academic advisors who help answer students’ questions and provide career advice.
“I’ve had some teachers who were phenomenal at connecting with the students
and having them understand the concepts,” one student confides, “and other
teachers act like they are presenting to an empty room.” About a third of under-
grads study abroad, and options are available for students in all majors in more
than 60 countries. Undergraduates also participate in more than 2,000 research
projects each year.
“The students here are very academically focused and driven,” says a junior.
“They have fun and relax on weekends, but everyone knows the reason we are
here is to get a degree to be successful in the future.” About half of Purdue’s
undergraduates hail from Indiana, although there is a healthy proportion of inter-
national students at 11 percent. Just 2 percent are Black, 13 percent are Asian
American, 7 percent are Hispanic/Latino, and 5 percent are multiracial. A tuition
freeze has been in place since 2013, helping to keep costs down. Thousands of
merit scholarships averaging $5,600 are awarded annually; athletes vie for nearly
250 scholarships in 18 sports. The Purdue Promise program grants financial assis-
tance and specialized academic and leadership coaching to eligible Indiana resi-
dents from lower- income backgrounds.
Forty- two percent of students live in Purdue’s residence halls. Almost all
freshmen live on campus, though they aren’t required to, and Harrison Hall is
said to be a good pick for newbies. “Some are
definitely nicer than others,” a sophomore
admits. “Many of them still do not have air-
conditioning.” The notion of a “co- ed dorm”
here means that men and women share a lobby.
Most upperclassmen find housing just off campus. Those with a grumbling stom-
ach are treated to tasty options on campus. “Our food is fantastic,” cheers one
junior. “It’s all- you- can- eat.” Walking and riding escorts and a visible security
presence help students feel safe.
“The social life typically takes place on campus,” reports one philosophy major.
Alcohol is prohibited in dorms, and “people have been kicked out of the residence
halls for being caught with alcohol,” says a sophomore. Still, as at other schools,
underage students can find ways to get served. Greek life draws 15 percent of Purdue
men and 17 percent of the women and offers many social opportunities. But there
(continued)
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (765) 494- 1776
Email Address: admissions @
purdue .edu
Strong Programs:
Professional Flight Technology
Aeronautical and Astronautical
Engineering
Agriculture
Computer Science
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Nursing
Management
Mechanical Engineering
The $64 million STEM
Teaching Lab provides
multidisciplinary
laboratory classrooms
for up to 15,000
undergraduates.
“There are also many great
nearby restaurants within
walking distance for all
students.”
Purdue is home to the
nation’s first computer
science department.
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568 QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY
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are other options, too, including sports games and more than 1,000 student orga-
nizations, ranging from the BBQ society to professional development clubs.
“Outside of class, you can do anything from skydiving, paintball, choir, rock climb-
ing, salsa dancing— anything. It’s up to you,” encourages a senior mechanical engi-
neering major.
As far as college towns go, West Lafayette “would not exist if it weren’t for
Purdue,” one student says. Another adds, “The surrounding area has a good social
scene for those 21 [and over], with excellent bars and nightlife. There are also
many great nearby restaurants within walking distance for all students.” Harry’s
Chocolate Shop— a bar, not a candy store— is a longtime student favorite. Chicago
and Indianapolis are favored weekend destinations for students with cars, and each
spring, a week of fun and parties leads up to the Grand Prix go- kart races. Students
also look forward to the Bug Bowl, an annual event sponsored by Purdue’s entomol-
ogy department, including cricket- spitting and cockroach races.
Purdue’s “Boilermaker” moniker was coined by a sportswriter in 1891 describing
how “the Burly Boiler Makers from Purdue” defeated Wabash College’s football team
44– 0. Boilermaker pride manifests itself at Division I games of all types, especially
when the opposing team is Indiana University, known derisively as “that school
down south,” in the annual struggle for the Old Oaken Bucket. Every year, the winner
adds a link to a chain on the bucket in the shape of either an “I” or a “P.” Men’s and
women’s basketball, golf, and swimming and diving are among the most competitive
sports on campus. Thirty- one club sports and more than 35 intramurals are a big
draw for those looking for friendly competition. Solar car racing and Rube Goldberg
machine contests are some of the more popular activities among STEM students.
Purdue drew national headlines several years ago with its acquisition of for-
profit Kaplan University and plans to create a “mega- university” known as Purdue
Global, but the project has been slow to take off. In the meantime, happy Purdue
students continue to discover that learning is fun when academics are mixed with
real- world experience and a healthy dose of school spirit. “Purdue has great aca-
demic programs, incredible organizational and social opportunities, and an awe-
some sense of community,” says one enthusiastic sophomore. “Boiler Up!”
Overlaps
U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
Indiana University,
Ohio State,
University of
Michigan, Penn
State, Georgia
Tech, UW– Madison,
UC San Diego
If You Apply To ›
Purdue: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular schools or
programs. Please consult Purdue’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Queen’s University: See page 360.
Quinnipiac University
275 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518
Aggressive expansion of programs and facilities has put Quinnipiac on the map of
comprehensive New England colleges with a preprofessional bent. Less selective
than Fairfield and Ithaca, with more dual- degree options. Business and health
sciences are big attractions. Best known to the general public for its political polling
and hockey prowess. Midway between NYC and Boston.
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QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY 569
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Over the last three decades, Quinnipiac University has grown from a small liberal
arts college of 2,000 full- time undergraduates to a full- fledged university with
6,000 undergrads, three dozen graduate programs, and nine academic divisions
spread out over three campuses— a massive expansion that has helped increase
the school’s national prominence. With enrollment now leveling off and its
strengths in health, business, and communications well established, the univer-
sity has begun to carve out a niche for itself as a place where talented, preprofes-
sional undergraduates can get on a fast track to advanced degrees and jump- start
their careers.
Quinnipiac’s 250- acre Mount Carmel campus sits adjacent to Sleeping Giant
State Park, with its 1,700 acres of hiking and walking trails, 90 minutes from New
York City and two hours from Boston. The university was founded in 1929 as a
business school and took its name from the local
Quinnipiac Native Americans. Traditional New
England red brick dominates, and a large central
quad is surrounded by the library, the student
center, the admissions and financial aid office, and academic buildings. The three-
building Evans College of Arts and Sciences Center features a spacious quad that
overlooks Clark’s pond and its family of resident swans. The 250- acre York Hill
campus is just across Whitney Avenue and features the cozy Rocky Top Student
Center, which resembles a European ski lodge and boasts panoramic views of the
region. The 104- acre North Haven campus, located four miles from the Mount
Carmel campus, serves as home to the Center for Medicine, Nursing, and Health
Sciences, the School of Law, and the School of Education.
Quinnipiac’s liberal arts philosophy is evident in its general education curricu-
lum, which includes foundational courses in the sciences, social sciences, human-
ities, fine arts, writing, and intercultural understanding, as well as a capstone
requirement in the senior year. All freshmen take a First- Year Seminar designed to
help them practice critical thinking and inquiry.
Quinnipiac offers nearly 60 undergraduate majors; the newest include business
analytics, data science, and sustainability and environmental policy. The most pop-
ular majors include nursing, health science studies, finance, and marketing. The
School of Business’s programs in entrepreneurship and finance are strong, while
students in the School of Communications benefit from solid offerings in journal-
ism and film, television, and media arts. Quinnipiac owns several media outlets,
including a student- run radio station and television station. Seventeen engineering
labs accommodate majors in civil, industrial, software, and mechanical engineer-
ing. Irish studies is a noteworthy minor; the university’s Ireland’s Great Hunger
Institute houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and literature dealing
with the Great Irish Famine. A spate of combined undergraduate/graduate degree
programs are available in such fields as business, communications, law, and social
work; the entry- level physician assistant, physical therapy, and occupational ther-
apy combined degree programs are particular specialties. The university’s career-
oriented student body makes the most of these opportunities: nearly a third of
undergrads stay at Quinnipiac to complete an advanced degree in their chosen
profession.
“Students will find courses challenging but reasonable,” says a junior. Fifty- one
percent of all classes have fewer than 20 students, and “there are no massive lecture
halls,” says one journalism major. There are no teaching or graduate assistants,
either; all classes are taught by professors. “Professors are knowledgeable and have
real- world experience that will help prepare you for your future career,” notes a
nursing major. Each school and college provides its own career development center,
which students rate highly for assisting with internship and job placements.
Website: www .qu .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 7,578
Undergraduates: 5,846
Male/Female: 38/62
Financial Aid: 97%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 65%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 18,668
Accepted: 84%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 77%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (203) 582- 8600
Email Address: admissions @
qu .edu
Strong Programs:
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Journalism
Film, Television, and Media
Arts
Nursing
Health Science Studies
Marketing
Engineering
“A lot of students come
here for a very specific
program or a dual degree.”
The Honors Program
features special
seminars, close
relationships with
professors, and a
slew of enrichment
and leadership
opportunities.
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570 QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY
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Highly motivated students may enroll in the Honors Program, which features
special seminars, close relationships with professors, and a slew of enrichment and
leadership opportunities. Internships and clinical experiences abound: communica-
tions students may elect to spend their summer on
production sets or on- air in Los Angeles, while polit-
ical science majors have the opportunity to assist
elected officials at the state capital or in Washington,
D.C. The university is home to the renowned Quinnipiac Polling Institute, a national
survey that polls registered voters about political races, state and national elections,
and issues of public concern. Study abroad options include a highly popular semester
program at University College Cork in Ireland; 35 percent of students take part in
programs offered in 32 countries across the globe. “With so many different ways to go
abroad (semester program, 10- day service trip, three- or six- week seminar), there is no
reason not to take advantage and explore the world,” urges a physical therapy major.
“A lot of students come here for a very specific program or a dual degree, which
makes them very focused on maintaining high grades,” observes a biomedical sci-
ences major. Most students come from the Northeast, and a senior reports,
“Quinnipiac has a reputation for recruiting affluent students.” Thirty- five percent of
undergrads hail from Connecticut, and 3 percent are international. The student
body is 4 percent Black, 11 percent Hispanic/Latino, 4 percent Asian American, and
3 percent multiracial. Political and social issues aren’t a huge concern on campus,
students say. Qualified undergraduates receive merit awards averaging $20,300, and
gifted athletes vie for more than 200 athletic scholarships in 21 sports.
On- campus housing is required for incoming freshmen and guaranteed for three
years; 63 percent of students reside in school- owned housing. Most freshmen and
sophomores live on the Mount Carmel campus, while upperclassmen live on the
York Hill campus in suite- style accommodations
or in nearby houses or an apartment complex
owned by the university. About a quarter of the
students join the 19 available living/learning communities. Students are required to
purchase a meal plan; food options at the main dining hall (Café Q) and the Bobcat
Den get average reviews. Campus security maintains a visible patrol on campus, and
an occupational therapy major says, “Students are required to learn about sexual
assault during their freshman orientation, and it’s a serious topic that is reinforced
throughout their time here.”
The Quinnipiac social scene is bustling. The campus hosts a variety of events,
including guest speakers, comedians, craft nights, and film screenings; there are also
roughly 150 student clubs to whet the appetite. Twelve percent of the men and
20 percent of the women join fraternities and sororities, which do not have dedicated
housing. “Party culture is present,” especially among Greek groups and sports teams,
notes a senior, “but it is not over the top.” Quinnipiac is a “wet” campus— students
21 or older are allowed to possess alcohol in the dorms— but underage drinkers face
stiff penalties. Two annual concerts, Fall Fest and Wake the Giant, bring big headlin-
ing performers to campus.
When students tire of the campus scene, they trek into surrounding towns in
search of fun. Hamden offers the usual mix of chain restaurants, movie theaters, and
bowling alleys, and the university provides a free shuttle to New Haven (home of
Yale University), where students enjoy the food and nightlife. Seventy- five percent
of students choose to get involved in the local community through volunteer work.
The great outdoors beckon too. “It’s a rite of passage to hike Sleeping Giant State
Park at least once during your time here,” says an English major.
The Quinnipiac Bobcats field 21 Division I teams— seven for men and 14 for
women— and most compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Men’s and
“Professors are
knowledgeable and have
real- world experience.”
Seventy- five
percent of students
choose to get
involved in the local
community through
volunteer work.
“Party culture is present,
but it is not over the top.”
Quinnipiac owns
several media outlets,
including a student-
run radio station and
television station.
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RANDOLPH COLLEGE 571
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
women’s ice hockey play in the powerful Eastern College Athletic Conference— the
perennial powerhouse men’s team were national champions in 2023— and field
hockey competes in the Big East. Women’s rugby have brought home national
championships, while conference champs include women’s golf, women’s basket-
ball, and baseball. Nothing brings out the Bobcat faithful like the annual hockey
match versus rival Yale. “The Yale rivalry is fierce, and student pride comes alive,”
says a student. Intramurals are popular, and the club sports program offers 20 sports,
ranging from eSports to women’s figure skating.
Expanding academics, flexible degree options, and increased selectivity are all
part of the university’s continuing mission to attract bright students. It’s an expen-
sive gamble that administrators and students feel will pay off.
Overlaps
Sacred Heart,
Fairfield, Marist,
Syracuse, Hofstra,
Ithaca, Providence,
Villanova
If You Apply To ›
Quinnipiac: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (required for some programs). Accepts
the Common Application. Apply to particular program.
Randolph College
2500 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24503
Co- ed since 2007, Randolph College pursues its traditional mission of strong liberal
arts through a unique and creative new curriculum. Students concentrate on two
courses at a time and take a break on Wednesdays for special enrichment activities,
academic and otherwise. Males now make up more than a third of undergrads.
Suburban location on the James River is rich in history, though of limited appeal to
most students.
With rich traditions, cozy dorms, and challenging, seminar- based classes, Randolph
College, named for early 19th- century politician John Randolph, has preserved the
best elements of its past while evolving into an institution that remains relevant
today. Its innovative TAKE2 curriculum makes Randolph the only college in the
country where students take only two courses at a time, allowing for more in- depth
immersion in coursework as well as more free time to pursue other educational
opportunities. The college, which started out in 1891 as Randolph– Macon Women’s
College, offers students a place to be themselves. “Fitting in isn’t what Randolph is
about,” says a sophomore. “One of our mottoes is ‘Be an Original,’ and you can see
that throughout the school.”
The college’s 100- acre campus sits in the historic neighborhood of Lynchburg,
on the banks of the James River. A brick wall built around the campus’s perimeter in
1930 has become a symbol of the school for faculty, staff, and students, who fondly
refer to their time at Randolph as being spent
“behind the Red Brick Wall.” Graceful old red-
brick buildings are covered with purple wisteria
and linked by glass corridors called trolleys; the
surrounding trees burst into riotous bloom each
spring. Main Hall, dating from 1893, houses dorm rooms, classrooms, and faculty
and administrative offices. The Maier Museum of Art has one of the best college
collections of American art in the country.
Launched in fall 2021, Randolph’s TAKE2 curriculum divides the academic year
Website: www .randolphcollege
.edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 528
Undergraduates: 457
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 48%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 82%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 1,602
Accepted: 95%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 50%
Returning Freshmen: 67%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: 800- 745- 7692
“One of our mottoes is ‘Be
an Original,’ and you can
see that throughout the
school.”
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572 RANDOLPH COLLEGE
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into four seven- week sessions. During each session, students take just two courses.
Class periods are extended to allow more time for hands- on activities and group
interaction. No classes are held on Wednesdays, giving students a midweek break to
rest, study, or engage in extracurriculars, field trips, volunteer work, or internships.
General education requirements cover traditional liberal arts subjects such as artis-
tic expression, human experience, culture and identity, social and natural science,
and writing. Incoming students take the First- Year Seminar, which examines how
to maximize academic success. Every major culminates in a senior- year capstone
experience, with an honors option available for highly motivated students.
Biology, history, psychology, and sport and exercise studies are some of the
most popular majors at Randolph. Programs in English, studio art, chemistry, and
economics are also well regarded. A program in American culture combines class-
room study with guest speakers and travel to important historic or cultural sites; past
topics have included Reproductive Justice in Virginia, The Struggle for Native Lands
in the American West, and Working for the Weekend. SUPER (Step Up to Physical
Science and Engineering at Randolph) is an immersive STEM scholarship program
for first- year students that includes a two- week residential academic program in the
summer and specialized academic services and mentoring.
According to a senior, the workload at Randolph is “just heavy enough to pro-
mote academic growth but still reasonable enough to keep you sane.” The student-
run Honor System has been in effect for more
than 130 years. Since 92 percent of classes enroll
fewer than 20 students, and there are no teach-
ing assistants, it’s easy for students to form
friendships with their professors. “Professors know what interests you,” says a senior,
“and are always open to helping out with finding jobs or internships.”
All Randolph students are eligible to apply for a $2,000 RISE grant, which they
can use to fund research, international travel, and other academic pursuits. The
eight- week Summer Research Program is “a fantastic opportunity for students to
work with a faculty member on a topic that they are passionate about,” explains
a history major; in addition to conducting research, participants attend a series of
seminars with guest speakers, present their findings at a closing symposium, and get
paid a stipend. Thirty- three percent of students study abroad. Randolph’s two- week,
faculty- led summer study seminars are a popular option; recent seminars have taken
students to Italy, Iceland, and Korea. More than half of Randolph students secure
off- campus internships, with organizations from the Chicago Lyric Opera to the
National Gallery in London.
Seventy- four percent of Randolph students hail from Virginia, and 86 percent
graduated from public schools; 3 percent are international. Students of color have a
notable presence, with Black students accounting for 21 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent, and multiracial students
5 percent. Socioeconomic diversity is strong, with 45 percent of freshmen qualifying
for Pell Grants. Students report that the political atmosphere is largely liberal.
Randolph has reduced its sticker price by more than 30 percent, hoping to attract
applicants who might otherwise be deterred by high published prices. Merit schol-
arships averaging $13,900 per year are available, but there are no athletic awards.
Seventy- eight percent of Randolph students live in college- owned housing. And
a global studies major calls the residence halls “pretty nice and comfy,” although
students gripe about the lack of air- conditioning in some dorms. Main Hall, a.k.a.
“the Hilton,” is the largest dorm, and its central location makes it the most conve-
nient. After the first year, housing is selected by lottery, and college- owned apart-
ments across the street from campus are the preferred option among upperclassmen.
As for campus dining, a biology major says, “The actual dining hall is very nice; the
(continued)
Email Address: admissions @
randolphcollege .edu
Strong Programs:
English
Studio Art
Chemistry
Economics
Biology
History
Psychology
Sport and Exercise Studies
“We have a number of
secret societies, clubs, and
other social organizations.”
The Never- Ending
Weekend each
fall includes both
a formal and the
annual Tacky Party,
for which tasteless
attire is de rigueur.
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food is mediocre at best.” Security officers patrol continuously and take pride in
knowing students by name.
“The real social scene is inside the Red Brick Wall,” says a sophomore. “We have a
number of secret societies, clubs, and other social organizations.” The Randolph
Programming Board makes sure no one is bored by hosting comedians, bands, and
other entertainers, as well as talent shows and out-
door parties. Randolph’s close- knit community
can get too close at times (a junior warns, “You
may learn things about your personal life from
other people before you knew them yourself”), so students occasionally escape to other
nearby colleges like Hampden– Sydney, Washington and Lee, and the University of
Virginia, for those seeking frat parties and football. Underage drinkers face conse-
quences in accordance with the honor code. There is no Greek life, but sports teams
and other organizations offer a low- key party scene.
The town of Lynchburg (population 80,000) hosts two other colleges and has a
shopping mall and some retail chains like Target and Barnes & Noble but is other-
wise “less than exhilarating,” says a biology major. Most bars and clubs in the area
are 21 and over, and the restaurants, stores, and movie theaters are closed by 10 p.m.
Thankfully, the college’s coffee bar satisfies students’ caffeine cravings. “We also
have a lot of hiking and recreation options that are close by and affordable,” offers
a junior. Students often get involved in the local community via volunteering.
Randolph’s WildCats compete in Division III, and the school’s top rival is the
University of Lynchburg. Recently, the women’s tennis team has been most com-
petitive, along with men’s soccer, basketball, and track and field. But more than
athletic contests, students look forward to Randolph traditions, such as the Even/
Odd class rivalry, Ring Week (in which a freshman anonymously decorates the door
of a junior and leaves small gifts all week, culminating in a scavenger hunt for their
class ring), and the Pumpkin Parade (during which sophomores present lit jack- o’-
lanterns to seniors, who show them off in an evening parade). The Never- Ending
Weekend each fall includes both a formal and the annual Tacky Party, for which
tasteless attire is de rigueur.
From going co- ed to expanding cocurricular opportunities to redesigning its aca-
demic calendar in support of a more balanced college experience, Randolph College
is working hard to live up to its motto Vita abundantior (the life more abundant).
Through all these changes, a student explains, Randolph’s “core dynamic and value
system” have remained the same: “Students still value respect and responsibility.”
“Professors are always
open to helping out with
finding jobs or internships.”
Randolph is the
only college in
the country where
students take only two
courses at a time.
Overlaps
Berry, Bridgewater,
Hendrix,
Oglethorpe, Eckerd,
Millsaps, Wells,
Centre
If You Apply To ›
Randolph: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
University of Redlands
1200 East Colton, P.O. Box 3080, Redlands, CA 92373
If you like the thought of palm trees against a backdrop of snow- covered peaks,
Redlands may be your place. As a “university,” Redlands is double the size of
Occidental and Whittier. The distinctive Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, an
alternative living/learning program, makes an odd— and first- rate— contrast to the
buttoned- down preprofessionalism of the rest of Redlands.
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Amid the dozens of gigantic and well- known universities in the state of California
stands the University of Redlands. With its innovative, alternative living/learning
option and strong preprofessional emphasis, this versatile school, founded in 1907,
is one of higher education’s better- kept secrets and a place where students receive
all the personal attention and intellectual stimulation they could want. As a public
policy and political science major explains, the combination of “free- spirited” indi-
vidualism and career- oriented professionalism means that “we definitely have two
different vibes on campus.”
The University of Redlands’s 160- acre campus, covered in majestic oak trees,
is designed around “The Quad,” a large grassy area surrounded by a group of
dorms that face one another. The two main landmarks are the Memorial Chapel
and the Administration Building. Redlands’s
facilities are a mixture of older, historical col-
umned buildings and more modern, renovated
ones. The view from campus can only be described as breathtaking. Mountain
ranges form the backdrop, and neighboring Big Bear Lake and Arrowhead ski
resorts give endless getaway opportunities. Also nearby are the San Gorgonio
Wilderness and Joshua Tree National Park.
Redlands’s most distinctive attribute is the Johnston Center for Integrative
Studies, an experimental living/learning community within the College of Arts
and Sciences where students create their own course of study and are assessed by
professor and self- evaluations rather than grades. The Johnston Center was estab-
lished in 1969 to function as an alternative college within a traditional setting.
With about 200 participants, it’s one of the university’s largest programs and offers
unusual academic freedom: there are no departments, majors, or distribution
requirements. Instead, students design contracts with professors for their entire
plan of study. At the beginning of each course, students make up the syllabus by
consensus and then set their own research and writing goals. Each student devel-
ops four- year goals— which are reviewed by a student/faculty board for direction
and breadth— within one or more broad areas: the social sciences, behavioral sci-
ences, humanities, and fine and performing arts. One student explains, “Johnston
Center students tend to be independent thinkers, self- motivated, and [don’t] take
classes just because they have to.” Recent participants have designed degrees such
as food in society, urban agriculture, and social behavior across cultures.
Aside from Johnston, Redlands is noteworthy among liberal arts institutions
in that it also offers preprofessional programs. The school of education and the
music conservatory provide strong career training, as does the excellent program
in communication sciences and disorders. A minor in spatial studies is bolstered by
Redlands’s graduate program in geographic information science. Premed/prehealth
and prelaw students receive advising on requirements for graduate school, and 3– 2
engineering degrees with Columbia University and WashU in St. Louis are available.
Redlands has emerged as a national leader in science curriculum reform with inno-
vative interdisciplinary offerings like human- animal studies and the health, medi-
cine, and society program, which combines the study of natural science, medical
humanities, public policy, global health, and more. Business administration is the
most popular major, and the university also offers solid majors in global business
and theater business. Psychology, environmental studies, and biology are popular,
too, and Redlands now offers a Peace Corps prep program for those interested in vol-
unteer work abroad. Regardless of major, all students must take a first- year seminar,
participate in 80 hours of community service, and complete a capstone requirement,
such as an internship or academic research, in order to graduate.
“I love Redlands’s small, discussion- based classes,” says a Johnston Center stu-
dent. “Education becomes a conversation, and students’ original ideas are not only
Website: www .redlands .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,936
Undergraduates: 2,029
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 36%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 75%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 3,872
Accepted: 82%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 67%
Returning Freshmen: 80%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 455- 5064
Email Address: admissions @
redlands .edu
Strong Programs:
Education
Music
Communication Sciences and
Disorders
Health, Medicine, and Society
Business
Psychology
Environmental Studies
Biology
“I love Redlands’s small,
discussion- based classes.”
Students may embark
on Redlands’s
signature program
in Salzburg, Austria,
or choose from
more than 70 other
options worldwide.
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allowed but encouraged.” Fifty- eight percent of classes have fewer than 20 students,
meaning “interaction with professors is common and camaraderie is abundant,”
says a psychology and Spanish double major. Professors are said to be very accessible
outside of class, too, even occasionally coming by the dorms for “fireside chats.”
With its 4– 4– 1 calendar, Redlands affords students the option to take one intensive
course each May, and some use the term to study abroad. Students may embark on
Redlands’s signature program in Salzburg, Austria, or choose from more than 70
other options worldwide. The Redlands Four- Year Graduation Promise guarantees
that if incoming students are unable to graduate in four years with the help of fac-
ulty advising, Redlands will cover the cost of additional courses needed for
graduation.
“Redlands has a very personal, small- town sort of feeling,” says a sophomore.
“Everyone is so friendly and supportive.” Seventy- seven percent of undergraduates
come from within the state, creating a mellow, Southern California atmosphere on
campus; 1 percent hail from abroad. The climate is a definite plus, with tempera-
tures rarely below 50 degrees. Hispanics/Latinos represent 42 percent of undergrads,
Asian Americans 5 percent, Black students 4 percent, and multiracial students 7 per-
cent. “Our school has grown more diverse and more politically active in my four
years here,” reports a senior, and the student body leans liberal. Redlands annually
awards a variety of academic scholarships and talent scholarships in art, creative
writing, music, and theater, but there are no athletic scholarships.
Sixty- eight percent of students live in the residence halls and on- campus apart-
ments, most of which are co- ed, but the housing gets lukewarm reviews, with one
student saying it’s “a big issue at UR right now.” The largest on- campus residence,
Anderson Hall, is being renovated. Students
enjoy their food at the Table at Irvine Commons,
the Launch Kitchen, or the Plaza Café & Market,
part of the Hunsaker University Center, which
has a “town square” atmosphere. Students praise
Redlands’s safety and its approach to sexual assault prevention; says one, “My school
has taken measures to protect students by being very transparent with them.”
“The party culture on campus is not all- encompassing, but it isn’t dormant,”
reports a senior, and while alcohol is accessible, students say they don’t feel pres-
sured to drink. Local fraternities and sororities claim 12 percent of the men and
19 percent of the women, respectively, and their generally well- controlled parties
are open to all. Students look forward to the Spring Fest concert every year. The
nearby city of Redlands offers a variety of coffee shops and restaurants, and students
are highly involved in the local community. Road trips to Los Angeles, Palm Springs,
and San Diego are common.
The University of Redlands sponsors 21 intercollegiate Bulldog teams, all
of which consistently vie for spots among the top of the Division III Southern
California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). Football, baseball, and men’s
and women’s soccer, golf, men’s water polo, and track and field are competitive.
Games against rival Occidental always draw crowds, and the “Och Tamale” school
chant— a string of complete gibberish invented in 1921, supposedly in mockery of
Oxy’s own Latinesque nonsense chant— is a beloved school tradition (“Och tamale
gazolly gazump!”). Nearly half of students participate in at least one intramural or
club sport, and weekend adventurers strike out on regular excursions organized by
Outdoor Programs.
The University of Redlands is a lot of different things to a lot of different people.
With nearly 180 full- time faculty members, it manages to be a liberal arts college, a
preprofessional institute, and an alternative school all in one. The Johnston Center
is clearly a path to travel for the innovative individualist, but even those who don’t
With its 4– 4– 1
calendar, Redlands
affords students
the option to take
one intensive
course each May.
“The party culture on
campus is not all-
encompassing, but it
isn’t dormant.”
Overlaps
Loyola Marymount,
University of the
Pacific, University
of San Diego,
Hamline, Drake,
Chapman, Whittier,
California Lutheran
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join Johnston can find what they want and need at Redlands, including a strong
sense of community.
If You Apply To ›
Redlands: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Application includes optional questions on gender identity. Applicants to music program must audition.
Reed College
3203 S.E. Woodstock Boulevard, Portland, OR 97202
Reed is a West Coast counterpart to Grinnell or Oberlin, mixing community- driven
students with a rigorous curriculum. Sends huge numbers of grads on for Ph.D.s.
Students who were square pegs in high school often find a sense of belonging at
Reed. Honor Principle and annual springtime Thesis Parade epitomize Reed’s culture
of celebrating intellectualism.
Reed College is one of the most intellectual colleges in the country. It’s the place
where the late Steve Jobs— cofounder of Apple— attended for a semester before drop-
ping out to reshape the world and where students complain that the library, which
closes its doors at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, shuts down too early. Students
receive lengthy and detailed commentaries from professors on their work, which
fosters continued dialogue and eliminates grade inflation. “Reed is the absolute best
place for someone who likes to think, to read, to question, and to work,” says a stu-
dent. “It’s a community of scholars.”
Located in Southeast Portland, Reed’s 116- acre campus boasts rolling lawns,
winding lanes, a canyon creek, and protected wetlands. Two thousand majestic
arbors shade a mix of original campus buildings, constructed of brick, slate, and lime-
stone in the Tudor Gothic style, as well as lodges in the homey Northwest Timber
style and some more modern facilities, such as the Performing Arts Building. Recent
construction includes the $27 million, LEED Platinum– certified Trillium residence
hall (“it’s like living in an IKEA,” quips a student) on the north end of campus.
Founded in 1908 and named for a pair of Oregon pioneers, Reed emphasizes per-
sonal freedom and responsibility, especially through its Honor Principle. Nevertheless,
the curriculum and academic requirements are remarkably traditional. First- year students
must complete Humanities 110, a yearlong interdis-
ciplinary course focused on society and culture
from the ancient Mediterranean to pre- and post-
colonial Mexico to the Harlem Renaissance. The
course, which has been taught for 80 years, was updated in 2018 to make it “less Eurocen-
tric and more inclusive,” according to a junior. Designed to create a shared intellectual
experience for new students, the class draws on instruction from 25 professors, including
some of Reed’s most senior and distinguished faculty in a range of fields. Students must
also take courses in three “breadth” areas: arts and literature; social sciences; and natural,
mathematical, and psychological sciences. Seniors must submit a research- based thesis to
graduate. On the due date, just after spring classes have ended, seniors march from the
library steps to the registrar’s office in the Thesis Parade. This marks the beginning of
Renn Fayre (originally “Renaissance Fayre”), a weekend- long celebration that involves a
feast prepared by alumni, a softball tournament, live music, and fireworks.
Website: www .reed .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,488
Undergraduates: 1,488
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 57%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 52%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 9,023
Accepted: 31%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 80%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
½
Admissions: (503) 777- 7511
Email Address: admission @
reed .edu
Strong Programs:
Psychology
Biology
English
Physics
Mathematics
Comparative Race and Ethnic
Studies
“A lot of the work expected
from students matches
graduate- level courses.”
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Academically, “the atmosphere is not competitive because the emphasis is not
on grades,” explains an anthropology major, but “a lot of the work expected from
students matches graduate- level courses.” Reed’s most popular majors include psy-
chology, biology, English, physics, and math. A major in comparative race and
ethnicity studies draws from sociology, anthropology, history, and the arts. Dual-
degree (3– 2) programs are offered in engineering and forestry/environmental sci-
ence. Students take full advantage of the range of academic options, which often
keep them tethered to their computers and study carrels. You’ll never find a TA at
the lectern or leading a group discussion here, so students rarely attend class
unprepared for the lively intellectual banter that typically ensues between inquir-
ing and active minds. A psychology major comments that professors “want to be
at Reed, meaning that their top priority is teaching.” Reed has improved its reten-
tion and graduation rates considerably in the last decade or two by becoming more
selective in admissions, increasing on- campus housing for a stronger residential
community, and bolstering student support services, including a popular peer
tutoring program.
Despite Reed’s small size— 73 percent of the courses taken by undergraduates
have fewer than 20 students— the school offers excellent research opportunities in
the liberal arts and sciences. Budding physicists and environmental scientists can
work with college staff at the 250- kilowatt Triga
nuclear reactor after passing an Atomic Energy
Commission examination. “It’s grueling, but
physics here is legendary,” says a junior. Reed also has a tradition of respect for cal-
ligraphy that, among other things, inspired Steve Jobs to build first- rate graphics
into Apple computers and, in the process, shape the look of every computer that
followed. Fifty- one exchange programs attract 20 percent of each graduating class,
taking students to their choice of 23 countries, from Germany and China to Ecuador
and Russia. Reed also offers domestic exchange programs with Howard, Sarah
Lawrence, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Three- quarters of Reed’s
grads go on to graduate school, and a quarter eventually earn Ph.D.s.
“Students who attend Reed are ridiculous, silly, cerebral, passionate, critical, and
questioning,” says one observant Reedie. “If we have one thing in common, we are
people whose lives center on learning.” While Reed’s quirky brand of intellectualism
attracts students from across the country, the student population draws heavily
from California; only 7 percent of Reedies are in- staters. Eight percent hail from
other nations. Eight percent are Asian American, 12 percent are Hispanic/Latino,
1 percent are Black, and 10 percent are multiracial. “The Multicultural Resource
Center provides resources— guest speakers, lecturers, Tuesday Talks, and more— to
keep diversity an ongoing discussion on campus,” says an English major. A junior
adds, “Reed has a prominent queer population.” As for the political climate, an
anthropology major remarks, “The campus is very left- leaning, and there is pressure
to meet social expectations to be politically correct.” All financial aid at Reed is
need- based, and the school covers 100 percent of admitted students’ demonstrated
need, but just 14 percent of first- year students are Pell- eligible.
About 67 percent of Reed students live on campus in comfortable rooms, some
of which feature such homey touches as fireplaces or balconies. Reed’s “neighbor-
hood” housing model groups residence halls into distinct neighborhoods with
specific programming, like workshops and social events. First- year students live
together in designated neighborhoods, sophomores select neighborhoods based on
their interests, and juniors and seniors live in upper- division neighborhoods. There
are five language houses (French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese), each of
which is staffed with a native speaker. First- years and sophomores are guaranteed
housing; upperclassmen seeking a taste of post- college independence must contend
Students can work
with college staff at
the 250- kilowatt Triga
nuclear reactor after
passing an Atomic
Energy Commission
examination.
“It’s grueling, but physics
here is legendary.”
The closest thing
Reed has to a school
mascot is the Doyle
Owl, a 300- pound
concrete sculpture.
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with Portland’s pricey rental market. In the Commons dining hall, a student says,
“The food is surprisingly good and diverse, and the kitchen is happy to help with
any particular dietary needs.” Campus security receives positive reviews, and as
part of the school’s strategy to prevent campus sexual assault, a junior explains,
“Conversations about consent are woven into the culture of Reed.”
“On campus, there are always small parties, or plays, or giant Student Union
(SU) dances, or fire- dancing shows, or bands playing,” says one student. Students
describe Reed’s drug and alcohol policies, guided by the college’s Honor Principle, as
effective and well enforced, but something of a drug culture persists on
campus— although in a pressure- free way. “I have never been pushed to use sub-
stances I am not comfortable using,” says a junior. Students look forward to Paideia
(“education” in ancient Greek), a weeklong program of both practical and wacky
noncredit classes before spring semester begins. Past Paideia offerings have ranged
from personal finance to mushroom identification to burlesque. “Other traditions
are . . . hard to explain,” muses a junior. “You’ve got to see them to believe them.”
“Portland, Oregon, is one of the coolest, weirdest places in America, so of course it’s
a good social scene,” raves a senior. The city boasts a diverse range of live music, literary
events, and film screenings, as well as an eclectic array of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Many students get involved in community service
projects organized by SEEDS (Students for Educa-
tion, Equity, and Direct Service). The mammoth
Powell’s bookstore downtown is about a 15- minute
drive, and Oregon’s coastal beaches, mountains, or
high desert are all about two hours away— although finding time for road trips can be a
challenge. The school also owns a ski cabin on Mount Hood that sleeps 15.
The closest thing Reed has to a school mascot is the Doyle Owl, a 300- pound con-
crete sculpture that dorm residents regularly plot to steal from one another. While Reed
doesn’t have varsity athletics, club teams in basketball, rugby, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee
do compete with other clubs in the area. A variety of intramural and recreational sports
are available for the less competitive, such as mountaineering, rowing, and curling.
Reed attracts seriously intellectual, unconventional students, but it is not with-
out a sense of humor— the school’s unofficial, tongue- in- cheek slogan is “Atheism,
Communism, Free Love.” If you’re a lover of learning who prefers to start Saturday
nights with your nose in a book and end them at an all- school dance party, this
Portland school is worth a look.
You’ll never find a
TA at the lectern
or leading a group
discussion here.
“Students who attend
Reed are ridiculous, silly,
cerebral, passionate,
critical, and questioning.”
Overlaps
Amherst,
Carleton, Lewis
& Clark, Pomona,
Swarthmore,
Oberlin, NYU, UC
Berkeley
If You Apply To ›
Reed: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please con-
sult Reed’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 Eighth Street, Troy, NY 12180
If you can spell Rensselaer, you’ve already got a leg up on many applicants. RPI is one
of the nation’s great technical universities— along with Caltech, Harvey Mudd, and
MIT— and one of the most innovative. The beauty of RPI is the chance for hands- on
learning and synergy between technology, management, and entrepreneurship.
School spirit soars when Division I hockey teams take the ice.
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It would be an exaggeration to say that technology has divine status at Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, though the school’s conversion of a Gothic chapel into a com-
puter lab does hint in that direction. Still, technology remains omnipresent at this
school, which pioneered the teaching of calculus via computer in the early ’90s.
RPI’s Artificial Intelligence Multiprocessing Optimized System is the most powerful
supercomputer housed at a private university, and the school is hiring new faculty
to support research and educational efforts in artificial intelligence and data analyt-
ics. Students attend class in high- tech studio classrooms where they work on team
projects and collaborate to solve real- world problems. Recent investments in resi-
dential life, off- campus learning opportunities, and career services continue to raise
RPI’s profile at home and abroad.
Set high on a bluff overlooking Troy, New York, Rensselaer’s 275- acre campus
mixes modern research facilities and classical, ivy- covered brick buildings dating to
the turn of the 20th century. The cutting- edge Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. Center for
Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (named for the renowned physicist and
former president of RPI) houses more than 400 researchers in biotechnology and
related disciplines who work in such areas as regenerative medicine, bioinformatics,
biocatalysis, and metabolic engineering.
In order to graduate, students must complete distribution requirements and
attain “data dexterity,” a requirement that administrators describe as “proficiency in
using diverse data sets to define and solve complex real- world problems.” An initia-
tive called the Arch requires all students to live
on campus and attend a full academic semester
the summer between their sophomore and junior
year. The summer semester offers more than 210
courses, in addition to field trips, pop- up courses,
career development workshops, and other activities. In their junior year, all students
undertake a semester- long off- campus experience, such as an internship, co- op,
research, or study abroad program.
Founded in 1824 by landowner and philanthropist Stephen Van Rensselaer, RPI
made its reputation as one of the nation’s premier engineering schools and contin-
ues to excel in traditional favorites such as mechanical and aeronautical engineer-
ing, as well as newer specialties like biomedical and environmental engineering.
Architecture, computer science, and information technology are also strengths.
RPI’s Lally School of Management combines elements of a business school with
the latest technical applications. Entrepreneurship is one of its specialties; budding
entrepreneurs from all majors may participate in a support system for start- up com-
panies. RPI is a national leader in the study and application of digital media and
offers B.S. degrees in electronic arts and games and simulation arts and sciences.
RPI has greatly expanded its humanities, arts, and social science offerings, and has
added a B.S. in music. Students with long- term professional goals may take advan-
tage of accelerated B.S./M.B.A. programs in engineering and business administration
or science and business administration.
“The workload does get pretty intense,” says one junior, “but everybody helps
each other out to be as relaxed and prepared as possible.” Eighty- five percent of
Rensselaer’s full- time students are undergraduates, a high percentage for a top engi-
neering school; because of this, RPI has worked hard to ensure that classes are smaller
and more attention is paid to individual needs. Fifty- four percent of classes enroll
fewer than 20 students. “Two of my freshman courses were taught by CEOs of suc-
cessful companies,” says an information technology major. “Who better to learn
from than those who have written the book?” Students also give high ratings to the
drop- in tutoring services offered by the Advising and Learning Assistance Center.
About half of all undergrads work on research projects with faculty members. For
Website: www .rpi .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 6,883
Undergraduates: 5,823
Male/Female: 69/31
Financial Aid: 89%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 52%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 16,852
Accepted: 65%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (518) 276- 6216
Email Address: admissions @
rpi .edu
Strong Programs:
Aeronautical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Information Technology
Business
Electronic Arts
Games and Simulation Arts
and Sciences
Architecture
“The workload does
get pretty intense, but
everybody helps each other
out.”
Rensselaer has helped
generate economic
growth in Troy by
investing in the
downtown area, and
students frequently
get involved
with community
service projects.
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students who can’t wait to start working, popular co- op programs in more than a
dozen fields help them earn both money and credit. Study abroad programs are
available in more than 15 countries on four continents.
Nearly 70 percent of RPI students are male, and 32 percent are New Yorkers, while
12 percent are international. RPI is fairly diverse, with Asian Americans comprising
20 percent of the student body, Black students 5 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 11 per-
cent, and multiracial students 5 percent. An
industrial and management engineering major
describes the students as “hardworking, smart,
collaborative, motivated, nerdy, passionate.” RPI
is far from a center of political activism; students
say they’re just too busy. “Politics? Not so much on this campus,” says a student. The
biggest campus issue may be choosing the Grand Marshal, who oversees a boisterous
weeklong carnival celebrating campus elections, during which professors are barred
from giving tests. Merit scholarships averaging $28,970 are available, as are 54 athletic
scholarships.
Fifty- six percent of students live in university housing; freshmen and sopho-
mores are required to live in the residence halls, where they are supported by a team
of faculty and peer advisors intended to create smaller, more tightly knit student
communities. Housing selection is a sometimes fraught process, but a freshman rea-
sons, “Even though you may not get your preferred room, RPI’s worst room is far
above average.” Most upperclassmen choose to move into less-expensive off- campus
apartments. Meals served in the four campus dining halls get good reviews. A senior
notes that RPI’s recent restructuring of Title IX procedures “has made sexual assault
a conversation people are really starting to have.” Adds a sophomore, “The campus
itself is like a safe bubble in the city of Troy.”
Sixteen percent of men and 12 percent of women go Greek. With the recent
implementation of stricter rules regulating Greek life and alcohol, a sophomore
reports, “You don’t have to be involved in Greek life to have a social life.” Alcohol
is not allowed in Greek housing or residence halls, but an on- campus pub serves beer
and wine to those 21 and over. Other weekend options include sporting events, live
entertainment, concerts, and movies. With more than 200 student clubs and orga-
nizations, a mechanical engineering major says, “Whether you are into dancing,
coding, playing video games, playing sports, modifying cars, or going on outdoor
trips, there are plenty of social groups that offer what you are looking for.”
Free shuttle buses run regularly from campus to downtown Troy, a former hub
of the Industrial Revolution. “Troy has so much to offer,” says a cognitive science
major. “There’s hundreds of local businesses to eat out, shop in, and much more.”
Students particularly like the Waterfront Farmers
Market. Rensselaer has helped generate eco-
nomic growth in Troy by investing in the down-
town area, and students frequently get involved
with community service projects. Movie theaters
are within easy reach, and for a taste of bigger-
city nightlife, Albany is a half- hour drive. For
more adventurous excursions, the Berkshires, Catskills, Adirondacks, Lake Placid,
New York City, and Boston are popular destinations.
The athletic scene at Rensselaer revolves around hockey, hockey, hockey— the
school’s only teams playing in Division I. One of the biggest weekends of the year
is Big Red Freakout, when all festivities center around cheering on the beloved
Engineers. “Hockey at RPI equals insanity,” one student says. “If you go to one
hockey game all season, go to the men’s hockey season opener. The place is packed
with rowdy RPI students who scream and chant in unison.” Twenty- one varsity
“Even though you may not
get your preferred room,
RPI’s worst room is far
above average.”
RPI’s Lally School
of Management
combines elements of
a business school with
the latest technical
applications.
“Whether you are into
dancing, coding, playing
video games, playing
sports . . . there are plenty
of social groups that offer
what you are looking for.”
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teams compete in Division III, and the men’s and women’s cross-country and men’s
football, golf, and tennis have recently won championships. There are many intra-
mural sports to choose from, but the most popular may be the D-level hockey team
(meaning “I really don’t know how to play this,” says a junior).
The oldest continuously operating school of science and civil engineering in the
English- speaking world, Rensselaer is still providing cutting- edge technology to stu-
dents constantly wondering how things work. Tech geeks aren’t the only ones who
will find a home at RPI with the expanded humanities offerings. RPI students work
hard, sometimes to the detriment of a social life, but they don’t seem to mind. Says
an industrial and management engineering major, “The curriculum and the atti-
tudes of the students reflect a professional development– oriented culture with
emphasis on initiative, hands- on experiences, networking, and career readiness.”
Overlaps
Northeastern,
Cornell University,
Carnegie Mellon,
Georgia Tech,
Rochester Institute
of Technology,
Purdue, Caltech,
MIT
If You Apply To ›
RPI: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to particular program.
Please consult RPI’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Rhode Island
14 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881
URI is a smallish alternative to UConn and UMass. With Boston, Providence, and vacation
hot spot Newport within easy reach, there is plenty to do. Strong programs include
engineering, marine sciences, nursing, and pharmacy. Enrollment and faculty ranks have
been on the rise in recent years. Nearly half of URI’s students are out- of- staters.
No longer an unabashed party school, the University of Rhode Island has earned a
reputation for challenging academics with an emphasis on innovation and interdis-
ciplinary learning. URI offers an environment in which students engage in service
learning, do research with top faculty, and find a heavy emphasis put on alternative
styles of learning. “Our college is an amazing place to learn, prosper, and have fun,”
boasts one sophomore.
URI was chartered as a land grant school in 1888, and its 1,200- acre campus is
located in the small town of Kingston. Surrounded by farmland and only six miles
from the coast, it is also within easy driving distance of cities such as Providence— the
Renaissance City and home to Brown, the Rhode
Island School of Design, and several other col-
leges and universities— Boston, and New York.
The main academic buildings at URI, a mixture of modern and “old New England
granite,” surround a central quad on Kingston Hill. At the foot of Kingston Hill lie the
athletic buildings and agricultural fields. Dozens of construction projects have been
completed in the last five years, including a $150 million facility for the College of
Engineering.
New students initially enroll in the University College, which offers academic
and career guidance, as well as advice on fulfilling general education requirements.
All new students take URI 101, a one- credit course intended to acquaint them with
support services, cocurricular activities, academic majors, and career options. After a
year or two in University College, students choose more specialized colleges, such as
the well- regarded College of Pharmacy, which offers a six- year Pharm.D. program.
Website: www .uri .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 14,568
Undergraduates: 12,900
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 84%
Pell Grant: 23%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 73%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 25,481
Accepted: 76%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 71%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (401) 874- 7000
Email Address: admission @
uri .edu
“Students here are involved
and outgoing.”
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582 UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The engineering, business, and marine sciences departments are also strong, and
the most popular majors include nursing, psychology, kinesiology, and communi-
cation studies. The five- year international engineering dual- degree program com-
bines degrees in engineering and a foreign language with a year abroad for language
immersion and an engineering internship. Students can earn up to four academic
credits during the Winter J Term session in January.
Academic intensity at URI tends to vary by program. Professors receive generally
good marks for their teaching, but their accessibility can be hit or miss. “At times, it
can be difficult to work with faculty,” says a marine affairs major, who encourages
students to “find a professor or faculty member who is invested in you and your
studies.” Thirty- nine percent of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. The Academic
Enhancement Center, along with its Writing Center, provides peer tutorials, course-
specific collaborative learning projects, supplemental instructional sessions, and
special programs for high- risk students.
URI offers international exchange programs with universities in such diverse
locales as Chile, France, Korea, and Norway, as well as domestic exchange programs
with state colleges and universities. Twenty percent of undergraduates participate
in the 200- plus available programs in more than 70 countries. Students interested
in research can collaborate on projects with multidisciplinary teams of faculty
through established research partnerships, such as the Partnership for the Coastal
Environment. URI’s Honors Program draws about 900 students with an honors col-
loquium and expanded research opportunities. The Center for Student Leadership
Development offers a minor in leadership studies, as well as conferences, retreats,
and workshops.
Although URI gives preference to in- state students who meet certain require-
ments, 53 percent of undergrads come from states outside Rhode Island, and
another 1 percent arrive from foreign countries. “Students here are involved and
outgoing,” one junior says. Five percent of the student body is Black, 11 percent is
Hispanic/Latino, 3 percent is Asian American, and 4 percent is multiracial. “There
is no doubt about it that URI is a predominantly
white institution,” says one student of color,
“but diversity comes in many shapes and forms.
We are diverse when it comes to socioeconomic
status, nationality, sexual orientation, political affiliation, gender, and many other
ways.” The university has been investing in resources to support diversity in recent
years, and a senior says, “URI has great women’s services as well as LGBTQ ser-
vices.” The academic profiles of the incoming class have risen steadily over the past
10 years, in large measure due to the Centennial and Merit Scholarship Programs
for outstanding freshmen. Merit awards average $6,200, and athletes vie for schol-
arships in 16 sports.
Though most freshmen live on campus, 62 percent of all undergraduates choose
to find off- campus digs near the beach. The majority of residence halls have recently
been renovated, and the Brookside Apartments residence hall has added 500 beds
for upperclassmen. “Some of the freshman dorms are gorgeous,” one student reports,
although “housing isn’t the best aspect of URI.” About 80 percent of freshmen par-
ticipate in living/learning communities in a variety of disciplines. Dining options
include two dining halls, and students say the staff is accommodating of various
dietary needs. “Campus security does rounds around campus throughout the night,”
notes a student.
Greek life attracts 10 percent of the men and 15 percent of the women. The
campus coffeehouse hosts open- mic nights, and more than 120 student organiza-
tions provide a variety of activities. The student newspaper that covers it all has one
of the most original names anywhere: The Good Five Cent Cigar (as in, “what this
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Marine Sciences
Nursing
Pharmacy
Business
Psychology
Kinesiology
Communication Studies
“URI has great women’s
services as well as LGBTQ
services.”
The majority of
residence halls
have recently been
renovated, and the
Brookside Apartments
residence hall has
added 500 beds for
upperclassmen.
URI basketball fans
love it when the Rams
defeat archrival
Providence College.
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RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN 583
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country needs is a really good five- cent cigar,” a quip uttered by U.S. vice president
Thomas R. Marshall in 1914). Given the small size of the state, a fair number of stu-
dents choose to head home on weekends. As for Kingston, it’s a sleepy New England
college town of 6,400; students get involved in the community through clubs or URI
101, which requires volunteer work. “There is nothing in Kingston,” complains one
student, “but we are 10 minutes from the beach and 30 minutes from Providence.”
Wakefield and Newport, both nearby, offer more entertainment, and fun road trips
include Boston (90 minutes) and New York City (four hours).
Division I sports are big at Rhode Island, and basketball games are especially excit-
ing. Midnight Madness (the team’s first sanctioned practice of the year) is always well
attended, and URI fans love it when the Rams defeat archrival Providence College.
Recent Atlantic 10 conference champs include men’s basketball, soccer, and track
and field, as well as women’s rowing. URI also offers 17 club sports and more than a
dozen intramurals. A favorite student tradition is oozeball, an April volleyball tour-
nament played in about two feet of mud. As befits the school’s coastal locale, sailing
draws much interest, and the club team regularly produces All- Americans.
URI offers students a large- school feel in a small state. Consistent efforts by the
administration to invest in campus upgrades and new educational opportunities
have paid off, as evidenced by the changing face of the student body and their
accomplishments. Students here work hard to achieve good grades and lay the foun-
dation of lifelong learning.
Overlaps
University
of Delaware,
University of New
Hampshire, UConn,
UMass Amherst,
University
of Vermont,
Northeastern, Penn
State, Syracuse
If You Apply To ›
URI: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult URI’s website for the most up- to- date
information regarding standardized test requirements.
Rhode Island School of Design
2 College Street, Providence, RI 02903
The nation’s best- known art and design school, RISD sits on a hillside adjacent
to Brown. The campus offers easy access to downtown Providence, but it can’t
match the location of rival Parsons in New York’s Greenwich Village. Offers 16
undergraduate majors in architecture, fine arts, and design. Industrial design is a
specialty, and athletics are, shall we say, quirky.
Founded in the late 19th century by a group of activist women to address the coun-
try’s need for more artisans and craftsmen, Rhode Island School of Design has grown
into a premier arts incubator. It’s a place where today’s artists and designers gather
to share ideas and create tomorrow’s masterpieces and architectural icons. In fact,
the cofounders of Airbnb, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, met and developed their
creative instincts here. RISD (pronounced “Rizdee”) grants degrees in virtually every
design- related area, and like the varied curriculum, the students and their creations
are as diverse as the colors on an artist’s palette. One thing that everyone here shares
is an intense workload and a highly competitive spirit. “RISD students are masoch-
ists,” says one freshman.
Though you might expect an art school like RISD to occupy funky, futuristic
buildings, the predominant look here is colonial New England. Set on the upgrade
of College Hill, RISD is located at the edge of Providence’s beautifully preserved
Website: www .risd .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,620
Undergraduates: 2,108
Male/Female: 33/67
Financial Aid: 36%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 39%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 5,099
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584 RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
historic district, adjacent to Brown University. Many campus buildings date from
the 1800s and early 1900s; the mostly redbrick- and- white- trim group includes
converted homes, a bank, and even an old church. Perhaps RISD’s most prized
facility is the RISD Museum, a superlative collection of roughly 100,000 works that
includes everything from Roman and Egyptian art to works by Monet, Matisse,
and Picasso.
While RISD looks traditionally New England on the outside, behind those his-
toric walls lies something else entirely. First- year students take a common curricu-
lum called Experimental and Foundation Studies, which acclimates them to RISD’s
approach to studio learning and group critiques.
In addition to courses in their major, students
must complete coursework in the liberal arts
(theory and history of art and design; literature; and history, philosophy, and social
sciences) and a final- year project to graduate.
The most popular majors include illustration, industrial design, graphic
design, architecture, film/animation/video, and painting. Students may choose
to supplement their degrees with one of six concentrations in computation,
technology, and culture; drawing; theory and history of art and design; history,
philosophy, and the social sciences; literary arts and studies; and nature- culture-
sustainability studies. The Nature Lab allows for examining, exploring, and under-
standing patterns, structures, and interactions of design in nature. RISD also offers
cross- registration and a dual- degree option with Brown for students seeking more
diverse courses.
Hands- on studio courses abound at RISD, and 79 percent of classes have fewer
than 20 students. “The academic atmosphere is competitive because we are pas-
sionate and collaborative because we need others’ input for our work to be success-
ful,” explains a textiles major. Though highly selective, RISD will sometimes take a
chance on academically underachieving high school graduates with special artistic
talent. Still, while students at RISD don’t “hit the books” in the traditional sense,
the in- studio workload is considerable, and students warn that organizational and
time- management skills are essential. Teaching here is said to be generally good,
although it can be a mixed bag. “For the most part, I have had positive and sup-
portive professors, but I have also had professors who lacked a sense of criticality,”
reports a senior.
During RISD’s Wintersession, five weeks between the first and second semes-
ters, students are encouraged to take courses outside their major. Each year, about
40 juniors and seniors venture to Rome for the 21- week European Honors Program,
which offers self- directed studio work with RISD faculty and visiting artists, spe-
cial study tours, immersion in Italian culture, and a chance to savor the likes of
Michelangelo, Bernini, and Caravaggio firsthand. An international exchange pro-
gram provides opportunities to study abroad at approved art institutions in 25
countries worldwide.
RISD students (referred to as “RISDoids”) come to Providence to form a dis-
tinctly urban mix of styles and personalities. “We are the lost misfits who have
found each other,” says a senior. A mere 2 percent of students are native Rhode
Islanders, not surprising given the state’s small
size, while an impressive 34 percent hail from
foreign countries. The racial makeup of the
campus is fairly mixed, with Asian Americans
representing 23 percent of the student body, Black students 4 percent, Hispanics/
Latinos 8 percent, and multiracial students 6 percent. Students say the campus is
liberal, open- minded, and inclusive. Some complain about the skewed male/female
ratio, since “sometimes there is not even one male- identifying person in the
(continued)
Accepted: 17%
Enrolled: 54%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (401) 454- 6300
Email Address: admissions @
risd .edu
Strong Programs:
Illustration
Industrial Design
Graphic Design
Architecture
Film/Animation/Video
Painting
“We are the lost misfits who
have found each other.”
The European Honors
Program in Rome
offers a chance to
savor the likes of
Michelangelo, Bernini,
and Caravaggio
firsthand.
“Many students are
consumed by their studios,
working until very late.”
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RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN 585
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classroom,” according to an illustration major. Socioeconomic disparities can be a
concern as well; one senior remarks, “I cannot afford to be as elaborate in my proj-
ects as most people can, wasting materials and going all out, but I find other ways.”
Tuition and fees here are steep, and although the school has been increasing its
need- based financial aid, it does not guarantee to meet students’ full need. Merit and
athletic scholarships are nonexistent.
Sixty- four percent of undergraduates reside in campus- owned housing, and
all RISD residences are gender inclusive. Freshmen live together in a group of
co- ed dorms known as the Quad. “All on- campus housing is well maintained,
comfortable, and damn luxurious for dorms, with plenty of security,” says one
film major. “It’s just grossly overpriced.” Most upperclassmen move off campus
to nearby apartments, many of which occupy floors of restored homes; RISD
also owns an apartment building and some renovated colonial and Victorian
houses. All boarders buy the meal plan, but campus dining receives mixed
reviews. Some students criticize the administration for handling sexual assault
cases too lightly.
Despite a student body that looks like it could have been plucked from the
streets of New York’s Greenwich Village, RISD is not the place to come for a wild and
funky nightlife. “Given the high level of commitment at RISD, there is not a large
social life,” laments an architecture major.
“Many students are consumed by their studios,
working until very late.” The Tap Room inside
Memorial Hall went dry years ago, but students
21 and over are allowed to drink alcohol within
their private rooms in upper- class housing. There is no Greek life, and a painting
major comments, “A RISD party is usually a group of five to seven friends drinking
wine, listening to good music, and cooking together.” Students head to Brown for
more adventuresome parties, and Providence provides some social outlets as well.
Though RISD isn’t much for traditions, one big annual event is the Artists’ Ball, a
festive October dance party featuring eclectic and over- the- top student- made cos-
tumes. When claustrophobia sets in, students can flee to the RISD farm, a 33- acre
recreation area on the shores of nearby Narragansett Bay. Boston and New York City
are one and four hours away by train, respectively.
Though jocks are an endangered species at RISD, recreation opportunities are
plentiful and one of a kind. There is no intercollegiate sports program in the ordi-
nary sense, though there is a co- ed club ice hockey team, called the Nads (which,
of course, inspires RISDoids to holler “Go Nads!”) and a mascot named Scrotie (use
your imagination). The men’s basketball team competes locally, and the rowing
team participates in regional regattas, including the Head of the Charles race in
Boston. Other recreational sports range from soccer and ultimate Frisbee to sailing
and skiing.
“If you are a student who thrives under pressure, under constraints that are
meant to fortify your critical skills, then RISD is the place for you,” says one senior.
Indeed, students come to RISD committed to their crafts, and most march to the
beat of their own drums as they rush from studio courses to gallery openings to
exhibitions. Students here can be confident that their endless studio hours are start-
ing them on the path to future success.
RISD offers cross-
registration and a
dual- degree option
with Brown for
students seeking more
diverse courses.
“A RISD party is usually
a group of five to seven
friends drinking wine . . .
and cooking together.”
Overlaps
Maryland Institute
College of Art,
School of the Art
Institute of Chicago,
Pratt Institute,
Parsons School of
Design, Carnegie
Mellon, Cornell
University, Cooper
Union, NYU
If You Apply To ›
RISD: Early decision, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Portfolio
with 12– 20 examples of recent visual work plus two art assignment responses required.
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586 RHODES COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Rhodes College
2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38112
Goes head- to- head with Sewanee for the top spot in the pecking order of mid- South
liberal arts colleges, with Rhodes the more progressive of the two. While Sewanee
has a gorgeous rural campus, Rhodes has Memphis and its red- hot music scene.
Natural and social sciences head the list of solid programs, and undergraduate
research opportunities are plentiful. Strong honor system.
Since 1848, Rhodes College has been instilling the timeless values of truth and
honor in Southern sons and daughters, and today increasing numbers of students
from the rest of the country are discovering its charms. The school’s honor code
means exams are not proctored and backpacks are left unattended in the cafeteria.
Its small size gives everyone an opportunity to take on leadership roles in campus
clubs and organizations, and people are generally friendly. Throw in the college’s
proximity to Memphis’s world- famous Beale Street, barbecue, and the blues, and it
makes for a winning combination.
Rhodes was founded as a Presbyterian school in Clarksville, Tennessee, and
it moved to its 100- acre campus in Memphis in 1925. Located in the residential
midtown section of the city, Rhodes sits across from a 175- acre park housing the
city’s largest art museum, a golf course, and the Memphis Zoo, which has two giant
pandas. Whether new or old, all campus buildings are Gothic in style, constructed
of Arkansas fieldstone with leaded- glass windows and slate roofs. Thirteen of the
original buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Rhodes general education curriculum features highly regarded three-
course sequences known as The Search for Values in the Light of Western History
and Religion, and Life: Then and Now. The Search sequence has been part of the
Rhodes curriculum for more than 75 years. To receive a Rhodes degree, students
must select one of the two sequences and demonstrate proficiency in 12 areas that
form the foundation of the liberal arts, such as written communication, mathe-
matical reasoning, and multicultural perspectives. A yearlong first- year seminar
designed to ease the academic and social transition to Rhodes is also required of
freshmen.
Rhodes is especially strong in the natural and social sciences, thanks to labs with
state- of- the- art equipment. Business, biology, psychology, and neuroscience enroll
the most students, but economics, English, international studies, history, and chem-
istry are also well respected. Aside from traditional
lecture- style classes, the college offers seminars,
honors programs, one- on- one Directed Inquiry
tutorials, and interdisciplinary majors. Rhodes
also participates in a dual- degree program for engineers with Washington University
in St. Louis. “The academic climate at Rhodes is vigorous,” says a political science and
French major. “Many of our classes are challenging, and it is nearly impossible to get
by without making an active effort.” Seventy- two percent of classes have fewer than
20 students, which means professors are more than talking heads. “Professors are
helpful and encourage you to really think about your future,” comments a junior.
“They’re amazing sounding boards, mentors, and friends.”
Students who can’t find what they want on campus may tap into a variety
of study abroad programs around the world, and 75 percent do so. The Buckman
International Fellows program offers summer internships in Madrid, Hong Kong,
and Johannesburg. A partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital lets
Website: www .rhodes .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,939
Undergraduates: 1,927
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 93%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 39%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 5,253
Accepted: 54%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (901) 843- 3700
Email Address: adminfo @
rhodes .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
English
International Studies
History
Chemistry
Business
Biology
Psychology
“[Professors] are amazing
sounding boards, mentors,
and friends.”
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students conduct research there in the summers and continue their projects during
the next school year; half of Rhodes students take part in undergraduate research,
often with the support of fellowships.
“Students at Rhodes are personable, high achieving, and well rounded,” says a
business major. Like Davidson and Hendrix, Rhodes tends to attract white, Southern,
middle- and upper- middle- class students, although diversity is inching upward.
Thirty- two percent of students are Tennessee natives, and 6 percent are interna-
tional. Black students represent 10 percent of the student body, Asian Americans
7 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 6 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. The
political atmosphere is “relatively liberal,” comments a senior, but “political persua-
sions are not so overwhelming that they define the college as an institution.” Eligible
students receive scholarships based on academic merit, and the average award is
$30,100. There are no athletic scholarships.
Seventy- one percent of Rhodes students live in campus housing, where all
dorms are air- conditioned and clean. Freshmen live in Glassell or Williford, and
upperclassmen vie for rooms in the East and West Village apartments during the
yearly lottery. Twenty percent of first- year stu-
dents opt to join living/learning communities.
Students eat in the Refectory, known as “the Rat”
(presumably not a commentary on the menu), or
the Lynx Lair; the former has hot food lines, and the latter offers fare such as wraps,
sandwiches, and burgers, along with a well- stocked salad bar. “Our two campus
dining facilities serve very edible food,” reports one student, “and there is typically
something for all tastes, preferences, and lifestyles.” Students give good ratings to
general campus safety. One student reports, “The school has made some policy
changes regarding sexual assault and the protection of sexual assault victims, but
there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.”
Fraternities draw 29 percent of the men and sororities sign up 33 percent of the
women. “The majority of campus social life revolves around partying and Greek
life,” says a biology major. Chartered buses provide rides to off- campus parties,
many of which are sponsored by the Greeks, though independents are welcome to
attend. Despite campus policies prohibiting underage drinking, students say those
who are determined can usually find booze— if not at parties, then in other students’
rooms. In April, everyone looks forward to the three- day Rites of Spring concert and
to the preceding Rites of Play carnival, which brings underprivileged kids to campus
for a day of food, fun, and games.
Lively and energetic Memphis has its fair share of college students, with three
other four- year institutions in the area and a number of community colleges as well.
There are plenty of clubs and bars, along with live music and arts organizations,
volunteer opportunities, and internships. “Service is an integral part of the Rhodes
experience,” a student says, and more than 80 percent of students get involved in
community service.
Rhodes fields 11 women’s and 10 men’s varsity Lynx teams, which com-
pete in Division III. The women’s lacrosse team has won eight straight Southern
Athletic Association conference titles, and women’s golf and men’s track and
field have also been successful in recent years. About a quarter of all students
participate in intramurals and club sports, the most popular being five- on- five
basketball and crew, respectively. The Bryan Campus Life Center boasts squash
and racquetball courts and a suspended indoor track. Rhodes’s mock trial team
holds the record for consecutive appearances in the national championship tour-
nament (33).
Rhodes College students relish the school’s solid academics and rich Southern
tradition. The school’s reputation is rising, within and outside the Southeast, and it
To receive a Rhodes
degree, students
must demonstrate
proficiency in 12
areas that form
the foundation of
the liberal arts.
“Our two campus dining
facilities serve very edible
food.”
More than 80 percent
of students
get involved in
community service.
Overlaps
Centre, Sewanee,
Furman, Hendrix,
Trinity University
(TX), Vanderbilt,
Tulane, WashU in
St. Louis
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588 RICE UNIVERSITY
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is slowly becoming more diverse. What hasn’t changed is the friendly vibe on campus
and the eagerness of students, faculty, and staff to welcome you to the community.
If You Apply To ›
Rhodes: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Please consult Rhodes’s website for the most up- to- date
information regarding standardized test requirements. Accepts the Common Application.
Rice University
6100 Main Street MS- 17, Houston, TX 77251
BEST
BUY
One of the few top private colleges making serious efforts to keep tuition affordable.
Rice is outstanding in engineering, architecture, the natural sciences, and music, and
it is a national leader in entrepreneurship studies. With nearly 4,400 undergraduates,
Rice is smaller than many applicants realize but plans to expand to 4,800 by 2025. In
lieu of Greek life, Rice has a residential college system like Yale and Princeton.
Founded in 1912 by Texas cotton mogul William Marsh Rice, Rice University has
stayed true to its mission of providing unsurpassed programs in natural sciences,
engineering, the arts, and humanities— with a price tag most families can afford.
With its top- notch programs in the liberal arts and sciences and huge endowment
(used to tamp down tuition), Rice is a good deal among top schools. It is the dom-
inant university in the Southwest and second only to Duke in the entire South.
Thanks to an aggressive growth plan, a nearly $2 billion building campaign, and
generous financial aid, enrollment is soaring as the university continues to attract
more and more top talent from around the country.
Rice was modeled after such disparate institutions as progressive, low- tuition
Cooper Union and the more traditional Princeton University. Today, Rice boasts
plenty of distinctive characteristics all its own. The predominant architectural theme
of the campus, situated three miles from down-
town Houston, is Spanish Mediterranean. A par-
ticular standout is the colorful Duncan Hall,
designed by British architect John Outram. Newer facilities include the Brockman
Hall for Opera, which features a 600- seat, European- style opera theater. But Rice’s
buildings are less notable than its trees— 4,600 of them at last count, with the entire
campus officially designated as an arboretum. About half of the trees are live oaks,
with branches that spread high and wide and provide an unbroken canopy of shade
from the searing Houston sun.
Rice has traditionally excelled in the natural sciences and engineering, and
students majoring in these areas still dominate the student body. Architecture here
is one of the finest undergraduate programs in the nation, and the physics and
astronomy department works closely with NASA. Programs in computer science,
engineering, kinesiology, and biosciences are popular, and economics and music
are highly regarded. Business is only available as a minor; an entrepreneurship
minor, offered jointly through the School of Engineering and Rice’s well- established
graduate business program, is also an option. Rice has a long tradition of encour-
aging double and even triple majors in such seemingly opposite fields as electri-
cal engineering and art history. Under the area- major program, students can draw
up proposals for independent interdisciplinary majors. All freshmen participate
Website: www .rice .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 7,962
Undergraduates: 4,380
Male/Female: 51/49
Financial Aid: 57%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 18%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 31,443
Accepted: 9%
Enrolled: 44%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (713) 348- 7423
Email Address: admission @
rice .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Architecture
Music
Physics and Astronomy
Computer Science
Kinesiology
Biosciences
Economics
“[Rice has] a caring and
supportive atmosphere.”
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RICE UNIVERSITY 589
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in a freshman writing program that is tailored, in part, to individual disciplines.
Other distribution requirements are flexible: students take three courses each in
the humanities, social sciences, and applied sciences/mathematics, choosing the
courses that interest them most.
Courses are challenging, but for the most part, says a senior, “Students are
almost always willing to help each other, creating a caring and supportive atmo-
sphere.” Everyone operates under the honor system, and most exams go unsuper-
vised. Class size rarely presents a problem; 70 percent have fewer than 20 students.
Faculty members receive high marks, and full professors often teach freshmen. “One
of my favorite things about Rice is how the professors are so invested in my learn-
ing,” says a kinesiology major. Under the Mellon Fellow program, selected human-
ities and social sciences majors may work with a faculty mentor on an academic
project that offers a summer research stipend. Sixty- eight percent of undergrads
complete at least one research experience by the time they graduate. About a quarter
of students participate in 150 study abroad programs offered in 60 countries.
Students describe their classmates as friendly and quirky, and a senior says Rice
students are “intellectual, but not navel- gazing.” Rice was founded to serve “resi-
dents of Houston and the state of Texas,” and 38 percent of undergraduates still hail
from the Lone Star State. Most of the out- of-
staters are transplanted from California, Florida,
the Northeast, and other Southern states; 13 per-
cent come from other countries. Twenty- nine
percent of undergraduates are Asian American, 15 percent are Hispanic/Latino,
8 percent are Black, and 5 percent are multiracial. “The political climate at Rice is
pretty liberal, especially for a Texas school,” notes an engineering major.
Rice practices need- blind admissions (although it is need- aware for international
students) and guarantees to meet the full demonstrated need of every admit. Merit
scholarships averaging $19,500 are available to qualified students, and over 200 ath-
letic scholarships are awarded each year. The ambitious Rice Investment financial aid
program makes tuition free for low- income and middle- class students. Undergraduates
with an annual family income of up to $140,000 receive full- tuition grants, and those
whose annual family income does not exceed $75,000 also qualify for grants that
cover room, board, and mandatory fees. Additionally, students with family incomes
between $140,000 and $200,000 are awarded half- tuition grants, and need- based
loans have been eliminated for all students who qualify for the Rice Investment. A
junior points out that “Rice has improved low- income accessibility by training fac-
ulty and staff on how to support first- generation and low- income students.”
Rice’s founder did not approve of elitist organizations, which means fraternities
and sororities are no- nos. Their functions are largely assumed by the 11 residential
colleges, Rice’s version of dorms, which 64 percent of students currently call
home— although the university’s expansion
plans include opening a 12th residential college
and increasing the number of students living on
campus by about one- third, to 3,525. The hous-
ing system is based on the British residential col-
lege model. Every undergraduate is assigned to a residential college in their first year,
and they remain a member of that college for all four years— even if they choose to
live off campus at any time. Students praise the residential college system for giving
everyone a sense of belonging to a relatively small community. The quality of hous-
ing “varies from OK to super nice,” according to one senior. Each residential college
is connected to a “servery” (a.k.a. dining hall), and students can eat anywhere they
please. “There’s a wide variety of options, so you can be as indulgent or as healthy
as you want,” says a senior. Another student comments that “Campus security is
The ambitious Rice
Investment financial
aid program makes
tuition free for low-
income and middle-
class students.
“[Rice students are]
intellectual, but not navel-
gazing.”
Architecture here
is one of the finest
undergraduate
programs in
the nation.
“While Rice students can
write algorithms . . . they
still know how to throw a
good party.”
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590 UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
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about as good as it can be in a big city like Houston.” Among Rice’s efforts to combat
the issue of sexual assault on college campuses is a mandatory five- week, one- credit
Critical Thinking in Sexuality course taken by all incoming freshmen.
Social life is campus- based and revolves around the residential colleges, which
frequently host themed, campuswide parties as well as private gatherings. “While
Rice students can write algorithms and social commentary, they still know how to
throw a good party,” boasts one junior. Students 21 and over are allowed to have
alcohol on campus. Other student organizations host activities like shows, dinners,
and dances too. Halloween brings a massive naked run, but the favorite annual tradi-
tion by far is Willy Week, which features a variety of festivities put on by the residen-
tial colleges, a university- wide water- balloon fight, and the highly anticipated Beer
Bike, a relay race in which co- ed teams must speed around a bicycle track and chug
water (“which used to be beer, before the drinking law changed,” a student explains).
Houston has a bustling nightlife, but you’d better bring a car to enjoy it. The
light- rail system makes it easier to get to the city, but it’s still a challenge to get
around— even with free transportation passes. The city offers ample opportunities
for internships and volunteerism; 40 percent of students get involved in service
learning. Galveston’s beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are only 45 minutes away, and
heading for New Orleans, especially in February, can make a great weekend trip.
Ardent football fans abound at Rice; tearing down the goalposts after home
victories remains a happy Owls tradition. Baseball is a powerhouse, and women’s
volleyball and tennis are strong too. All teams compete in the Division I Conference
USA. Rice students go really wild for intramurals, which pit the residential colleges
against each other— 75 percent participate.
William Marsh Rice never lived to see the fruits of his bequest (sadly, he was chlo-
roformed by his valet in an ill- fated conspiracy to claim his estate), but he would cer-
tainly be proud of the eponymous university that he created. “Rice is a welcoming
place with an openness to new ideas and a willingness to explore,” says an economics
major. As the university grows, it remains to be seen whether it will be able to main-
tain the close relationships with faculty and the intimate quality of the residential
experience that has made it special. But when students venture outside the campus for
the last time, their Rice diplomas open doors to the corporate world. And thanks to
Rice’s efforts to keep tuition affordable, their wallets haven’t been emptied.
Tearing down the
football goalposts
after home victories
remains a happy
Owls tradition.
Overlaps
Stanford, Duke,
University of
Chicago, Cornell
University,
Vanderbilt,
Harvard, Yale, MIT
If You Apply To ›
Rice: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Music applicants must audition.
Architecture applicants must submit portfolio. Please consult Rice’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding
standardized test requirements.
University of Richmond
28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23173
Offers students a preprofessional climate rooted in the liberal arts. Though located
in the South, there are plenty of Yankee and international voices on UR’s forward-
looking campus. Business and a unique school for leadership studies are featured
offerings, along with a strong global emphasis, but working to diversify its strengths
and reputation beyond business. Compare to Bucknell but with urban proximity, or to
Emory. A national leader in digital humanities.
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UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND 591
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Students at the University of Richmond enjoy a healthy mix of Southern ambiance
and intellectual rigor that includes small classes, close friendships, and lots of team-
work. A force for progressive liberal arts and sciences, UR describes itself as “a private
university for the public good.” It was a pioneer in leadership studies and continues
to expand its international emphasis. Under its unusual coordinate system, men
and women take advantage of separate student governments, traditions, and dean’s
offices for advising and support.
UR’s 350- acre campus is nestled amid rolling hills about 15 minutes from down-
town Richmond, the state capital. The campus, notable for its stately pines and
redbrick collegiate Gothic buildings, wraps around a 10- acre lake. Established in
1830, the university moved in 1914 to its present
location on former plantation land. Students
and faculty involved in the Race and Racism
Project research and document the university’s
complex history with race, and plans are in the
works to memorialize a burial ground of enslaved people that was recently rediscov-
ered on the campus. Recent additions to campus include the Well- Being Center,
housing student health and counseling services as well as an organic café, mind-
body studio, and meditation and yoga rooms.
All Richmond undergraduates combine their major with foundational courses
that include six areas of inquiry: historical, literary and textual, natural science,
social, symbolic reasoning, and visual and performing arts. Students also complete
requirements in communication, qualitative data literacy, and power, equity, iden-
tity, and culture. Everyone takes a First- Year Seminar with faculty drawn from across
the university on topics ranging from bioethics to constitutional law. There is also a
wellness and a foreign language requirement.
While the School of Arts and Sciences is the largest school on campus, business
administration is the most popular major— UR boasts a top undergraduate business
school, also known for its accounting program. The university is actively building up
its other offerings, especially in the sciences. Popular options include biology, polit-
ical science, and psychology. An interdisciplinary major in health studies focuses
on health policy, global health, and epidemiology. The Jepson School of Leadership
Studies, founded in 1986, draws on the liberal arts to educate students about how
they can best serve society. About half of UR students take the foundation leadership
course. UR is at the forefront of the digital humanities movement, and the Digital
Scholarship Lab allows students to mine huge databases in order to generate new
knowledge. New majors in Africana studies and in creative writing have been added.
Students describe the academic climate as intense but collaborative. Classes are
usually small; 74 percent have fewer than 20 students. Richmond students enjoy
close relationships with professors and the absence of teaching assistants in the
classroom. “My anthropology professor from my freshman year has been like my
second mom for the last three years,” says a senior, adding, “I know it’s hard to
believe, but every student here has at least one professor that they have this special
kind of mentorship with.” Students are also enthusiastic about the Office of Alumni
and Career Services’ career- related programs, such as Spider Road Trips, which take
students to major cities to learn firsthand about various industries and network for
potential jobs and internships.
The Richmond Guarantee offers traditional undergrads guaranteed funding of
up to $5,000 for at least one summer research or internship experience. Fifty percent
of undergrads study abroad for credit, choosing from 70 programs at partner univer-
sities worldwide. About 11 percent of sophomores participate every year in what one
student calls the “especially sought- after” Sophomore Scholars in Residence pro-
gram, a living/learning program that combines a yearlong interdisciplinary course,
Website: www .richmond .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,424
Undergraduates: 2,953
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 69%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 37%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 14,364
Accepted: 24%
Enrolled: 24%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (804) 289- 8640
Email Address: admission @
richmond .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Leadership Studies
Philosophy, Politics, Economics,
and Law
Accounting
Health Studies
Biology
Political Science
Psychology
“Every student here has at
least one professor that
they have this special kind
of mentorship with.”
Traditions include
the Ring Dance, a
soiree for junior
women at the elegant
Jefferson Hotel, and a
candlelight graduation
celebration by
the lake.
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592 UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
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a group capstone project in the spring, and various opportunities for community-
based activities and domestic or international travel.
“Students are generally very friendly,” says an environmental studies major, but
“the overall culture at UR can feel cliquey.” Nearly half of UR students hail from the
Northeast, and only 18 percent are Virginians. International students account for
10 percent of the undergraduate population. Six percent of students are Black, 7 per-
cent are Asian American, 10 percent are Hispanic/Latino, and 5 percent are multira-
cial. The Student Center for Equity and Inclusion works to support multicultural,
LGBTQ, and first- generation students and foster inclusion on campus. A political
science major comments, “Students in nonelection years are generally apathetic and
are not very politically involved.” Despite its high sticker price, UR prides itself on
being accessible, mainly because it practices need- blind admissions and guarantees
to meet the full demonstrated financial need of domestic applicants. The Richmond
Scholars program awards merit scholarships equivalent to full tuition, room, and
board to 25 top students in every entering class, while Presidential Scholarships,
worth one- third of tuition, are given to up to 80 incoming students. Division I ath-
letes vie for nearly 275 athletic scholarships.
Although Richmond does not have an on- campus housing requirement, 86 per-
cent of undergraduates live on campus all four years. First- year students typically
live in traditional doubles; suite- and apartment- style options are available after
that. “The newest apartments are way nicer than
anything I will be able to afford after school,”
says a senior. First- years can apply for the
Richmond Endeavor living/learning program,
which combines two academic courses with
advising from a faculty mentor and a peer advisor. The Heilman Dining Center
offers hot entrées as well as made- to- order paninis, pizza, pasta, and such; seven
retail dining locations provide other options. “I am convinced that the dining center
offers the best brunch in Richmond,” cheers one gourmand. Students say they gen-
erally feel safe at UR, and initiatives like the Spiders for Spiders peer network are
educating students on how to “prevent potentially bad situations and listen to sur-
vivors [of sexual violence] in the proper ways,” according to a senior.
Students agree that Richmond is “a very social campus” with plenty of options
for entertainment during the week and on weekends. Nonresidential fraternities and
sororities attract 18 percent of men and 26 percent of women, and they throw most
of the parties. “Fraternities host ‘lodges,’ which are on- campus events that are essen-
tially huge dance parties that are open to any student who attends UR,” explains a
junior. The Campus Activities Board sponsors regular movie nights, karaoke, and
concerts. First- year students have Proclamation Night for women and Investiture for
men, during which they sign the honor code and write a letter to themselves, which
is returned to them to open at the start of their senior year. Other traditions include
the Ring Dance, a soiree for junior women at the elegant Jefferson Hotel, and a can-
dlelight graduation celebration by the lake.
Once viewed as a privileged enclave, UR has made a strong commitment to the
city of Richmond. Eighty- three percent of students volunteer outside of class in pro-
grams coordinated by the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement. The city boasts good
restaurants, art galleries, beautiful historic neigh-
borhoods, and plenty of internship opportuni-
ties at local corporations and government
agencies. For those wishing to get away,
Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and Washington, D.C. are not far, and nature buffs
also like the river and the nearby backpacking, thanks to the proximity of the Blue
Ridge Mountains.
Under its unusual
coordinate system,
men and women take
advantage of separate
student governments,
traditions, and
dean’s offices.
“Students are generally very
friendly, [but] the overall
culture at UR can feel
cliquey.”
Digital Scholarship
Lab allows students to
mine huge databases
in order to generate
new knowledge.
“I am convinced that the
dining center offers the
best brunch in Richmond.”
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RIPON COLLEGE 593
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The school’s 17 varsity teams spin their webs in Division I. The Spiders are mem-
bers of the Atlantic 10 Conference, with the exception of football and women’s
golf, which play in the highly competitive Colonial Athletic Association and Patriot
League, respectively. The women’s swimming and diving team is a perennial con-
tender for the conference title. Other recent conference champs include men’s bas-
ketball, men’s cross- country, and women’s lacrosse. Football Saturdays find throngs
of students throwing tailgate parties. The university offers nearly 30 active club
sports as well as a variety of intramurals.
Students at Richmond certainly find plenty of programs to like. From first- of-
their- kind academic programs to innovative out- of- classroom learning and network-
ing opportunities, Richmond is working hard to push its vision of preprofessional
education shaped by commitments to the liberal arts, leadership, and community
involvement.
Overlaps
Boston College,
Wake Forest,
Colgate, WashU in
St. Louis, William
& Mary, Emory,
Villanova, Bucknell
If You Apply To ›
Richmond: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please
consult Richmond’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Ripon College
300 Seward Street, P.O. Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971
Located where the Republican Party was born in 1854, Ripon is more middle- of- the-
road than Beloit and Lawrence and similar in atmosphere to places like DePauw and
Knox. With about 800 students, Ripon is the smallest of the five. Strengths are science,
education, and communication. Required Catalyst curriculum focuses on developing
real- world professional skills. Sixty- eight percent of students are in- staters.
Everything about Ripon College is small, aside from perhaps its academic ambitions.
The school is in a tiny Wisconsin town, and there are just under 800 students, mean-
ing “if you don’t go to class, your professor will know,” a freshman says. Winter
brings bitter cold and lots of snow, but the warmth of personal relationships with
peers and professors helps to compensate for the frigid temperatures. “Ripon is a
school where you’re surrounded by familiar faces,” says a computer science and
theater major. “It’s impossible to get lost on this campus.”
Ripon’s 250- acre campus sits in a town of 7,800, about 20 miles west of Highway
41 between Fond du Lac and Oshkosh. It features tree- lined walks, wetlands, prairie,
and woods, and a mixture of 19th- and 20th- century architecture lends a majestic
feel. The Willmore Center, the campus’s main health and wellness facility, has been
fully renovated.
Ripon’s Catalyst curriculum calls for students to complete five required seminar
courses. Two courses in the first year and two in the sophomore year focus on devel-
oping basic academic skills that will prepare stu-
dents for the Applied Innovation Seminar their
junior year, in which they work in small teams
with a faculty member to research, develop, and
present solutions to large questions facing soci-
ety. “The Catalyst curriculum enhances skills that employers are looking for,”
explains a sophomore. All Ripon students graduate with a concentration in applied
Website: www .ripon .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 790
Undergraduates: 790
Male/Female: 51/49
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 35%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 85%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 2,486
Accepted: 80%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 60%
Returning Freshmen: 72%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 947- 4766
Email Address: adminfo @
ripon .edu
“Professors are able to
give each student a great
amount of personalized
attention.”
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innovation, and their academic transcripts attest that they have acquired skills in
oral communication, writing, critical thinking, collaboration, quantitative reason-
ing, information literacy, interdisciplinary integration, and intercultural compe-
tence. In addition to the Catalyst courses, most students complete a senior seminar
or thesis in their major.
A politics and government major describes the academic climate as “moderately
relaxed” and the workload as “very reasonable.” Ripon students delight in their
small classes, 57 percent of which have fewer than 20 students, and report that
student- initiated study groups are common. “Professors are able to give each student
a great amount of personalized attention,” cheers a mathematics and physics major.
“Office hours are the best at Ripon— make use of them.”
Ripon’s strengths include the sciences, education, and communication; the
most popular majors are psychology, communication, biology, history, and business
management. Students also give high marks to exercise science and the premed and
health sciences advising program. Newer offerings include minors in creative writ-
ing and museum studies. Motivated students with AP credits— or just the stamina
to take an extra class each term— may finish in three years, thanks to Ripon’s accel-
erated degree program. A 3– 2 dual- degree program in engineering with WashU in
St. Louis is another option, as is a 3– 3 law program with multiple partner univer-
sities. About 15 percent of students take terms away from campus, in the U.S. or
abroad, through 30 programs organized by Ripon or partner providers.
Ripon students are generally “laid- back, friendly, and positive people,” says a
student. Sixty- three percent come from Wisconsin, and most of the rest hail from
elsewhere in the Midwest. Two percent come from foreign nations. Black students
account for 4 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans make up 2 percent, Hispanics/
Latinos add 11 percent, and multiracial students
represent 2 percent. The college organizes a stu-
dent diversity conference every April and other programs to support diversity and
inclusion on campus. The town of Ripon’s claim to fame is its status as the birth-
place of the Republican Party, founded on February 28, 1854, to be exact, three
years after the college. These days, a senior comments, the campus is “rather
unusual in that there is a fairly equal split between Republicans and Democrats.”
The school offers merit scholarships worth an average of $38,235 but no athletic
awards. Thirty- six percent of incoming freshmen are eligible for Pell Grants. The
Access Ripon College program covers full tuition and room and board, without
loans, for qualified students of low- income families.
Ninety- two percent of Ripon students live on campus, since they must petition
to live off campus. Freshmen are housed together; students may choose co- ed or
single- sex halls, with doubles, singles, or suites. Students complain that some facili-
ties need renovations or repairs. “A prospective student should not expect a
state- of- the- art or modern living experience at Ripon,” cautions a senior. Ripon has
two main dining areas— the Commons, with a traditional hot- food line and made- to-
order options, and the Spot, a pub- style hangout. The college has switched to a new
food service provider, and a psychobiology major reports that “the quality of food
has improved.” Campus security receives good ratings, and according to a psychol-
ogy major, most students “feel comfortable and safe” reporting incidents of sexual
harassment or assault.
Social life is mainly concentrated on campus. Twenty- four percent of the men
join fraternities, and 24 percent of the women pledge sororities. Members of Greek
life are grouped together in the dorms and host parties in their rooms or lounges,
where alcohol is permitted for those of age, but one student likens this to “having
a party at your parents’ house. You’re allowed to do it, but you’re constantly being
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Sciences
Education
Communication
Exercise Science
Psychology
Biology
History
Business Management
“Ripon is a school where
you’re surrounded by
familiar faces.”
Campus hangouts
like the Spot and
the Nest offer live
music, comedy, game
nights, art shows, and
poetry readings.
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watched.” Underage drinkers face fines. Campus hangouts like the Spot and the
Nest offer live music, comedy, game nights, art shows, and poetry readings. Favorite
annual traditions include homecoming and the Springfest concert and carnival.
The best road trips include nearby Oshkosh and Appleton or even Milwaukee and
Madison. Chicago is a three- hour drive.
“Downtown Ripon offers many great restaurants, little shops, and a movie the-
ater,” says a freshman, but most places close down early. About 81 percent of stu-
dents get involved in community service in the local area, and at the start of each
year, all the churches in Ripon come together to host a home- cooked potluck dinner
for students. Though Ripon’s winters can be bitterly cold, the college’s location
means that frozen lakes and a blanket of snow are a natural part of the winter land-
scape, and cross- country and downhill skiing, tobogganing, and ice skating are reg-
ular diversions. There is even some fervent cheering for dogsled and iceboat races.
And when it’s not winter (“for one month during the year,” quips one student),
nearby Green Lake offers boating, fishing, and other water sports.
Ripon’s varsity teams (the Red Hawks) compete in Division III, and matches
against Beloit and Lawrence usually draw excited crowds; the Lawrence– Ripon
rivalry is one of the oldest in Wisconsin. Men’s and women’s basketball and track
and field have claimed recent Midwest Conference titles. Intramural sports are pop-
ular, especially indoor soccer, sand volleyball, basketball, badminton, and cornhole.
Ripon also boasts nationally ranked Ethics Bowl and Business Ethics Bowl teams.
Ripon College offers a strong grounding in the liberal arts, along with a peaceful,
quaint, historical, and friendly community where you’ll be much more than a
number. “I am on a first- name basis with our dean and president, and it’s not
because I’m in trouble,” a junior says. Though being at such a small place can be
stifling, Ripon students aren’t complaining. “We are interactive. We are tight- knit.
We are a community,” one student says. “We are Ripon.”
All Ripon students
graduate with a
concentration in
applied innovation.
Overlaps
St. Norbert,
Carroll University,
Carthage, Coe,
Knox, Marquette,
DePauw, Beloit
If You Apply To ›
Ripon: Rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 14627
The name may conjure up an urban public university, but Rochester, located in an
up- and- coming city, is a quality private university in the orbit of Carnegie Mellon,
Case Western Reserve, Johns Hopkins, and WashU in St. Louis. The university has a
scientific bent and a penchant for churning out premeds. Music is another strength.
Innovative Take Five and e5 programs reward ambitious students with a tuition- free
fifth year to explore new interests or pursue entrepreneurial projects.
The University of Rochester is not afraid of change. This distinguished private university
implemented its unique Rochester Renaissance Plan in the mid- 1990s, and since then it
has never looked back. The plan included reducing class size; making new investments
in the library, classrooms, and computer networking facilities; and launching a curric-
ulum that eliminates entry- level general education courses to allow students to design
their own paths. Today, ever- expanding academic opportunities ensure that students
have freedom to explore while getting plenty of hands- on experience in the process.
Website: www .rochester .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 10,131
Undergraduates: 6,404
Male/Female: 48/52
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Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester occupies a snug 90- acre campus,
which nestles up to a bend in the Genesee River two miles south of downtown
Rochester. One student acknowledges that the university lives under “perpetu-
ally gray (read: winter) skies” but finds comfort
that “it’s great for winter sports or studying
or even sleeping late on a snowy Saturday.”
Although a few buildings are modern— the
Wilson Commons student center designed by
I. M. Pei, for example— most of the older struc-
tures come in Greek Revival and Georgian colonial styles. There is an aestheti-
cally pleasing contrast between old and new, and the Eastman Quadrangle, with
the library and original academic buildings, adds to Rochester’s stately look.
There are no general education subject requirements at Rochester, but aca-
demic offerings are designed to expose students to the full range of liberal arts.
The curriculum— appropriately but unimaginatively known as the Rochester
Curriculum— focuses on three classic divisions of learning: humanities and arts;
social science; and natural science, mathematics, and engineering. Students choose
a major from one of these areas and also complete a cluster of three courses in
each of the remaining two divisions. Orientation Rochester- style is a week long and
includes a fall festival called Yellowjacket Weekend, designed to help new students
“become fully integrated in the university community.”
The university’s 200 degree programs span the standard fields of study, but
Rochester takes special pride in its famed Eastman School of Music, which is open
to undergraduates. It also excels in the engineering and scientific fields, includ-
ing biomedical engineering. Optics has long been a strength— naturally, given
that the city of Rochester is home to Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb. The
university’s Institute of Optics, the nation’s first center devoted exclusively to the
subject, is a leader in basic optical research and theory, and it awards about half
of all optics degrees in the U.S. The most popular majors include business, psy-
chology, computer science, mechanical engineering, and economics. Rochester’s
Combined Degree Programs offer simultaneous admission to both undergradu-
ate and graduate degree programs in medicine, public health, engineering, and
education.
Students admit the academics are challenging but describe the atmosphere as
helpful. “There are many study spaces used primarily for group work, and many
professors explicitly encourage working together on assignments and projects,”
says a brain and cognitive science major. Sixty-
six percent of classes have fewer than 20 stu-
dents. Professors are praised for their skills
behind the lectern as well as their passion.
“Teaching is dynamic— incorporating guest speakers, videos, lecture slides, and
discussions,” notes one senior. Students also highly rate the Greene Center for
Career Education and Connections for its vigorous preparation of seniors for the
job market.
For students whose educational ambitions can’t be realized in just four years,
two innovative programs offer up to an extra year of study at no extra cost. The Take
Five Scholars Program allows students to spend an additional semester or year—
tuition free— exploring interests outside their major or a topic they wish to study in
greater depth. The Experiential- Five (e5) Program extends the same offer but with an
entrepreneurial focus: e5 students pursue internships, undertake special projects,
develop entrepreneurial plans, or launch a start- up. Both programs involve a com-
petitive application process where students propose a course schedule, an action
plan, and a faculty advisor.
“Teaching is
dynamic— incorporating
guest speakers, videos,
lecture slides, and
discussions.”
(continued)
Financial Aid: 74%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 47%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 19,933
Accepted: 39%
Enrolled: 21%
Grad in 6 Years: 90%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (585) 275- 3221
Email Address: admit @
admissions .rochester .edu
Strong Programs:
Music
Engineering
Optics
Business
Psychology
Computer Science
Economics
Premed
“Most of the people here
are high achievers, go-
getters, and hard workers.”
The Take Five Scholars
Program allows
students to spend an
additional semester
or year— tuition
free— exploring
interests outside
their major.
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Overall, three- quarters of Rochester students get involved in undergraduate
research programs; opportunities include Research and Innovation Grants, which
provide funding of up to $4,500, and the Journal of Undergraduate Research. Students
selected for the Senior Scholars Program undertake a capstone project that can range
from a piece of scholarly research to a work of artistic creativity. More than 70
Rochester- sponsored study abroad programs are available in over 40 countries, and
30 percent of students take part.
“Students can be intense,” says an economics major. “Most of the people here
are high achievers, go- getters, and hard workers.” Forty- two percent hail from New
York State. Many also come from New England, and there’s been a large jump in the
numbers from Florida, the Midwest, California, and overseas, with 24 percent
coming from foreign countries. Asian Americans make up 16 percent of the student
body, while Black students account for 5 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, and
multiracial students 4 percent. A senior says, “There is always an active dialogue”
about current social and political issues. Eligible undergraduates receive merit schol-
arships averaging $15,900. The Rochester Promise initiative offers free tuition to
eligible graduates of local city high schools.
First- years and sophomores are required to live on campus, and 70 percent of
all undergrads choose to do so all four years. “Dorms are comfortable, modern,
high- tech, very generously sized, and well maintained,” a senior says. New stu-
dents are assigned to rooms— usually doubles— and upperclassmen can usually
get suites or apartments through the lottery. In addition to a variety of co- ed and
single- sex options, special- interest floors are available for enthusiasts of music,
computers and technology, anime, green space, and interclass living. Fare served
in the dining halls receives high ratings from students, as does campus safety.
“Security officers patrol all the time,” says one student, “and if ever you feel
unsafe, they will pick you up and take you where you need to go, any time of
the day.”
Thirteen percent of the men and 12 percent of the women go Greek, and frater-
nities contribute heavily to the social life of Greeks and independents alike by spon-
soring parties and concerts. Students of legal age are allowed to drink in designated
areas of the campus, but students agree that
Rochester is not much of a party school. “While
there are many things to do in the city of
Rochester, it seems that most of the social life occurs right on campus,” observes one
student. UR has its own set of movie theaters, and a cappella concerts always draw a
crowd. Favorite annual events include Meliora Weekend during homecoming, the
holiday Boar’s Head Dinner, and a spring fling known as Dandelion Day. Wilson
Day is an annual day of community service that places incoming students in more
than 50 agencies throughout the city of Rochester to paint houses, landscape, and
play bingo in nursing homes.
Many students take the free campus shuttle into the greater Rochester area,
where they may entertain themselves on the beaches of Lake Ontario, in the
International Photography Museum at the Eastman House, or at the Rochester
Philharmonic Orchestra. An unofficial Rochester tradition calls for each student to
eat a “garbage plate” at Nick Tahou’s, an infamous local dive, before graduating. In
addition to frequent ski trips, favored out- of- town destinations include Niagara
Falls, about 70 miles west, and, for the more venturesome, Toronto, 125 miles far-
ther westward.
The 23 varsity sports are coming of age at Rochester, and Yellowjacket teams
compete in the Division III University Athletic Association. Rochester athletic teams
have captured recent conference or regional championships in men’s soccer and
basketball, women’s field hockey and softball, and men’s and women’s swimming
An unofficial
Rochester tradition
calls for each
student to eat a
“garbage plate” at
Nick Tahou’s, an
infamous local dive,
before graduating.
“Most of the social life
occurs right on campus.”
Optics has long been
a strength— naturally,
given that the city of
Rochester is home to
Kodak, Xerox, and
Bausch & Lomb.
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and diving. About a quarter of students participate in intramurals each semester.
If intramural competition isn’t your bag, Rochester has group fitness classes and
a sports complex complete with lighted rooftop tennis courts, a Nautilus fitness
center, an eight- lane pool, and an indoor track.
In the past, students bemoaned the fact that their university didn’t have a wider
academic reputation, but that has changed, thanks in part to the Rochester
Renaissance Plan. Improvements have been made in the curriculum, the facilities,
and just about anywhere you look on campus. Rochester seems to be winning its
battle for a spot among the nation’s leading private universities. Now if they could
only do something about all that snow.
Overlaps
Cornell University,
NYU, Tufts, Carnegie
Mellon, Boston
University, Case
Western Reserve,
Johns Hopkins,
WashU in St. Louis
If You Apply To ›
Rochester: Early decision, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Musicians apply directly to the Eastman School of Music.
Rochester Institute of Technology
60 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
RIT is the largest of New York’s major technological universities. The school is strong
in anything related to computing, art and design, and engineering. In the city built by
Kodak (remember them?), photography, imaging science, and film and animation are
among the tops in the country. National leader in serving deaf and hard- of- hearing
students. More relaxed feel than most technical schools.
Unlike many liberal arts colleges that prefer that students test the academic waters
before deciding on a major or future job plans, Rochester Institute of Technology
focuses on career- oriented and technology- based academics from the get- go. And
unlike many big universities where the academic luminaries shine from research-
oriented graduate schools, RIT’s spotlight is very definitely on undergraduates.
Established in 1829, RIT is more accessible than many of its closest competitors.
Students who are geared up and ready to “go professional” will be more than satis-
fied with RIT’s extensive co- op program.
While the town of Rochester may sometimes seem like a reluctant host to week-
end fun- seekers, it can hardly deny that it is, in fact, a college town; RIT shares the
city with six nearby colleges. Its main campus,
located on 1,300 suburban acres six miles from
downtown Rochester, has its own distinctive
style— redbrick buildings with sharp, contempo-
rary lines. A MAGIC Spell Studios facility hous-
ing a state- of- the- art production studio for the RIT MAGIC (Media, Arts, Games,
Interaction, and Creativity) Center recently opened.
RIT’s general education program offers students considerable flexibility. The
number of required liberal arts credits has been reduced and more than 80 academic
minors have been added within the past few years. Unlike many universities, RIT
allows freshmen to schedule significant coursework in their majors early on and
spreads out liberal arts requirements over a more extended period. Those who are
unsure of their academic path may enroll in any of the university’s college- based
exploration options before deciding on a major.
Website: www .rit .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 14,926
Undergraduates: 12,798
Male/Female: 66/34
Financial Aid: 74%
Pell Grant: 28%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 72%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 23,763
Accepted: 67%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (585) 475- 6631
Email Address: admissions @
rit .edu
“RIT makes me want to
work harder, without
making me feel like I
won’t succeed.”
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RIT specializes in carving out niches for itself with unusual programs, and majors
are offered in more than 200 fields, from basic electrical and chemical engineering
to packaging science and bioinformatics. Fortunately, applicants narrow the range
of choices to a manageable size by applying to one of nine undergraduate colleges:
Art and Design; Saunders College of Business; Golisano College of Computing and
Information Sciences; Gleason College of Engineering; Engineering Technology;
Health Sciences and Technology; Liberal Arts; Science; or the National Technical
Institute for the Deaf. RIT is a leader in providing access and support services for deaf
and hard- of- hearing students. Many hearing students choose to learn sign language
as well.
Predictably, majors in engineering and engineering technology are among the
most popular at RIT, particularly mechanical engineering and electrical engineer-
ing; computer science and game design and development also enroll high numbers
of students. Photography is a signature program, and the film and animation and
industrial design programs are well regarded. The College of Art and Design offers
excellent programs in ceramics, furniture design, glass, and metals and jewelry
design, and students have the run of Bevier Gallery, where visiting artists provide
firsthand instruction. Dozens of accelerated dual- degree options allow students to
earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years. Undergraduates being
the school’s top priority, classes are kept relatively small— 48 percent have fewer
than 20 students— and the faculty develops new academic programs to fit career
needs. A biology major says, “Professors have a passion for what they teach, and
it shows.”
Students come to RIT to prove themselves, both in the classroom and through
real- world experiences, so it’s no surprise that students’ schedules are demanding.
“RIT makes me want to work harder without making me feel like I won’t succeed,”
says a biomedical engineering major. Through
RIT’s co- op program, more than 4,500 juniors
and seniors each year take one to two terms away
from campus for full- time, paid positions that
give them practical experience in their field, key
networking opportunities with potential employers, and, often, inspired ideas to
bring back to campus. The Simone Center for Student Innovation and
Entrepreneurship helps students learn how to take an idea from conception to com-
mercialization through coursework, consulting opportunities, and workshops.
Students showcase their research and creative projects every year during Imagine
RIT. Although 600 study abroad programs are available in more than 60 countries,
including RIT’s global campuses in China, Croatia, Kosovo, and the United Arab
Emirates, only 2 percent of students find time to go abroad.
RIT students are quirky and comfortable in their own skin. “People wear bath-
robes to class and knit during lectures and do interpretive dances on the quad,” says
a junior. “Whatever quirk you have, bring it here, because it makes us fun.” Forty-
eight percent of undergraduates are from New York State, the remainder coming
largely from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut; 3 percent are international.
Five percent of students are Black, 9 percent Hispanic/Latino, 12 percent Asian
American, and 5 percent multiracial. “The male- to- female ratio is still not where it
should be,” says one woman, “but this is a tech school, and 2 to 1 really isn’t that
bad.” The large number of deaf students helps create a unique atmosphere. Politically,
students tend to be aware of global issues, if not overtly active in them. RIT admits
students without regard to financial need and offers merit scholarships averaging
$15,900 to eligible students. Only a few athletic scholarships are available.
Half of RIT students live on campus; freshmen are required to live in the dorms,
while upperclassmen sign up for the numerous campus apartments on a first- come,
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Computer Science
Art and Design
Engineering
Photography
Imaging Science
Film and Animation
Industrial Design
Game Design and
Development
“People wear bathrobes
to class and knit during
lectures and do interpretive
dances on the quad.”
The Simone Center for
Student Innovation
and Entrepreneurship
helps students learn
how to take an idea
from conception to
commercialization.
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first- served basis. RIT offers a variety of special- interest houses and lifestyle floors,
including “mainstream” floors where both deaf and hearing students live. Those who
choose to live off campus take advantage of areas serviced by the school shuttle bus.
Vegetarians, vegans, and carnivores alike will find on- campus meal options to be rea-
sonably diverse. Campus security is “all over campus all of the time,” says one student.
RIT’s buzzing campus may seem at odds with its sedate suburban, semirural sur-
roundings, and students say there’s not much within walking distance of the
campus. Downtown Rochester has more to offer, including minor league baseball,
farmers markets, museums, and bookstores, and students also take road trips to
Buffalo, Syracuse, and Canada. For those without transportation, there’s always
something to do on campus, courtesy of the more than 300 student clubs and orga-
nizations, including a fine jazz ensemble and chorus that perform regularly. Just
3 percent of the men and 2 percent of the women choose to go Greek. “Party culture
is minimal here but available for anyone looking for it,” reports a senior. Brick City
Homecoming, FreezeFest, and SpringFest are favorite annual celebrations.
RIT fields 21 Division III athletic teams. In addition, the Tigers men’s and wom-
en’s ice hockey teams compete in Division I, and both have won conference titles
in recent years. Men’s lacrosse captured the national title in 2021 and 2022; men’s
swimming and diving, track and field, and cross- country and women’s volleyball
are also competitive. Thirteen percent of RIT undergrads participate in more than a
dozen intramural sports.
RIT students are dedicated and career- oriented, yet they don’t take themselves
too seriously, which gives this demanding techie school a surprisingly relaxed feel.
And best of all, says an imaging science major, thanks to an abundance of co- op
education opportunities, “we graduate with lots of lab/field/hands- on experience.”
Indeed, self- motivated and focused, RIT students have their eyes on the future and
are well prepared to meet it.
The more than 300
student clubs and
organizations include
a fine jazz ensemble
and chorus that
perform regularly.
Overlaps
Rensselaer,
Northeastern,
Drexel, Penn State,
SUNY– Stony Brook,
SUNY– Buffalo,
Worcester
Polytechnic
If You Apply To ›
RIT: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Applicants to art, design, and film and animation programs must submit portfolio.
Rollins College
1000 Holt Avenue, Box 2720, Winter Park, FL 32789
The oldest postsecondary institution in Florida, Rollins is the marriage of a liberal
arts college and a graduate business school that operates under the mantra of
“applied liberal arts.” A haven for out- of- staters who want their ticket punched to
Orlando, with its abundant entertainment and professional opportunities. Strong
Greek system and world- class water- skiing. Australian studies a specialty.
Move over, Mickey Mouse. Hold up, Harry Potter. You’re not the only attractions in
central Florida. For students looking to hit the books under the ever- present Florida
sunshine, there’s also Rollins College. Located in a quiet suburb of Greater Orlando,
Rollins, which was founded in 1885 and named after a benefactor, offers students
plenty of places to have fun and gain hands- on career experience. “Rollins is close
to hundreds of internships and job opportunities just waiting for the next ambitious
student,” says one satisfied senior.
Website: www .rollins .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,509
Undergraduates: 2,245
Male/Female: 40/60
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Capitalizing on its location along the shores of Lake Virginia, Rollins’s 80-
acre campus combines the natural beauty of the lakeside with consistent, Spanish
Mediterranean architecture. The Bush Science Center is a state- of- the- art, LEED-
certified facility featuring 19 research labs, 18 student/faculty lounges, and 15
instructional labs. Lakeside Neighborhood, a recently built apartment- style residen-
tial complex for upperclassmen, boasts such luxurious amenities as full- size beds,
in- unit laundry machines, a café, a gym, and an outdoor pool.
The general education curriculum, known as Rollins Foundations in the Liberal
Arts, seeks to help students develop skills relevant to any major or career, while
preparing them for global citizenship and responsible leadership. Students are
required to demonstrate competency in foreign
language, mathematical thinking, writing, ethi-
cal reasoning, and health and wellness. First-
year students must take a fall- semester Rollins
College Conference course, a small class of no
more than 15 students, led by a professor- advisor
who is assisted by two upperclassmen peer mentors. Students also complete five
Foundations classes, linked seminar courses that use an interdisciplinary lens to
examine one of five themes: Cultural Collisions, Enduring Questions, Environments,
Identities, and Innovation. The final Foundations class is an interdisciplinary cap-
stone that requires students to conduct original research on a global issue, which
they present to the campus community at the Foundations Summit.
The most popular of Rollins’s nearly 40 undergraduate majors include inter-
national business, communication studies, business management, psychology,
computer science, and English. Economics and biology draw large numbers
too. A minor in Australian studies is a particular specialty and involves travel
Down Under. The chemistry department turned out a Nobel Prize winner, and
the Annie Russell Theatre hosts productions staged by the well- known theatre
department. A 3– 2 accelerated management program allows qualified freshmen
to gain guaranteed admission to Rollins’s top- ranked Crummer Graduate School
of Business, leading to B.A. and M.B.A. degrees in five rather than six years.
Accelerated bachelor’s/master’s programs are also available in human resources,
public health, pre- engineering, applied behavior analysis and clinical science,
liberal studies, and teaching.
“The academic climate is vigorous, conversation- based, and challenging but
with proper academic assistance from faculty,” says a public policy and political
economy major. Students tend to form close relationships with professors, espe-
cially since there are no teaching assistants here, and the professors “only want to
see you succeed and find your passion,” according to one student. Rollins offers
many opportunities to collaborate on research with faculty or pursue independent
projects, participate in internships, and volunteer through service- learning classes.
About 70 percent of all undergrads study abroad at least once while at Rollins, taking
off for programs in more than 50 countries all over the world. Seven percent sign up
for the challenging, four- year honors curriculum, which culminates in researching,
writing, and defending a senior thesis.
Rollins has had a reputation for attracting, in the words of one student, affluent
and “entitled students who don’t work hard or give back.” While some students still
fit that mold, a sophomore says, most are “kind, welcoming, ambitious, committed
to public service, and politically/civically engaged.” Students report that both sides
of the political aisle are well represented on campus, but the atmosphere doesn’t
usually get heated. Fifty- six percent of Rollins undergraduates are from Florida, and
9 percent hail from outside the United States. The student body is 5 percent Black,
15 percent Hispanic/Latino, 3 percent Asian American, and 5 percent multiracial.
(continued)
Financial Aid: 92%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 9,022
Accepted: 50%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (407) 646- 2161
Email Address: admission @
rollins .edu
Strong Programs:
Theatre
International Business
Communication Studies
Business Management
Psychology
Computer Science
English
Economics
“Rollins is close to hundreds
of internships and job
opportunities just waiting
for the next ambitious
student.”
The Bush Science
Center is a
state- of- the- art,
LEED- certified facility
featuring 19 research
labs, 18 student/
faculty lounges, and
15 instructional labs.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Merit scholarships average $25,700 for qualified students, and more than 140 ath-
letic scholarships are up for grabs.
Seventy percent of the college’s students live on campus in spacious co- ed
dorms. “Dorms are really nice,” a student says, and feature “big rooms and hard-
wood floors.” Another adds that, for those who
prefer to live off campus, “there are plenty of
houses and apartments near the campus that can
be rented at a reasonable cost.” Six dining facili-
ties are located throughout campus, including a
nautically themed, pub- style restaurant that
treats diners to views of the lake, and the food receives positive reviews. A senior
says, “Campus security is top of the line and super friendly.”
The Greek scene claims 16 percent of the men and 28 percent of the women, so
there’s always a party somewhere— often off campus. The administration has
clamped down on social excesses, with party monitors checking IDs and a student
activity director attending each on- campus party. Penalties for underage drinking
are strictly enforced. “There is so much more to social life here than partying,”
insists a junior, especially through the college’s more than 100 student organiza-
tions tailored to just about any interest. Students can paddleboard, sail, or wake-
board on Lake Virginia between classes, and there are also movies on Mills Lawn or
“dive- in” movies at the pool, lip- synch contests, and live bands in the campus
center. Fox Day in the spring is “a sacred tradition”— the president cancels classes
for the day by placing a fox statue on the front lawn, and people head for the beach,
hit the theme parks, or relax on campus.
“Winter Park isn’t a typical college town,” says one student. “It is one of the
oldest cities in Florida, has a charming restaurant and shopping street known
as Park Avenue, and is family friendly.” Every freshman participates in SPARC,
Rollins’s annual day of service held during orientation, and many students vol-
unteer with community partners such as Habitat for Humanity and local schools.
“Community service is a big part of the Rollins experience,” comments a math
and computer science major. Orlando’s offerings include entertainment com-
plexes and theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal
CityWalk, and Islands of Adventure. Popular road trips include Cocoa Beach,
Miami, and Tampa.
Athletics are an integral part of campus life. Division II Tars teams (a nickname
for 18th- century sailors) have claimed 23 national championships and more than
95 Sunshine State conference titles. The water ski team is a perennial national pow-
erhouse. Other competitive teams include men’s and women’s soccer and women’s
lacrosse, softball, and golf. Intramural sports are popular, too, with more than 20
leagues and events during the school year. Club sports teams have been formed for
everything from eSports and wakeboarding to volleyball and dance.
Rollins students enjoy sand and sun, as well as a diverse academic climate. As
the oldest recognized college in the state of Florida, Rollins offers a rich legacy and
smooth- as- silk Southern character. Says one senior, “Students can expect to find a
safe haven [and] a real college experience,” not to mention plenty of practical career
preparation.
“[Most students are] kind,
welcoming, ambitious,
committed to public service,
and politically/civically
engaged.”
Students can
paddleboard, sail,
or wakeboard
on Lake Virginia
between classes.
Overlaps
Furman, Rhodes,
Sewanee,
Elon, College
of Charleston,
University of Miami
(FL), Stetson,
Eckerd
If You Apply To ›
Rollins: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
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ROSE- HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 603
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Rose- Hulman Institute of Technology
5500 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47803
Rose- Hulman provides that rare combination of technical education and personal
attention. Only Caltech, Clarkson, and Harvey Mudd offer comparable intimacy and
a technical academic environment. Nearby Indiana State and Saint Mary- of- the-
Woods help mitigate the skewed gender ratio. RHIT is among the few engineering
schools that encourage study abroad and boast significant athletic opportunities.
Rose- Hulman Institute of Technology may not be as well known as Caltech, MIT,
or even Carnegie Mellon, but it was the first private college to offer an undergradu-
ate degree in chemical engineering, and it continues to innovate today. If you can
handle the lopsided male/female ratio and the limited list of majors (all in engineer-
ing, mathematics, and the sciences, with the exception of international studies),
Rose- Hulman offers an outstanding technical background and bright prospects for
future employment. Students are smart and motivated, and they love using their
computers for work and play. “We are all dorks,” says a senior. “Some of us just hide
it better than others.”
Established in 1874 and co- ed since 1995, Rose- Hulman is the oldest private
engineering school west of the Alleghenies. Its benefactors were Chauncey Rose,
an entrepreneur who brought the railroad to Indiana, and the Hulman family, who
owned the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 74 years and gave their fortune to the
school in 1971. The 250- acre campus includes numerous trees, rolling hills, and a
lake. The Kremer Innovation Center features a variety of high- tech engineering labs.
Newer facilities include the $29 million academic building that houses flexible class-
rooms, design studios, state- of- the- art science labs, and collaborative workspaces.
General education requirements at Rose- Hulman include math, physics, chem-
istry, and humanities and social sciences. In the first quarter, freshmen must take
a Foundations for Success course that covers such topics as time management and
study skills. Students in any major can enroll in multidisciplinary senior capstone
projects, often completing projects for outside organizations.
“Being on a quarter system, the academics are fast- paced and challenging but
still manageable,” explains a junior, especially because students are so willing to
work together. Forty- one percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Mechanical
engineering, computer science, electrical engi-
neering, and computer engineering are the most
popular majors. Chemical and civil engineering,
math, and physics are also strong, and the
school’s optical engineering major is uncommon
at the undergraduate level. A major in engineering design gives students a chance to
work on projects with real clients. A minor in cybersecurity is now available.
Regardless of which discipline you choose, odds are you’ll find faculty members
willing to help. “The professors don’t hold our hands but also won’t let us crash and
burn,” says a mechanical engineering major. “They believe in learning by trial and
error but have always been there for support.”
Since only a handful of graduate students are enrolled, teaching assistants
don’t teach classes, and opportunities to get involved with faculty research abound.
The Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative gives selected students the chance
to pursue ongoing research projects for 10 weeks during the summer. A new Rose
Research Fellows program launched in 2023 offers paid research experiences to first-
and second- year students. The ESCALATE living/learning community introduces
Website: www .rose -hulman
.edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,153
Undergraduates: 2,128
Male/Female: 76/24
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 50%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 5,011
Accepted: 73%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
%
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (800) 248- 7448
Email Address: admissions @
rose -hulman .edu
Strong Programs:
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mathematics
Physics
Optical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
“Rose- Hulman’s
institutional personality
is the weird quiet kid that
could change the world.”
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604 ROSE- HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
freshmen to the principles of entrepreneurial and business success. Rose- Hulman
is increasing its emphasis on global education, and students have the option of
enrolling in international studies as a second major, designed to complement their
primary major. The school also offers exchange programs and a number of courses
that combine traditional on- campus coursework with a two- to three- week trip at
the end of the quarter. When it comes time to start the job search, Rose- Hulman
students are in good hands. “Career services works with every student individually
to assist them in finding the right job for them,” cheers a senior.
At Rose- Hulman, says a chemical engineering major, “You’ll find a lot of stu-
dents who enjoy video games, Star Wars, Marvel movies, board games, or other
similar pastimes.” Twenty- nine percent of undergrads are Indiana natives, and
8 percent come from abroad. Black students make up 4 percent of the student body,
Asian Americans 8 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 5 percent, and multiracial students
6 percent. “Diversity is increasingly celebrated,” reports a student. Political and
social issues don’t usually play a big role in campus life. Merit scholarships are avail-
able, averaging $23,300, but there are no athletic awards.
Sixty percent of students live on campus; freshmen and sophomores are guaran-
teed rooms in the residence halls. “We’re allowed to do almost anything to the
rooms, like add lofts or decks to gain space,” says a civil engineering major. Most
upperclassmen move into Greek houses or find
other off- campus digs. For meals, there’s a tradi-
tional cafeteria as well as two restaurant- style
dining facilities. For those living in the residence
halls, says a sophomore, “Every night at an
obscure time (5:38, 6:27, etc.) the [floor’s resident assistants] will call for ‘floor
dinner’ where everyone walks to the dining hall and eats together as a floor.” One
senior raves, “Rose- Hulman genuinely offers the best college food I have had.” The
campus and the surrounding area are safe, according to students.
The town of Terre Haute (population 60,000) has some restaurants and bars, a
mall, a couple of Starbucks locations, and two movie theaters, but generally, it’s
“sleepy and lacking in nightlife,” says a physics major. Various groups, including
the Greek organizations and Habitat for Humanity, help the town out with service
projects. There are eight fraternities and three sororities, which draw 31 percent of
the men and 46 percent of the women, respectively. Fraternity parties are a staple
of weekend social life. When it comes to drinking, a civil engineering major
reports, campus policies emphasize safety, and “the only places where alcohol is
actively discouraged are the freshman halls.” Everyone looks forward to Greatest
Floor (a 24- hour competition between residence halls), basketball games against
DePauw, and the homecoming bonfire. Students say the best weekend excursions
are road trips to Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, or St. Louis, all within a few
hours’ drive.
Varsity teams (the Fightin’ Engineers) play in Division III; football, men’s and
women’s soccer and track and field, and women’s golf are some of the strongest
teams. Competitive tech teams like the Rocketry Club, Human Powered Vehicle
Team, Team Rose Motorsports, and Cyber Defense Team are strong, but if you’re
envisioning Rose- Hulman students as pasty- faced lab dwellers, you’re misinformed.
About half of the student body participates in 19 club sports and 30 intramurals,
with basketball, volleyball, and ultimate Frisbee the most popular.
Students committed to careers in engineering or the sciences will find a top-
flight education at this technical school with a distinctive Midwestern feel. While
Rose- Hulman “doesn’t have that big- school pride” so common in this part of the
country, students say the “charming and homey” community feel created by
the intimate classes and the school’s small size more than makes up for that.
A new Rose Research
Fellows program
launched in 2023
offers paid research
experiences to
first- and second-
year students.
“[Professors] believe in
learning by trial and error
but have always been there
for support.”
Various groups,
including the Greek
organizations and
Habitat for Humanity,
help the town out
with service projects.
Overlaps
Harvey Mudd,
Olin College of
Engineering,
Kettering,
Lawrence Tech,
Milwaukee School
of Engineering,
Clarkson, Colorado
School of Mines,
Purdue
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RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY 605
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“Everyone is just so gosh darn polite here,” gushes a freshman, while a sopho-
more says, “Rose- Hulman’s institutional personality is the weird quiet kid that
could change the world.”
If You Apply To ›
Rose– Hulman: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Rose- Hulman’s website for
the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
65 Davidson Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
One of only nine American universities founded during the colonial period, Rutgers
is the dominant public university in the Garden State. Originally chartered as Queens
College but subsequently renamed for Revolutionary War hero and benefactor
Henry Rutgers. Everything is available: engineering, business, pharmacy, the liberal
arts, and the nation’s largest women’s college. Well known as the birthplace of
football.
Proud of traditions that extend back to its founding in 1766, this flagship public uni-
versity of New Jersey likes to compare itself to a city with multiple neighborhoods,
each with its own particular identity. With roughly 60,000 full- time undergradu-
ate students spread across three regional campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and
Camden, Rutgers is all about choice. Choices between more than 120 undergraduate
majors and 4,000- plus courses. Choices about which of the more than 800 student
organizations catch your fancy. Even choices about which of its many libraries, com-
puter labs, and student centers to frequent. “Rutgers is a place that gives students
opportunities to do and be whatever they want,” says a senior.
Seventy- five percent of full- time undergraduates (more than 36,000) enroll in
Rutgers– New Brunswick, which is itself a collection of five residential sub- campuses
strung out along the Raritan River and linked by a free university bus system that
allows students to move easily among the vari-
ous units for classes, housing, and social life. The
historical core is the College Avenue campus,
which boasts architectural gems dating to the
American Revolution and is home to the huge School of Arts and Sciences. In addi-
tion to the football stadium, the Busch campus hosts the engineering and pharmacy
schools, while Cook offers a bucolic setting for the School of Environmental and
Biological Sciences. Douglass, with its Georgian colonial architecture, is home to the
Douglass Residential College, the largest women’s college in the country. Livingston,
with its extensive array of solar panels, is home to the business school, the basketball
arena, and a movie theater.
Among the more than 120 undergraduate majors offered at Rutgers– New
Brunswick, the most popular include psychology, computer science, biological sci-
ences, information sciences, and human resources management. Perhaps surpris-
ingly, philosophy is internationally renowned. Students universally praise fine arts,
agricultural sciences, business, mathematics, and the six- year pharmacy program.
The “incredible resources and opportunities” at Douglass Residential College make
the women and gender studies major a good bet, according to an English major.
Website: www .rutgers .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 43,295
Undergraduates: 34,630
Male/Female: 50/50
Financial Aid: 64%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 74%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 41,654
Accepted: 66%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (732) 932- 4636
Email Address: admissions @
ugadm .rutgers .edu
Strong Programs:
Philosophy
Fine Arts
Agricultural Sciences
Business
Mathematics
Pharmacy
Women and Gender Studies
Psychology
“Even in those 200- person
lecture halls, my professors
know my name.”
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606 RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Workloads vary across disciplines, and students generally find them ambitious but
manageable. “The sense of community in classes is very strong,” says one senior.
“Students like to help each other out, and professors understand that you are at
Rutgers to do more than take classes.” Faculty members all have office hours, and
first- year students are taught by regular professors. As at any big state university,
classes can be large, although 48 percent have fewer than 20 students. A sopho-
more reports that “even in those 200- person lecture halls, my professors know my
name and are super flexible when it comes to finding time to meet with struggling
students.”
In an effort to reverse the perennial exodus of New Jersey high school super-
stars from the state, Rutgers offers a wide range of special academic programs,
including the state- of- the- art (and highly selective) Honors College, whose mem-
bers pursue specialized courses, fulfill service requirements, and complete a
cumulative capstone project during their senior year. Interdisciplinary living/
learning communities offer live- in faculty that draw students with common
interests ranging from various cultural and ethnic identities to meteorology.
Biology students have the run of the 360- acre Rutgers Ecological Preserve and
Natural Teaching Area, and the Aresty Research Center supports students seeking
to engage in research early in their undergraduate career. Entering students have
the option of a research- based first- year seminar where they work closely with a
faculty member. A junior singles out the Road to Wall Street Program that “pro-
vides finance majors with one- on- one mentoring with people currently working
on Wall Street.” Rutgers is home to more than 175 specialized research centers
and institutes dedicated to topics ranging from ancient Roman art to mountain
gorillas. Rutgers also offers undergraduate study abroad in more than 30 coun-
tries, from France and Greece to Thailand. As for career, health, and other stu-
dent support services, an English major reports, “The services are strong, but
students have to reach out for them.”
Although the administration has been attempting to increase the number of
out- of- staters, 93 percent of Rutgers– New Brunswick students hail from the Garden
State. Nevertheless, the student body reflects the substantial diversity of the state
itself, with a good mix of students from cities,
suburbs, farms, and seaside communities, and
students take pride in their heterogeneity. “Our
diversity spans interests, race, gender, class,
sexual orientation, religion, and politics,” says a
management major. “It is the best part of Rutgers.” Students of color account for just
over half of undergraduates, including 7 percent Black, 15 percent Hispanic/Latino,
33 percent Asian American, and 4 percent multiracial. Seven percent of undergrads
come from abroad. Nearly 500 students receive athletic scholarships in 22 sports;
merit scholarships average $10,300.
On- campus housing in New Brunswick typically accommodates 40 percent of
full- time students and is readily available on all five sub- campuses. “The rooms are
large, and every room comes with a microwave and fridge/freezer combination,”
reports a music education major. Other on- campus housing options include apart-
ment complexes with kitchens and living rooms. “We have four dining halls, and
there are many cafés and food vendors on campus that accept meal swipes,” notes
one sophomore. “Most people can find a place they are happy eating at regularly.”
In part because of its Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance, Rutgers
has become a national leader in confronting sexual assault on campus. The univer-
sity also offers a special dormitory for students who are trying to overcome addic-
tions to drugs and alcohol. “The university is generally safe,” says an urban planning
major. “Access to emergency services is easy and plentiful.”
Members of the
honors college
pursue specialized
courses, fulfill
service requirements,
and complete a
cumulative capstone
project during
their senior year.
“Our diversity spans
interests, race, gender,
class, sexual orientation,
religion, and politics.”
Rutgers is home
to more than 175
specialized research
centers and institutes
dedicated to topics
ranging from ancient
Roman art to
mountain gorillas.
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RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY 607
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Social life happens both on and off campus. The Greek scene is located off
campus near College Avenue, and a sophomore notes, “Only 11 percent of stu-
dents are involved in Greek life, so we are definitely not ‘go Greek or go home.’
People party in apartments, bars, houses, and dorms, and there is no single party
culture.” Another reports, “The RAs are really effective about enforcing alcohol pol-
icies.” Each sub- campus has its own student center with such diversions as pinball
machines, pool tables, bowling alleys, and a snack bar, and the Rutgers University
Programming Association sponsors films, performances, and other events. As a
major city, New Brunswick offers an array of nearby restaurants and theaters. For
those who want to hit the road for fun, New York City and Philadelphia are each
only about an hour’s drive or train ride, and students flood the Jersey Shore in
springtime.
Funky social rituals include Hot Dog Day, which features rides and free hot dogs,
and Beats on the Banks, which brings a major rapper or other artist to campus.
Given that Rutgers likes to remind the world that it was the birthplace of college
football, homecoming is a big deal— with tailgate parties in the stadium parking lot,
tons of food (including roast pigs and whole sides of beef), continuous music, and
thousands of revelers. Students participating in the Homecoming Bed Races deco-
rate twin beds on wheels and race them down College Avenue for charity. An annual
24- hour dance marathon, which raises money for a children’s cancer charity, is
another proud tradition.
Varsity, intramural, and club sports fill whatever gap is left by the social scene.
In an effort to move from relative athletic obscurity to instant national prominence,
Rutgers in 2014 became the 14th (sic) member of the powerhouse Big Ten, which
appreciated its proximity to New York City and
other East Coast media markets. The Scarlet
Knights compete in nine men’s and 13 women’s
Division I sports, and men’s and women’s bas-
ketball and lacrosse, men’s wrestling, and wom-
en’s soccer, rowing, and field hockey are nationally ranked. “Rutgers likes to pretend
that Penn State is our rival, even though they don’t care about us,” confesses a
management major. “So that is fun.” Nonvarsity athletes can take their pick of more
than 50 club sports and dozens of intramural leagues and tournaments.
Rutgers has the usual abundance of people and programs characteristic of a
large state university coupled with loyal support from the state’s legislature and
private sector and tuition that is relatively affordable. Students express irritation
about the bus system (“not enough buses,” “they leak when it rains”), but most
appreciate the fact that, as a public land grant university, Rutgers offers them a
huge range of professional and other academic options from which to choose. An
exercise science major concludes, “Students at Rutgers have the whole world at
their fingertips.”
Homecoming is a big
deal— with tailgate
parties, tons of food
(including roast pigs
and whole sides of
beef), continuous
music, and thousands
of revelers.
“Rutgers likes to pretend
that Penn State is our rival,
even though they don’t
care about us.”
Overlaps
Penn State,
University of
Maryland, Michigan
State, Ohio State,
University of
Minnesota, College
of New Jersey,
NYU, Boston
University
If You Apply To ›
Rutgers: Early action, regular decision. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to particular school. Arts appli-
cants must interview, audition, or submit portfolio. Please consult Rutgers’s website for the most up- to- date information
regarding standardized test requirements.
University of St Andrews: See page 375.
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608 COLLEGE OF SAINT BENEDICT AND SAINT JOHN’S UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
37 South College Avenue, St. Joseph, MN 56374
The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) are
throwbacks to the way colleges were 50 years ago: women and men on separate
campuses and copious amounts of school spirit. Founded by Benedictines, with
monastic communities still active on both campuses. Eighty percent of students are
from Minnesota, but global perspectives and study abroad are big emphases.
Remember when women’s colleges had nearby brother schools, when dorms were
single- sex, and when visitors of the opposite gender were only welcome at certain
times? Doesn’t ring a bell? Well, you might ask your grandparents. Or you could
visit the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. These two single- sex
campuses— all- female CSB and all- male SJU— are five miles apart, but they share
a president, as well as a common heritage and mission: students and faculty join
together in a shared liberal arts education, guided by Benedictine principles. The
schools’ small sizes and respect for tradition give rise to a tight- knit community.
Founded in 1857 by what is now one of the largest men’s Benedictine monaster-
ies in the world, Saint John’s now operates as an independent entity. It occupies
2,600 pristine acres in rural Minnesota, an area filled with forests, lakes, and the
wide- open spaces perfect for outdoorsy types.
The two colleges are connected by a free and fre-
quent shuttle bus. Alongside a 137- year- old
quadrangle erected by monks is a strikingly
modern church designed by Marcel Breuer. Saint Benedict, established in 1913 by
Benedictine sisters, is a cohesive 800- acre campus comprised of redbrick buildings
and cobblestone walks. Together, the colleges have invested millions in facilities in
recent years, including a major renovation of the SJU library that added a Learning
Commons.
Saint Benedict and Saint John’s share a joint academic program through which
students take classes together on both campuses. The core curriculum, known as
the Integrations Curriculum, aims to give students a cohesive, interdisciplinary, and
hands- on education. It features components like a first- year seminar, experiential
learning such as study abroad or service learning, and an electronic portfolio that
ties together students’ four years.
The global business leadership program prepares students to be leaders in a
global economy and is the most popular major, followed by accounting, psychol-
ogy, and biology. Programs in political science, nursing, music, and chemistry are
also well regarded. The interdisciplinary environmental studies program is enhanced
by access to the area’s natural resources and one of the largest solar farms in the
upper Midwest. The theology program benefits from abundant resources, including
the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, one of the foremost microfilm collections
of centuries- old handwritten manuscripts. “Many of the classes are centered on dis-
cussion, so everyone is playing a critical role in the learning process,” says a chem-
istry major. Very few classes have more than 30 students, and some fill up fast. The
small classes encourage a community atmosphere and strong student/faculty ties.
“Faculty members encourage students to ask them questions and will go out of their
way for the success of their students,” says a nursing major. The college has recently
announced that it was phasing out eight majors, including gender studies and the-
ater, along with four minors to direct resources to higher demand programs, such as
economics and computer science.
Website: www .csbsju .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,972
Undergraduates: 2,897
Male/Female: 51/49
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 71%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 3,281
Accepted: 87%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 77%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 544- 1489
Email Address: admissions @
csbsju .edu
Strong Programs:
Global Business Leadership
Political Science
Nursing
Music
Chemistry
Environmental Studies
Accounting
Psychology
“Faculty members . . . will
go out of their way for the
success of their students.”
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COLLEGE OF SAINT BENEDICT AND SAINT JOHN’S UNIVERSITY 609
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
For those seeking respite from Minnesota winters, which can start in November
and occasionally run until April, the colleges offer faculty- led, semester- long inter-
national study programs in 15 countries on six continents. Each program is limited
to about 30 students. Numerous shorter trips are also offered during semester and
summer breaks. “Study abroad is a big part of our culture here,” says a biology
major, “and your scholarships will transfer over to your study abroad, making it
affordable.” The McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship provides classes, coaching,
and assistance to budding entrepreneurs from a range of disciplines. The program’s
Entrepreneurial Scholars travel to Silicon Valley and China/Hong Kong, and all of
them start their own entrepreneurial ventures. Undergraduate research is becoming
more prevalent (24 percent of students participate), and there is an endowed
summer research program in the health and medical areas. Exceptional first- year
students are invited to join the colleges’ honors program, and upper- class students
may also apply.
“Students value community and look out for each other,” says a sophomore.
“We all share a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood.” Thirty- eight percent of stu-
dents, known as “Bennies” and “Johnnies,” are Roman Catholic, 83 percent are
from Minnesota, and most are white. Black stu-
dents constitute 4 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, and Asian Americans
4 percent. International students account for 3 percent of the student population. A
senior notes that despite the homogeneity on campus, the schools offer “a lot of
programming events encouraging students to learn about diversity.” Politically, a
junior says, “We encompass all viewpoints, from ultraconservative to ultraliberal.”
In an effort to become more inclusive, CSB and SJU have both adopted policies
explicitly welcoming students who “consistently live and identify” as “gender fluid
or nonbinary” to study at either college, regardless of the gender they were assigned
at birth. Merit scholarships averaging $24,000 are available, but there are no athletic
scholarships.
Eighty- six percent of students live on campus; seniors wishing to move off
campus must apply for permission. “The progression to nicer housing as you get
older is a rite of passage,” says a senior. The residence halls are staffed partly by
members of the monastic communities, but students aren’t made to feel like a nun
is watching their every move. On- campus apartments, such as Flynntown, provide a
more independent living area for juniors and seniors. Students can choose from four
dining halls on either campus, and most report the fare to be tasty and diverse.
Campus security gets good reviews, and a sophomore says, “We have bystander
intervention training programs on a variety of concerns, such as eating disorders
and domestic violence.”
The Joint Events Council organizes regular weekday and weekend social events,
including student performances, comedians, magicians, and concerts. Students 21
and older are allowed to consume alcohol in their rooms or at SJU’s on- campus pub,
Brother Willie’s, named after a deceased brother
known as the Night Abbot who dispensed spiri-
tual and worldly wisdom to students studying
late in the residence halls. Underage drinkers
face stiff penalties if caught. There are no frater-
nities or sororities, and parties tend to be small affairs. Each year, students look for-
ward to the Festival of Cultures, the Maple Syrup Festival, the Fruit at the Finish
Triathlon, the Senior Farewell, and spring break trips involving community service.
Also popular is the annual Pines music festival, which welcomes the spring with a
day of concerts featuring popular Christian musicians. Says a sophomore, “Off
campus, there are many things to do in St. Cloud and also in St. Joseph, such as
The global business
leadership program
prepares students to
be leaders in a global
economy and is the
most popular major.
“Study abroad is a big part
of our culture here.”
Each year, students
look forward to the
Festival of Cultures,
the Maple Syrup
Festival, and the Fruit
at the Finish Triathlon.
“Off campus, there are
many things to do in
St. Cloud and also in
St. Joseph.”
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610 ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE
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parties, coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, and movies.” Seventy- four percent of
students engage in community service, often through Campus Ministry programs.
St. Cloud is a few minutes away, and the Twin Cities are 70 miles southeast.
The CSB Bennies field 11 Division III teams, and the SJU Johnnies boast 12.
The football team is a perennial powerhouse, and its rivalry with St. Thomas is as
strong as ever. Curiously enough, a team of guys known as the Rat Pack gets students
psyched up for games. Men’s golf, women’s volleyball, and softball make regular
national tournament appearances, and the men’s basketball, track and field, and
baseball teams are recent conference champs. Nonvarsity students can participate in
a variety of club and intramural sports, and activities like kayaking and indoor rock
climbing, offered through the Outdoor Leadership Center, are popular year- round.
Students who attend CSB and SJU revel in the schools’ small- town setting, their
traditions, and the grounding that comes from their shared Benedictine values.
Perhaps more than anything, they treasure the community spirit that allows them
to grow both individually and together. “We have a strong sense of school pride and
alumni connection,” says one happy student. “Once a Bennie or a Johnnie, always
a Bennie or a Johnnie.”
Overlaps
University of
St. Thomas,
Gustavus Adolphus,
St. Olaf, Augsburg,
St. Catherine,
Luther, Augustana
(IL), Hobart and
William Smith
If You Apply To ›
St. Benedict and St. John’s: Early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement. CSB accepts applications from students who consistently live and identify as women, regardless of the
gender assigned to them at birth. SJU accepts applications from students who consistently live and identify as men, regard-
less of the gender assigned to them at birth.
St. John’s College
Annapolis Campus: 60 College Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
Santa Fe Campus: 1160 Camino Cruz Blanca, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Books, books, and more books is what you’ll get at St. John’s— from Thucydides to
Tolstoy, Euclid to Einstein. St. John’s attracts smart, intellectual, and nonconformist
students who like to talk (and debate) about books and ideas. Easy to get in, not so
easy to graduate. One of the few institutions with two coequal campuses. Students
admitted to one can spend time at the other. St. John’s is a croquet powerhouse.
With no majors, departments, or professors (in the traditional sense) and a com-
bined total of fewer than 1,000 students on its two campuses, St. John’s College is
about as far from the typical postsecondary experience as you can get. Or maybe
it’s much closer to what college used to be in the “good old days”; the Annapolis
campus traces its roots to King William’s School— the Maryland colony’s “free”
school— founded in 1696. More than two centuries later, in 1964, St. John’s opened a
second campus in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to facilitate a doubling of enrollment and
offer its superserious students a change of scenery. While the campuses may be
a thousand miles apart, the Johnnies who populate them share an all- consuming
quest for knowledge in the classical tradition. Their true teachers are the Great
Books, about 200 of the most influential works of Western civilization. “Students at
St. John’s College aspire to join the great conversations that began in the primeval
forests and have expanded to what we think we know today,” says a sophomore.
“We appreciate the value of tradition and its role in education.”
Website: www .sjc .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 540
Undergraduates: 473
Male/Female: 53/47
Financial Aid: 95%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 79%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 967
Accepted: 53%
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Physically, the two St. John’s campuses are more than just two time zones from
one another. The colonial brick structures of the small urban campus in Annapolis,
where the central classroom building dates from 1742, are squeezed into the city’s
historic district. With the Maryland state capitol
and the U.S. Naval Academy in the neighbor-
hood, this campus exudes old- world charm, and
its location at the confluence of the Severn River
and the Chesapeake Bay allows students to par-
ticipate in sailing, crew, and individual sculling.
The Santa Fe campus sits on 250 landlocked acres in the sun- drenched capital of
New Mexico, just two and a half miles from downtown. The adobe- style buildings
reflect Spanish and Native American traditions, and their perch in the Sangre
de Cristo Mountains offers beautiful views of the city below. Students at St. John’s
in Santa Fe can get back to nature in nearby state and national forests, which offer
hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, snowboarding, and skiing. Students may attend
both campuses during their academic careers, and about 10 percent do so.
The St. John’s curriculum, known as “the program,” has every student read the
Great Books in roughly chronological order. All students major in liberal arts, dis-
cussing the books in seminars, writing papers about them, and debating the riddles
of human existence that they raise. Classes are led by tutors, who would be tenured
professors anywhere else but here are just the most advanced students. In a snub to
the general trend in American academia toward more and more specialization, each
tutor is required to teach any subject within the curriculum. As a group, the tutors
help students divine wisdom from each other and from great philosophers, writers,
scientists, and thinkers, from Thucydides and Tolstoy to Euclid and Einstein to
Austen, Woolf, and Du Bois. “Because St. John’s is not a research institution, the
tutor’s only job is teaching and engaging with students,” says one junior. Both cam-
puses follow a curriculum that would have delighted 19th- century English poet and
educator Matthew Arnold, who argued that the goal of education is “to know the
best which has been thought and said in the world.”
There are no registration or scheduling hassles at St. John’s; the daily course of
study is mapped out before students set foot on campus. The curriculum includes
four years of mathematics, two years of ancient Greek and French, three years of
laboratory science, two years of music, and, of course, four years of Great Books
seminars. Freshmen study the Greeks, sophomores advance through the Romans
and the Renaissance, juniors cover the 17th and 18th centuries, and seniors do the
19th and 20th centuries. Readings are from pri-
mary sources only: math from Euclid and
Ptolemy, physics from Maxwell, psychology
from Freud, and so on. The assumption is that
the Great Books can stand on their own, repre-
senting the highest achievements of human intellect. Importantly, juniors and
seniors also take seven- week electives, called preceptorials, where they study a book
or topic one- on- one with a tutor. Electives include in- depth courses in computer
science that may involve building a simple computer or, in typical St. John’s fash-
ion, delving into Richard Feynman’s writings on the nature of computer language.
In their final semester, seniors write a 20- to 60- page critical essay on a topic of their
choice and must pass an hour- long oral examination by a committee of three tutors.
“There is a real sense of community and a collaborative feel to all of the aca-
demic work we do,” says one sophomore. “Our class conversations carry over into
the dining hall, the quad, the common rooms, and coffee shop.” While there are no
multiple- choice tests and no formal exams, courses are rigorous with a heavy load
of reading every week and lots of writing. Since everyone’s doing the same thing,
“Because St. John’s is not
a research institution, the
tutor’s only job is teaching
and engaging with
students.”
(continued)
Enrolled: 27%
Grad in 6 Years: 66%
Returning Freshmen: 81%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 727- 9238
Email Address: annapolis
.admissions @ sjc .edu
Strong Programs:
The Great Books Program
Liberal Arts and Sciences
The croquet match
against the Naval
Academy each spring
for the Annapolis Cup
is the occasion for a
genteel lawn party.
“Our class conversations
carry over into the dining
hall, the quad, the common
rooms, and coffee shop.”
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612 ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
there’s a lot of pressure not to slack off. St. John’s prefers that all eight semesters
be completed in residence— meaning no heading off campus for internships, study
abroad programs, or the like, unless it’s during the summer break. Some St. John’s
students find they need a year off between the sophomore and junior years to
decompress; some switch from Annapolis to Santa Fe or vice versa, and the six- year
graduation rate at both campuses is relatively low. In recent years the college has
expanded mental health services to offer unlimited counseling to all students, both
on campus and via telehealth services.
A fifth of St. John’s students are transfers from more conventional colleges— a
true act of devotion, since St. John’s requires everyone to begin as freshmen. Though
the reasons students choose St. John’s are never simple, the common thread is a
fierce love of learning. One Santa Fe student says, “Most students on campus identify
as avid readers and also take a keen interest in the arts and outdoor activities.” The
vast majority of students at both campuses are out- of- staters; international students
represent 16 percent of the student body. In Annapolis, 6 percent are Hispanic/
Latino, 4 percent are Asian American, 2 percent are Black, and 6 percent are multira-
cial, while in Santa Fe those groups account for 9 percent, 1 percent, 1 percent, and
5 percent, respectively. One student reports that
students are “more interested in political philoso-
phy and theory” than in actually engaging in
political or social activism. St. John’s introduced
a new “discussion-based” application option in
2024 that allows students to choose to be evaluated through in-person or Zoom inter-
views with admissions counselors and faculty, and through participation in a college
seminar, rather than by test scores and essays.
Seventy percent of students in Annapolis and 70 percent of those in Santa Fe
live in the college’s co- ed dorms; freshmen and sophomores are required to reside on
campus. In Annapolis, the six “historic” residence halls are arranged around a cen-
tral quad, while the two modern halls face College Creek. (Students warn that “his-
toric” is code for “old” and complain about erratic heating and cooling and a lack of
hot water for morning showers.) In Santa Fe, the dorms are small, modern units
clustered around courtyards. Most students get singles or divided double rooms.
Upperclassmen typically live off campus in apartments and group houses. Meals at
both campuses get average reviews.
“With the amount of reading and thinking done here, students most definitely
need to find ways to have well- rounded lives. There are pick- up sports, dance groups,
musical ensembles, and many other interest- based clubs to participate in,” says one
student. A senior adds, “We don’t have any
Greek organizations (besides study groups for
reading ancient Greek!).” Drinking is a favored
release for Johnnies, who have, of course, read Plato’s Symposium and are familiar
with the likes of François Rabelais (“Drink constantly. You will never die.”). Still,
hard liquor is not allowed on campus, and parties and kegs must be registered. And
although college- sponsored events are patrolled to prevent underage drinking,
youngsters tip their share of brew at smaller dorm gatherings. According to one stu-
dent, only those who are extremely rowdy or disruptive are reported to the dean’s
office to face penalties. Road trips to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York, and
Assateague State Park are options for Annapolis students with cars. In Santa Fe,
nearby blues and jazz clubs are popular, though one student cautions that the town
shuts down around 9 p.m.
Popular annual events on both campuses include Lola’s, a casino night spon-
sored by the senior class; the Arc party, held to celebrate the sophomores’ com-
pletion of the Old Testament; and Reality, a three- day festival of food, games, and
“We don’t have any Greek
organizations (besides
study groups for reading
ancient Greek!).”
In their final semester,
seniors write a 20-
to 60- page critical
essay on a topic
of their choice.
St. John’s prefers that
all eight semesters
be completed
in residence.
“Sometimes we wear
togas.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
general debauchery thrown for the seniors the weekend before commencement.
“Sometimes we wear togas,” hints a junior. Intercollegiate club teams in crew, sail-
ing, fencing, and croquet are available in Annapolis. The croquet match against the
Naval Academy each spring for the Annapolis Cup is the occasion for a genteel lawn
party to which the Midshipmen don crisp croquet white while the Johnnies sport
uniforms that have ranged from kilts to Viking clothing. Annapolis students relish
their intramural teams, with names like the Druids and the Spartans. Santa Fe offers
one intercollegiate sport— archery— and a handful of club sports. The nearby Rio
Grande and Chama rivers offer excellent white- water canoeing, kayaking, and raft-
ing, while the Hueco Tanks area offers rock climbing and bouldering; the Taos Ski
Valley and Ski Santa Fe are excellent in the winter months. The Outdoor Programs
Office organizes trips and makes athletic equipment available for use.
Students at St. John’s are as passionate about learning as their peers at other
schools are about basketball rivalries or blowout parties. And while those larger col-
leges and universities try desperately to grow and change, St. John’s cherishes its
traditions— including the mandate that seniors wear formal academic dress to their
oral examinations, which are open to the public. As one happy Johnnie reflects, “A
heated discussion about Plato on the grassy knoll is the type of sight that reminds
me why I love this place.”
Overlaps
Reed, University
of Chicago, Bard,
Kenyon, University
of Maryland,
Columbia, William
& Mary, Princeton
If You Apply To ›
St. John’s: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement. Apply to one campus only.
St. John’s University and College of St. Benedict:
See page 608.
St. Lawrence University
Canton, NY 13617
St. Lawrence is perched far back in the North Country, closer to Ottawa and Montreal
than to Syracuse. The remote Adirondack location breeds camaraderie, and
St. Lawrence students have a special bond similar to that at places like Dartmouth and
Whitman. Compare to Allegheny and Hobart and William Smith. Environmental studies
is the crown jewel: Where else can you live, learn, and work in a Mongolian- style yurt?
St. Lawrence University attracts snow lovers who place equal value on their experiences
inside and outside the classroom. Its upstate New York location in St. Lawrence County
offers quick access to both pristine ski slopes and rugged hiking trails— and to the bright
lights of Ottawa and Montreal. A flood of construction has helped to make the campus
almost as breathtaking as the natural beauty that surrounds it. And intimate classes
mean it’s as easy to form friendships with faculty members as it is with fellow students.
Hiking trails, a river, and a university- owned golf course surround St. Lawrence’s 94
buildings, which sit on a 1,000- acre tract; facilities are clustered, so even the most
distant buildings are only a 10- minute walk from one another. Many buildings date
Website: www .stlawu .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,175
Undergraduates: 2,130
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 97%
Pell Grant: 19%
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614 ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
from the late 19th century. Over the past two decades, the school has invested mil-
lions of dollars to beautify its campus with infrastructure and buildings that empha-
size sustainability. The LEED Gold– certified Johnson Hall of Science supports the
biology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, and psychology programs.
St. Lawrence, founded in 1856 by members of the progressive Universalist Church
but now nonsectarian, offers a classical liberal arts education, placing a premium on
small classes and team teaching. The general education curriculum consists of courses
in several liberal arts and science disciplines as
well as diversity and environmental literacy
requirements. Everyone participates in the two-
semester First- Year Program (FYP), which empha-
sizes critical- thinking, research, and communication skills. Students enroll in an FYP
course based on academic interest and live with their classmates in the same residen-
tial community. FYP professors also serve as academic advisors. “This program creates
an instant living and learning community the moment you step on campus, and
students within FYPs become like family,” says one student. Optional Sophomore
Seminars involve intensive advising, teas and coffees with professors, and ample vol-
unteer and hands- on learning opportunities, including course- related field trips.
Economics, business in the liberal arts (an unusual major that rejects the notion
of business as a stand- alone area of study), psychology, and government are the most
popular majors. Programs in conservation biology, statistics, and global studies are
notable, and befitting St. Lawrence’s location, Canadian studies is also a specialty.
New majors include biomedical sciences, data science, finance, prehealth chemistry,
digital media and film, and public health. Students in the signature environmen-
tal studies program are encouraged to pursue combined majors that integrate the
study of environmental issues with substantial study in one of 10 other fields, such
as geology, psychology, English, or sociology. A new Center for the Environment
offers education and advocacy opportunities to all students. Courses demand that
students pay attention and keep up with their work, but students say competition
is hardly a concern. Since there are no teaching assistants, full professors teach even
the introductory courses and make themselves available for extra help; 68 percent
of all classes have fewer than 20 students. “My professors are always looking for new
ways to challenge students,” comments a biology and physics double major.
In an effort “to make the world our classroom,” St. Lawrence encourages stu-
dents to spend time away from campus, and 61 percent do so. While some partici-
pate in one of the school’s international programs in more than 20 countries, others
choose the nearby Adirondack Semester near
Tupper Lake, about an hour from campus. Under
this program, offered each fall, a small group of
students live and study in a yurt village in a park,
where they learn wilderness survival skills and take courses on topics such as envi-
ronmental philosophy and nature writing. The St. Lawrence University Fellowship
Program offers housing and $4,000 stipends to selected students for summer
research. Internships are popular, too. Students give high ratings to the Center for
Career Excellence, especially its Laurentians Investing in Networking and Careers
(LINC) mentorship program. “The LINC program connects sophomores with alumni
working in their field of interest,” explains a participant.
“SLU students are explorers who are inquisitive and willing to take risks,” says
a biomedical science and public health major. Thirty- seven percent of Laurentians
are New Yorkers, and 11 percent are international. Diversity can be a challenge in
the North Country, and just 2 percent of students are Black, 6 percent are Hispanic/
Latino, 2 percent are Asian American, and 2 percent are multiracial. Politically, the
campus is “liberal but not aggressively so,” reports a senior. The university awards
(continued)
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 62%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 5,172
Accepted: 63%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (315) 229- 5261
Email Address: admissions @
stlawu .edu
Strong Programs:
Environmental Studies
Conservation Biology
Statistics
Global Studies
Canadian Studies
Economics
Business in the Liberal Arts
Psychology
“SLU students are explorers
who are inquisitive and
willing to take risks.”
“My professors are always
looking for new ways to
challenge students.”
Everyone participates
in the two- semester
First- Year Program
(FYP), which
emphasizes critical-
thinking, research, and
communication skills.
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ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY 615
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
merit scholarships averaging $24,900 to top students and hands out over 40 athletic
scholarships for Division I men’s and women’s ice hockey.
Virtually all students live on campus, and seniors definitely have it best, with access
to “spacious townhouses that sit along the golf course,” says a sophomore. Everyone
else makes do in the “adequate” residence halls, which have mostly double rooms.
Over a dozen theme houses and two theme floors are also an option. The food in the
main dining hall is said to have “greatly improved,” with accommodations for vegans,
vegetarians, and other special diets and themed dinners served up once a month. The
university’s rural campus is “generally very safe,” says a senior. Students credit the
administration with actively working to improve how it handles mental health and
sexual assault on campus, including implementing a 24- hour mental health hotline.
University- sponsored social activities include a campus pub, first- run movies each
week, and the student- run Java Barn music venue— a great place to hear a live band or
attend an open- mic night. With 18 percent of the men and 16 percent of the women
joining fraternities and sororities, Greek groups are a presence but not a dominant
force in campus social life. Students 21 and over are permitted to drink on campus.
“There is a very lively party culture at St. Lawrence,” says a history major, but students
report that alcohol policies are effective and parties rarely get out of hand.
The “charming” town of Canton doesn’t offer much in the way of nightlife, but
it does have a selection of bars, restaurants, and shops and a twice- weekly farmers
market; Potsdam, 10 minutes away, offers more. Ottawa and Montreal, where there’s
better shopping and dining (and where the
drinking age is lower), are easily accessible for
weekend road trips. But students say the most
popular pastimes include skiing, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking down the Grasse
River (when it’s not frozen over), and generally making the most of St. Lawrence’s
Adirondack backyard. “You can rent out gear for free from the Outdoor Program,
which allows students to try new things without having to worry about expenses,”
cheers a junior. Favorite annual traditions include Peak Weekend in the fall, when
students, faculty, and staff summit all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks, and Titus
Weekend, when students host a “rail jam” on campus and then head to nearby Titus
Mountain to celebrate the winter season with skiing, music, and other festivities.
In varsity sports, the Division I Skating Saints hockey teams are the top draw, espe-
cially when the opponent is archrival Clarkson. “Hockey is a massive event,” confirms
a sophomore. Solid Division III teams include men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s
soccer, and men’s and women’s cross- country and track and field; the squash, alpine
skiing, and co- ed riding teams are strong too. The golf course doubles as a running route
in warmer weather and a cross- country ski trail during the winter. Over half of the stu-
dents participate in 25- plus club sports and a variety of intramurals; available sports
range from club hockey to ultimate Frisbee, co- ed soccer, and an annual fall
quadathlon.
St. Lawrence makes up for frigid winters with the warmth of a close- knit, caring
community. As the frenzied pace of construction winds down and academic stan-
dards and career preparation are ratcheted up, St. Lawrence is a school on the rise,
especially for those wanting to get back to nature. “St. Lawrence is always looking
for ways to improve,” comments a junior. “There are always new things being added
to the St. Lawrence student experience.”
The most popular
pastimes include
skiing, hiking, rock
climbing, kayaking
down the Grasse
River (when it’s
not frozen over).
“There is a very lively party
culture at St. Lawrence.”
A new Center for
the Environment
offers education
and advocacy
opportunities to
all students.
Overlaps
Skidmore, Union,
Franklin & Marshall,
Dickinson, Denison,
Hobart and William
Smith, Bates, Colby
If You Apply To ›
St. Lawrence: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
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Saint Louis University
221 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103
SLU is a pleasant oasis amid the bustle of midtown St. Louis, and both the campus and
the surrounding neighborhood have been spiffed up in recent decades. In addition to
strengths in premed and entrepreneurship, SLU has an unusual specialty in aviation
science. Competes with Loyola Chicago and Marquette for bragging rights among
Midwestern Jesuit institutions.
Within sight of St. Louis’s famed Gateway Arch, the historical gateway to the American
West, sits Saint Louis University, which in 1818 became the first university established
west of the Mississippi River. The school’s academic atmosphere is shaped by the tra-
dition of its founders, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits); administrators ensure that each
student receives personal care and attention and expect graduates to contribute to
society and lead efforts for social change. Students, in turn, find an atmosphere where
their faith is encouraged. SLU offers students many nationally recognized programs,
from health sciences to business and, of course, theology. “SLU is the type of univer-
sity that prepares the whole person to go out into the world,” says a freshman.
The SLU campus features pedestrian walkways, lush greenery, fountains, and sculp-
tures, as well as signature Saint Louis University arched gateways at all entrances. Cupples
House, a beautiful old mansion in the middle of
campus, houses 19th- century furniture and an art
gallery— and is just a short walk from the modern
Busch Student Center. The center is home to a
bookstore, eateries, lounges, and conference facili
-
ties. Numerous campus renovations and additions have been undertaken in recent years,
including the $50 million Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building.
In keeping with SLU’s strong Jesuit commitment to education in the broadest
sense, all undergrads must complete core curriculum requirements in philosophy,
theology, cultural diversity, communication, mathematics, science, and other foun-
dational disciplines. First- year students participate in summer orientation and a Fall
Welcome program during the first two weeks of classes. The most popular majors
include nursing, exercise science, health sciences, and biology. Many students take
advantage of premed advising, and five- and six- year direct entry programs allow stu-
dents to earn advanced degrees in occupational therapy, athletic training, and physical
therapy. Business and entrepreneurship majors benefit from the Chaifetz Center for
Entrepreneurship, which offers innovation challenges, competitions, and networking
events like Billicon Valley. Philosophy and theology are outstanding programs, and
SLU attracts scholars from around the globe with one of the world’s most complete
microfilm collections of Vatican documents. SLU is also home to America’s first certi-
fied college of aviation and offers degree programs in aviation management and flight
science, a legacy of the days when St. Louis was an aviation hub. (Remember Charles
Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis?) Engineering offerings are solid too.
The academic climate at SLU is competitive, and one student says, “This
school sets high standards for its students, thereby creating opportunities for a
good learning environment.” Nearly forty percent of undergraduate classes have
fewer than 20 students, but the quality of teaching varies greatly, students say.
About a third of SLU undergrads study outside of the United States in nearly
50 approved programs across the globe. In Madrid, Spain, SLU has one of the largest
and most charming American campuses in Europe. The Micah Program is a living/
learning program integrated around themes of peace, justice, and service— it takes
Website: www .slu .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 11,155
Undergraduates: 6,679
Male/Female: 38/62
Financial Aid: 88%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 57%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 12,986
Accepted: 85%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 81%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (314) 977- 2500
Email Address: admission @
slu .edu
Strong Programs:
Health Sciences
Business
Philosophy
Theology
Flight Science
Engineering
Nursing
Exercise Science
“SLU is the type of university
that prepares the whole
person to go out into the
world.”
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SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 617
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
its name from the biblical prophet Micah, who spoke out against social injustice
in ancient Israel.
SLU students tend to be “friendly and pretty laid- back,” says a senior, but “most
take school seriously.” Many undergraduates come from private, religiously affili-
ated high schools; 17 percent are Roman Catholic. Thirty- eight percent hail from the
Show- Me State, while 4 percent come from abroad. Black students constitute 8 per-
cent of the student body, Asian Americans 14 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent,
and multiracial students 5 percent. Consistent with SLU’s Jesuit heritage, human
rights and inclusion are prominent issues of debate. The school offers athletic schol-
arships and merit scholarships.
Fifty- four percent of undergraduates live on campus, and about half of the fresh-
men take part in residential learning communities centered on a specific theme or
interest. Upperclassmen can move into spacious courtyard- style apartments, but
many opt for less expensive apartments off campus. “The dorms are sufficient,” one
student says. “They’re nothing to brag about.” Meals at the university’s 20 on- campus
dining locations are reportedly tasty, with vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten- free
options available. Students say they feel safe on campus thanks to an active public
safety department and the continuing improvement of surrounding neighborhoods.
Social life at SLU includes campus events, such as movies in the Quad, dances, and
Greek parties, and the plethora of restaurants and coffee shops in St. Louis, as well as
movie theaters, museums, bars, sporting events, and nightlife. A student says, “The
social life is very active. Students know how to
juggle personal with academic lives.” Greek life at
SLU— unusual for a Jesuit institution— claims more
than 1,800 men and women. Students say most parties take place in off- campus apart-
ments or at an off- campus fraternity house, and despite the rules limiting alcohol on
campus, it’s common in the apartments. Homecoming in the fall and the VIBE concert
in the spring feature bands, club- sponsored booths, and vendors. Atlas Week is a week-
long celebration of diversity that includes the Parade of Nations, cultural performances,
speakers, and the Billiken World Festival. True to tradition, Sunday evening mass is
usually packed with students of all beliefs, and more than 80 percent of students partic-
ipate in community service and outreach projects. Road trips to Kansas City, Chicago,
and schools like the University of Illinois and Indiana University are also popular.
SLU has no varsity football team, but other Billiken squads more than compen-
sate for this deficit. (A billiken was a charm doll and a common good- luck charm in
the early 1900s. A popular sportswriter of the time said the charm resembled the
then- football coach, and the name stuck.) Teams compete in the Division I Atlantic
10 Conference, and the Billiken’s men’s soccer, basketball, and baseball teams and
women’s soccer, basketball, and volleyball teams are the most competitive. For
weekend warriors, the Simon Recreation Center boasts a 40- meter pool, six racquet-
ball courts, and loads of equipment. Sand volleyball and flag football are popular
intramural sports.
Saint Louis University is winning students’ devotion and increasing its national
visibility by offering a slew of strong programs. The Jesuit education prepares stu-
dents to work for a more just and humane world. “SLU is a good choice for its rela-
tively moderate- sized classrooms, its dedication toward a Jesuit mission, and its
enjoyable learning environment,” says a senior.
The Chaifetz Center
for Entrepreneurship
offers innovation
challenges,
competitions, and
networking events
like Billicon Valley.
“[Students are] friendly and
pretty laid- back.”
Atlas Week is a
weeklong celebration
of diversity that
includes the Parade
of Nations.
Overlaps
Marquette,
Loyola University
Chicago, Xavier
(OH), University of
Dayton, WashU in
St. Louis, U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
University of
Missouri, Creighton
If You Apply To ›
SLU: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement. Apply to particular programs.
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618 ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
St. Mary’s City, MD 20686
A public liberal arts institution of the same breed as Mary Washington, UNC Asheville,
and much larger William & Mary. The college’s historic but sleepy environs are
90 minutes from D.C. and Baltimore on Maryland’s western shore. With the
Chesapeake Bay close at hand, St. Mary’s College is a haven for sailors and nature
enthusiasts. Maryland’s public honors college is a well- kept secret beyond the state’s
borders.
Thirty- one years ago, St. Mary’s College of Maryland was just another public college,
albeit one with a gorgeous waterfront campus in the oldest continuously inhabited
English settlement in the New World. In 1992, the state of Maryland decided to
make St. Mary’s College its public honors college— and the rest, as they often say
around here, is history. Students can easily design their own majors, undertake inde-
pendent research projects, or work closely with professors to investigate whatever
interests them.
St. Mary’s College has never been connected with any religious denomination
and takes its name from its founding in 1840 in St. Mary’s City, the original capital of
Maryland. The campus sits on a peninsula in southern Maryland where the Potomac
River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Not surprisingly,
it has an excellent center for estuary research, as
well as a strong working relationship with the
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory; the school
even has its own marina right on the St. Mary’s
River, with a shoreline that gets beautiful sunset views. Architectural styles range from
colonial to modern buildings, though the land on which the campus is built belongs
to an 1,100- acre national historic landmark, commemorating Maryland’s first colo-
nial settlement. For that reason, students may step over archaeological digs as they
stroll to class. The Dodge Performing Arts Center features a 700- seat auditorium, a
125- seat recital hall, studios, classrooms, and rehearsal spaces.
The college’s core curriculum, known as LEAD (Learning through Experiential
and Applied Discovery), emphasizes hands- on experience and career develop-
ment alongside breadth in the liberal arts. Entering students take a writing-
intensive, discussion- focused First Year Seminar. They may choose from two dozen
topics— ranging from The Attention Economy to The War on Science— taught by
professors from every discipline at the college. To fulfill gen- ed requirements, stu-
dents can select a Core Inquiry, a set of linked classes that explores a theme, such
as Public and Environmental Health, Climate, or Justice, from different disciplinary
perspectives. Students also progress through a series of courses over their four years
on leadership, teamwork, and career development. Additionally, the Honors College
Promise guarantees that every student will have access to a research, internship, or
study abroad experience. All seniors complete a capstone requirement, usually in
the form of a yearlong research project known as the St. Mary’s Project.
Biology is among the most popular majors and also one of the more difficult
programs; students can spend time on the college’s research boat when they tire
of the lab. Students also sign up in droves for psychology, environmental studies,
and economics. Anthropology, chemistry, biochemistry, and English are traditional
strengths, and the standout music department includes prize- winning pianist Brian
Ganz. The college recently launched new majors in business administration and
management, performing arts, and marine science. Aside from the 23 established
Website: www .smcm .edu
Location: Rural
Public
Total Enrollment: 1,488
Undergraduates: 1,465
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 89%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 62%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 2,934
Accepted: 77%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 71%
Returning Freshmen: 82%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (240) 895- 5000
Email Address: admissions @
smcm .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Anthropology
Chemistry
Biochemistry
English
Music
Psychology
Environmental Studies
“Professors at St. Mary’s
are always engaged in
research and like to involve
students in the process.”
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND 619
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majors (which include eight cross- disciplinary study areas), more freethinking types
may design their own majors.
“Because of the nature of an honors college, all students who attend St. Mary’s
are academically focused, and there is a common goal to succeed,” explains a senior.
Seventy- two percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and professors are said
to be accessible and well respected. “Professors at St. Mary’s are always engaged in
research and like to involve students in the process,” says a psychology major.
St. Mary’s College offers study abroad programs, including semester or yearlong
opportunities with James Cook University in Australia, University College Dublin in
Ireland, Akita International University in Japan, University of Ljubljana in Slovenia,
multiple options in Thailand, Costa Rica, Morocco, France, Italy, the UK, and more,
as well as a rotating list of short- term faculty- led programs during semester breaks.
“Seize the opportunity to go abroad,” recommends a psychology major, “because
SMCM is very helpful with making sure you have the materials and info you need.”
The Washington Program places students in top summer internships with the gov-
ernment, nonprofits, and think tanks in Washington, D.C., and also offers mentor-
ing from alumni.
Ninety- one percent of undergraduates come from Maryland, which gives the
campus a homegrown feel; less than 1 percent come from foreign countries. Students
acknowledge that campus diversity, while growing, has a long way to go. Black stu-
dents account for 11 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans
4 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent. A
senior praises the DeSousa- Brent Program, which
“is for students from underrepresented groups . . . and provides guidance and sup-
port in shaping them into leaders.” A sociology major comments that politically
conservative students “might have a tough time fitting in.” St. Mary’s College is
more expensive than other publics in Maryland but much less expensive than the
private liberal arts colleges with which it also competes, and to that end, it has
frozen tuition at 2020 levels for the past four years. Qualified students receive merit
scholarships worth an average of $4,700. There are no athletic awards.
Campus housing is guaranteed for all four years, but students report that facili-
ties are in need of updates. Eighty- two percent of full- time students live on campus.
Most residence halls are co- ed, although open (gender- neutral) housing is available;
apartments and townhouses are reserved for upperclassmen. Off- campus housing
options include old farmhouses and riverside cottages for rent. “The Great Room
(our cafeteria) is one of the best parts about living on campus and one of the reasons
you frequently see seniors still on unlimited meal plans,” cheers a senior. Regarding
campus safety, a student says, “I feel incredibly safe as a woman on my campus, and
the Title IX office takes things really seriously here.”
St. Mary’s College doesn’t have fraternities or sororities, and its secluded penin-
sular location means there’s little nightlife off campus, but one senior confirms, “The
fun that happens on campus is more than enough to make up for that!” The student-
run Programs Board organizes events like concerts, comedians, and costume parties,
and for the culture- hungry, there are also theaters, an art gallery, lectures, and films
on campus. Students report that the party scene is limited and alcohol policies are
strictly enforced. The St. Mary’s River offers a wealth of outdoor activities. “Most days
if we aren’t in class, you’ll find us paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, swimming, or
just studying on the docks. On nice days, there’s a summer- camp atmosphere to it
all,” says one student. Another adds, “It’s virtually impossible to graduate without
knowing how to sail.” The waterfront also becomes the focus of campuswide activi-
ties, including the bamboo boat race held each fall, Bay- to- Bay Service Day and the
Bottom County music festival in April, and the end- of- year World Carnival.
All seniors complete a
capstone requirement,
usually in the form of
a yearlong research
project known as the
St. Mary’s Project.
“It’s virtually impossible to
graduate without knowing
how to sail.”
The waterfront also
becomes the focus
of campuswide
activities, including
the bamboo boat
race held each fall.
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620 SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The college fields 23 varsity Seahawks teams, most of which compete in the
Division III United East Conference; men’s soccer and women’s lacrosse are among
the most successful, and numerous other sports have earned tournament berths in
recent years. The college also boasts a nationally ranked sailing program. About a
quarter of the students take part in recreational sports; floor hockey, dodgeball, and
soccer are favorite intramurals, while rugby, ultimate Frisbee, and equestrian are the
most popular club sports.
St. Mary’s College has worked hard to establish itself as one of the nation’s pre-
mier public liberal arts colleges. Though its small size and remote location can feel
confining to some, students leave with a solid grounding in the liberal arts— and the
close bonds that they forge with friends during peaceful days on the St. Mary’s River.
For those looking to be part of an intellectual community in a small- town setting,
St. Mary’s College just might be a place to set sail.
Overlaps
Beloit, Dickinson,
Guilford,
University of
Mary Washington,
UNC Asheville,
UMBC, Washington
College, William &
Mary
If You Apply To ›
St. Mary’s: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
Saint Michael’s College
One Winooski Park, Colchester, VT 05439
Liberal arts college founded by Edmundites located near a top college town with
breathtaking views of the Adirondack and Green mountains. Cheerful, service-
oriented academic community with most students being New Englanders. Proximity
to Burlington helps make for vibrant social scene. Easy access to Montreal and to
some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the East.
Saint Michael’s College carries the distinction of being the only Edmundite insti-
tution of higher learning in the world. The college was established by the Society
of Saint Edmund, a group of Roman Catholic country priests who took Saint
Edmund, Archbishop of Canterbury, as their patron and spiritual inspiration. The
Society maintains an on- campus presence to this day, and the influence of the
patron saint can be found in the college’s dedication to meaningful residential
experiences, comprehensive liberal arts, and social justice. A junior says, “Saint
Michael’s teaches students to go out into the world and work to make it a better
place.”
Founded in 1904, Saint Michael’s sits on 440 acres overlooking Vermont’s
Green Mountains and the Winooski River. Just five minutes from Burlington, the
campus features redbrick architecture, themed
gardens, a central quad, a 340- acre natural area,
and even a working farm. To the east, Mount
Mansfield— Vermont’s tallest peak— provides a
spectacular backdrop. The Dion Family Student
Center and Quad Commons residence hall overlook the mountains and use geo-
thermal heating and cooling, among other green technologies.
Under the core curriculum, all students take four courses: First- Year Seminar,
Fundamental Philosophical Questions, Study of Christian Traditions and Thought,
and Junior Seminar. Seniors complete a capstone project as part of a senior seminar in
Website: www .smcvt .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,228
Undergraduates: 1,190
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 70%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 2,629
Accepted: 85%
Enrolled: 12%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 79%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 762- 8000
“Due to the small class
sizes, you get to know your
professors on a deeper
level.”
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SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE 621
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their major. Students also meet requirements in the areas of Intellectual Exploration
(liberal arts and sciences), Edmundite Tradition, and Professional Competencies,
which encourage experiential learning. A new purposeful learning program aids
in the transition to college and engages students in a four- year purpose- driven
experience.
Saint Michael’s offers a plethora of solid programs, including business, psy-
chology, education, biology, environmental science, and religious studies.
Neuroscience is a top draw, too, and new majors in cybersecurity, equity studies,
and digital media and communications have been added. The Center for Global
Engagement is a hub of international activity providing opportunities for inter-
national advocacy, a Peace Corps prep program, internationally oriented student
clubs, and more. A 3– 2 engineering program with nearby University of Vermont
and a prepharmacy program are popular, and a 4+1 Master’s in Teaching program
allows education majors to earn a master’s degree and teaching license in just one
additional year. Students may also take advantage of cross- registration options
with Champlain College.
“My classroom experiences have ranged from OK to legitimately transforma-
tive,” says an English major. “Most of the time, it just feels like I’m getting a good
education.” Sixty- six percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and many are
taught in a discussion- based format. Students praise professors for their knowledge
and willingness to make themselves available. “Due to the small class sizes, you get
to know your professors on a deeper level,” observes an English major, and student
support services generally receive favorable reviews.
The Honors Program inducts 14 percent of undergraduates, who take specialized
core courses and a colloquium, live in honors housing, and complete a senior honors
project in their major. A hefty 31 percent of Saint Michael’s students take part in
undergraduate research, and each year, about 50 students receive stipends for full-
time work as research partners with faculty during the summer. More than 100
study abroad options include such far- flung locales as Argentina, Ghana, India,
Tanzania, and Denmark.
On campus, says a senior, “It’s a running joke that St. Mike’s students will
hold the door for you even if you’re a mile away.” A good portion of the stu-
dent body is Catholic. Black students account for only 3 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos 6 percent, Asian Americans 1 percent, and multiracial
students 3 percent. Typically, about 22 percent come from Vermont and 3 per-
cent from foreign countries. Student organizations like the Diversity Coalition
and Martin Luther King Jr. Society put on events throughout the year to support
inclusion on campus. The political atmosphere is heavily liberal, and a senior
identifies “white privilege, white supremacy, and gun control” as hot- button
issues. The college offers merit awards averaging $26,400 to qualified students,
and a limited number of athletic scholarships are available in 18 of the college’s
21 varsity sports.
Students are required to spend all four years on campus in the residence halls,
which a sophomore says “creates a sense of community among the different classes.”
All first- year students are housed in living/learning communities organized around
four main themes: leadership, service, wellness,
and approaches to transition. Residence halls
include traditional dorms with double and single
rooms, suites with shared living spaces, town-
houses, and apartment- style accommodations.
Campus dining options include an unlimited meal plan at the Green Mountain
Dining Room; meals are said to be “decently good” but repetitive. Students report
feeling safe on campus, and while there have been instances of sexual assault, says
(continued)
Email Address: admission @
smcvt .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Psychology
Education
Biology
Environmental Science
Religious Studies
Neuroscience
Prepharmacy
The Saint Michael’s
Cultural Pass
gives students
unlimited access
to performances
at Burlington’s
Flynn Theater for
little or no cost.
“It’s a running joke that
St. Mike’s students will
hold the door for you even
if you’re a mile away.”
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622 ST. OLAF COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
one student, the school “always informs us of what steps they are taking to protect
the community and hold those who were responsible accountable.”
Socially, says a sophomore, “There’s a good mix of hanging out on campus,
going downtown, and going skiing or hiking with friends.” Despite the lack of Greek
life, there is a reliably lively party scene. Apart from senior housing, the campus is
dry, and students describe a no- pressure, safety- oriented attitude toward drinking.
Campuswide activities include comedians, coffeehouse music and poetry perfor-
mances, and talent shows. Every Friday and Saturday night, the college hosts the
Weekend Grilling Program, which provides free food between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Fall and spring concerts are popular campus events, and students relish the annual
P-Day (Preparation Day) tradition, when “the whole school dresses up in funny
outfits then goes to the field [complex] where the school has brought in all sorts of
fun activities,” according to an English major. Popular excursions “are to downtown
Burlington or to the mountains and great outdoors like Mount Mansfield or Camel’s
Hump,” says one student. Montreal is just 90 minutes away.
Nearby Burlington (population 45,000) is “a great college town, as it contains
two other colleges: UVM and Champlain,” a sophomore says. “The area [offers] a
fun atmosphere to eat, shop, and go out.” Saint Michael’s students receive a free
bus pass that will take them downtown, and the Saint Michael’s Cultural Pass gives
students unlimited access to performances at Burlington’s Flynn Theater for little or
no cost. An unrestricted (and deeply discounted) season pass to Sugarbush Ski
Resort is available as well. A majority of students get involved in at least one service
program through MOVE (Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts) over the course of their
college careers.
Saint Michael’s fields 21 Division II sports, the majority of which compete in
the Northeast- 10 Conference. Competitive Purple Knights teams include alpine
skiing, men’s and women’s lacrosse and ice hockey, and men’s basketball. Club and
intramural programs draw 40 percent of students and include the Adventure Sports
Center, which organizes about 75 outings per semester, including sea kayaking, rock
and ice climbing, white- water rafting, and other outdoor pursuits.
Saint Michael’s College attracts students who appreciate the unique vision
inspired by Saint Edmund so many years ago— not to mention the beautiful Vermont
setting— and who want to use their education for the betterment of the world. An
English major reflects, “St. Mike’s is a weird mash- up of progressive, traditional,
humble, compassionate people who just want to be good for the world and do the
right thing.”
The Diversity Coalition
and Martin Luther
King Jr. Society put
on events throughout
the year to support
inclusion on campus.
Overlaps
Saint Anselm,
Stonehill, Salve
Regina, Merrimack,
Assumption
University,
Providence,
St. Lawrence, Holy
Cross
If You Apply To ›
St. Michael’s: Early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
St. Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057
Grounded in strong Lutheran traditions, St. Olaf boasts a religiously diverse student
body, strong academics, and a global orientation. Has more of a Midwestern feel than
crosstown rival Carleton but is a leader among liberal arts colleges in the percentage
of students who study abroad. The St. Olaf Choir is world famous. With about 3,000
students, St. Olaf is on the big side of small.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
St. Olaf College’s home is Northfield, Minnesota, which bills itself as the city of
“Cows, Colleges, and Contentment.” Founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran
immigrants and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. Olaf
provides a solid liberal arts education and plenty of opportunities to study abroad.
One Ole describes her peers at St. Olaf as “Minnesota nice” (not, by the way, a char-
acteristic inherited from the not- so- nice 11th- century Norwegian king who became
the school’s namesake). “I wanted a school with an atmosphere of hard work but
without demoralizing competitiveness, and that is what I’ve found at St. Olaf,”
remarks a satisfied senior.
St. Olaf’s meticulously landscaped 350- acre campus is located on Manitou
Heights, overlooking the Cannon River valley and the town of Northfield (popula-
tion 21,000). More than 10,000 trees, native prairie, and a wetlands wildlife area sur-
round the 34 native limestone buildings that form the campus. Holland Hall, built
in 1925, was modeled on the Mont- Saint- Michel monastery in France. Regents Hall
of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, a 200,000- square- foot science center, earned
the prestigious LEED Platinum rating. Newer structures include a 300- bed residence
hall and townhouse- style residences housing 140 students.
In addition to distribution requirements in a range of liberal arts subjects, St. Olaf’s
core curriculum includes an Open- Linked- Enduring (OLE) Experience in Practice
requirement that asks students to engage in significant hands- on learning, whether
through an independent research project, study abroad, an internship, or other
faculty- led coursework or experiences. All first-
year students complete a first- year seminar and a
writing and rhetoric course, requirements that
can be fulfilled either by taking individual courses
or by signing up for a Conversation Program— an
interdisciplinary, team- taught program that brings together students and faculty for a
critical exploration of specific topics within their historical, cultural, and social con-
texts. Programs include Enduring Questions, American Conversations, Asian
Conversations, Environmental Conversations, and Race Matters. These signature one-
to two- year programs “take care of a ton of general requirements, but they are
extremely rigorous,” cautions one freshman. Two additional programs— the Science
Conversation and the Public Affairs Conversation— are open to sophomores and
upperclassmen, respectively.
Biology, political science, psychology, and mathematics are the most popular
majors and some of the school’s best. The music department draws high praise; it
offers many performance opportunities with eight school choirs and seven instru-
mental ensembles. The St. Olaf Choir performs in major venues around the nation
and can be heard singing with the Minnesota Orchestra. Dance and chemistry
are also notable, and, not surprisingly, Norwegian is a specialty. The Center for
Integrative Studies allows students to form their own majors.
Academically, Oles (pronounced “Oh- lees”) have their work cut out for them,
but they say the atmosphere on campus is supportive and encouraging. Students
hold faculty members in high regard for their engaging approaches to teaching. “The
professors really show care and concern for each individual student’s learning,” says
a quantitative economics major. Sixty- one percent of the classes have fewer than 20
students, and instructors reportedly have as many as 10 hours of open- office time a
week. The Piper Center for Vocation and Career receives high ratings, especially for
its Connections Program trips, which take students to major cities nationwide to
network with alumni. “I had the chance to go on the San Francisco trip, and we vis-
ited alums at Google, Apple, Cisco, and several start- ups,” says a junior.
In the last quarter century, St. Olaf has cultivated an international agenda for its
students and faculty, and it consistently ranks among the top baccalaureate liberal
Website: wp .stolaf .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,011
Undergraduates: 3,011
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 58%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 5,524
Accepted: 56%
Enrolled: 28%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 800- 3025
Email Address: admissions @
stolaf .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Economics
Psychology
Mathematics
Music
Dance
Chemistry
Norwegian
“The professors really
show care and concern for
each individual student’s
learning.”
The St. Olaf Choir
performs in major
venues around the
nation and can be
heard singing with the
Minnesota Orchestra.
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arts colleges in the country for the percentage of students who study abroad. Around
70 percent of students participate. In addition to approved partner and exchange
programs, St. Olaf offers as many as 100 study abroad programs in more than 40
countries, including St. Olaf’s faculty- led Global Semester and Environmental
Science in Australia and New Zealand programs. Research opportunities are available
in all disciplines and are especially robust in the sciences; about half of the students
take advantage of them.
“We work hard for what we want and don’t give up when things get tough,”
comments a sophomore. “Oles are a very tenacious bunch.” Forty- five percent of
students hail from Minnesota, and 10 percent come from overseas. Asian Americans
make up 6 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent,
Black students 3 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 4 percent, and the college is actively
recruiting more students from diverse back-
grounds. Eighteen percent of students are Lutheran; chapel services, though not
mandatory, are held daily. Most students are high achievers from Midwestern public
schools, drawn in part by hundreds of merit scholarships, which average $25,300
each year. St. Olaf has a tradition of meeting the full demonstrated need of all admit-
ted students.
Ninety- three percent of undergrads reside in on- campus housing or in college-
owned houses available off campus; 42 percent of the housing is gender- inclusive.
All first- years live together in four dedicated dorms, where Junior Counselors on
each floor plan fun community activities; upperclassmen enjoy suite- style layouts.
Students eat in one large, modern dining hall and rave about the meals: “The food
is way better than I ever thought college food could be,” cheers a vocal performance
major. They can also use their meal plans at neighboring Carleton’s two dining halls
(and vice versa). Students give good ratings to campus safety and report that efforts
to educate the community about campus sexual assault have been effective.
St. Olaf’s social life takes place mostly on campus, and weekend spots include a
student- run nightclub called the Pause (beloved for its pizza and live entertainment)
and a coffeehouse, the Cage. The fine arts department provides many music, the-
ater, and dance performances. “St. Olaf is a dry
campus, meaning no alcohol, but the policy isn’t
strictly enforced,” explains a senior, and while
there are no fraternities or sororities, a low- key
party scene can be found. The Student Activities
Committee sponsors frequent dances, speakers, and cultural events, covered by stu-
dent fees and at- the- door ticket sales. The most talked- about annual event, which
has been running for more than 100 years, is the three- day Christmas Festival,
during which five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra combine in televised concerts
celebrating Christmas— and the college dining hall serves hearty Scandinavian food.
“Northfield is a pretty active small town with festivals, live music, and other
activities,” says a political science and economics major. The town also offers a
decent number of coffee shops, cafés, and bars, as well as two breweries; Froggy’s
and the Contented Cow are favorite hangouts. Each September, the locals reenact
the failed 1876 attempt by Jesse James to rob the town bank. “Students are actively
involved in community mentor, volunteer, and outreach programs,” reports a stu-
dent. For those seeking a taste of city life, buses leave regularly for the twin cities of
Minneapolis and St. Paul, less than an hour’s drive, where one can experience a
shopper’s paradise at the huge Mall of America.
St. Olaf has outstanding Division III athletic programs. The Oles men’s soccer,
men’s and women’s cross- country, and swimming and diving teams are consistently
competitive in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and the Nordic
“The food is way better than
I ever thought college food
could be.”
The most talked- about
annual event, which
has been running for
more than 100 years,
is the three- day
Christmas Festival.
“Students are actively
involved in community
mentor, volunteer, and
outreach programs.”
Instructors reportedly
have as many as
10 hours of open-
office time a week.
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and Alpine skiing teams have achieved national success. The St. Olaf football team
battles rival Carleton for the honor of having the statue in the town’s square face the
winning campus. The chorus of St. Olaf’s fight song is “Um! Yah! Yah!” which has
become a popular chant on campus. Students can also take their pick of around 25
club sports and 20 intramurals; broomball— ice hockey played with brooms instead
of sticks and shoes rather than skates— is the sport of choice in the winter. The
men’s and women’s ultimate Frisbee club teams are nationally competitive.
For those yearning for a school where spirituality and scholarship exist on the
same exalted plane, St. Olaf could be the right place to spend four years. It’s a school
where students work hard, are encouraged by good teachers, toughened by Minnesota
winters, and nourished by strong moral values and community spirit.
Overlaps
Gustavus Adolphus,
Macalester,
Luther, Carleton,
Grinnell, University
of St. Thomas,
Lawrence,
Augustana (IL)
If You Apply To ›
St. Olaf: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement. Music applicants must submit additional application.
University of San Diego
5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110
With a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, USD is riding a wave of popularity
enhanced by its sun- drenched location. Not to be confused with its UC counterpart
across town, USD is now a popular alternative to Roman Catholic peers the University
of San Francisco and Santa Clara. Strong in business, engineering, and study abroad.
Students at the University of San Diego have many reasons to cheer: a beatific ocean-
side campus, a rich Roman Catholic heritage centered around ethical conduct and
compassionate service, and an array of superb academics. “USD is becoming more
and more competitive, and the academic programs continue to get better,” says one
freshman. “There has never been a better time to come to USD than right now.”
Founded in 1949, USD occupies 180 acres on a mesa overlooking San Diego’s
Mission Bay and is only two miles north of downtown San Diego. The buildings
are designed in 16th- century Spanish Renaissance architectural style in a nod to San
Diego’s Catholic heritage and the Universidad
de Alcalá in Spain. In a fitting architectural juxta-
position, at one end of campus is the Joan B.
Kroc (of McDonald’s fame) Institute for Peace
and Justice; at the other end is the Jenny Craig Pavilion, featuring facilities where
you can work off your Big Macs. Newer additions include the Learning Commons,
which houses the Honors Program, the Writing Center, flexible classrooms, and
collaboration rooms.
USD’s core curriculum focuses on integrating knowledge and experiences from
different disciplines. The core encompasses Competencies, such as writing and criti-
cal thinking; Foundations courses in theology, philosophy, ethics, and diversity and
inclusion; and Explorations courses in five general liberal arts areas. A fourth com-
ponent, Integrative Learning, is the focus of the first year, when new students join
one of five living/learning communities (LLCs): Cultivator, Collaborator, Advocate,
Illuminator, and Innovator. In addition to taking a fall- semester course related to
the theme of their LLC and living together with their classmates in the residence
Website: www .sandiego .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 7,007
Undergraduates: 5,457
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 78%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 51%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 14,334
Accepted: 53%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (619) 260- 4506
Email Address: admissions @
sandiego .edu
“There has never been a
better time to come to USD
than right now.”
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halls, first- years also have access to a “scholastic assistant,” an older student who
serves as a mentor and organizes out- of- class activities. Students describe the LLCs
as integral to their transition to college life. “Being a part of programs such as these
really enabled me to find out more about myself and what I am passionate about,”
says a communication studies major.
USD offers more than 60 degree programs— an impressive number given its rela-
tively small student body— across seven schools: business, leadership and education
sciences, law, nursing and health science, arts and sciences, engineering, and peace
studies. Some of the most popular undergraduate majors include business adminis-
tration, finance, real estate, behavioral neuroscience, accountancy, communication
studies, and psychology. Engineering is a traditional strength. Forty- three percent of
classes have fewer than 20 students, but none exceed 50, which allows for classroom
discussions and collaborative projects. “The workload is substantial, but it is also
feasible,” says a political science major. Professors are said to be knowledgeable and
accessible. Career services receive good ratings, especially when it comes to finding
internships.
The Honors Program offers small classes and a core curriculum of innovative
courses to qualified students. More than 200 students across the university pres-
ent research projects at USD’s annual undergraduate research conference. Those
who overdose on Southern California’s ubiquitous blue skies and sunshine may
take part in USD’s robust study abroad program, which sends students to live and
study in their choice of more than 30 countries and more than 80 programs,
including a permanent program at the University of San Diego Madrid Center in
Spain. Nearly half of all undergrads participate in yearlong, semester, summer, or
intersession programs.
At USD, students are fairly diverse. “I’m not sure we all share one thing, other
than liking the beach,” admits an economics and political science major. Fifty- seven
percent of undergrads hail from the Golden State, 6 percent are international, and
many come from affluent backgrounds. “Low-
income students would have a hard time here
because students engage in expensive activities
outside of class,” remarks a senior. Black students
account for 4 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 24 percent, Asian
Americans 8 percent, and multiracial students 8 percent. Thirty- eight percent of
students are Catholic, and there is a healthy conservative presence on campus, but
one freshman notes, “The university is making a big push toward acceptance and
understanding of all people and beliefs.” The school offers merit awards averaging
$19,500 to qualified students, and there are more than 100 athletic awards.
Forty- six percent of undergraduates live on campus, and all but commuters are
required to do so for both their first and second year. Residence halls are a mix of
singles, doubles, triples, and limited quads, with singles and doubles representing
the majority of the units. Apartments range from one room to four bedrooms. When
the dinner bell rings, students have plenty to cheer about. “Meals are delicious,” says
one junior. “Dining facilities are nice, clean, and a hot place to be at all hours of the
day.” Campus security is excellent, students say, with officers on duty around the
clock. “A huge sexual assault awareness task force has done a lot of good things after
a few accusations in the past few years,” according to a senior.
And how about the campus social scene? “Mission Beach, where most upper-
classmen live, has a vibrant social scene. Many USD students congregate in the area
on weekends,” a finance major explains. For those who choose to eschew the sand
and waves, USD offers a slate of on- campus activities, including movies, concerts,
and mass (lest you forget, USD is a Catholic university). The Greek scene attracts
19 percent of the men and 30 percent of the women. Alcohol is allowed only in
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Business Administration
Finance
Marketing
Behavioral Neuroscience
Accountancy
Communication Studies
Psychology
New students join
one of five living/
learning communities
(LLCs): Cultivator,
Collaborator,
Advocate, Illuminator,
and Innovator.
“Mission Beach, where
most upperclassmen live,
has a vibrant social scene.”
The USD community
is big on giving
back via more than
300,000 hours of
service each year.
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UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO 627
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designated areas for those students of legal age, and “this policy is heavily enforced
by the RAs,” says a marketing major. Downtown San Diego has plenty to offer:
“Whether it’s restaurants or going to the beach, bay, downtown, Balboa Park, there
is just so much to do, you never get bored,” raves a senior. The USD community is
big on giving back, too, via more than 300,000 hours of service each year. Popular
road trips include Las Vegas and Big Bear. Back on campus, students enjoy annual
festivals such as International Week and Greek Week, the Alcalá Bazaar, and the Olé
Music Fest.
USD sponsors 17 Division I intercollegiate teams and is a member of the West
Coast Conference for all sports except football, which competes in the Pioneer
League. Students are especially rowdy when the Torero basketball team takes on
rival Gonzaga. Football, men’s soccer, men’s golf, women’s volleyball and basket-
ball, and men’s and women’s tennis have been competitive in recent years. Fourteen
percent of students participate in intramural and club sports; among the most pop-
ular are ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, soccer, and lacrosse.
Don’t underestimate USD— this small, friendly institution offers a rich variety of
academic programs, and its students seem to understand that they are living out
their college careers in one of the most beautiful spots in the country. As a sopho-
more reflects, “The great thing about USD is you can get a great education in a chal-
lenging academic environment and in one of the most beautiful cities in the nation.”
Overlaps
Loyola Marymount,
Pepperdine, Santa
Clara, University
of San Francisco,
Gonzaga, UC San
Diego, UCLA, UC
Santa Barbara
If You Apply To ›
USD: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Accepts the Common Application.
University of San Francisco
2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Talk about prime real estate: USF is next door to the legendary Haight- Ashbury
district, down the street from Golden Gate Park, and within five miles of the Pacific
Ocean. Though USF is a Jesuit institution, just a fifth of its students are Roman
Catholic. Asia Pacific studies is a standout, along with preprofessional offerings. Big
emphasis on service learning.
Founded by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1855, the University of San Francisco has
evolved to reflect the energy and freewheeling spirit of the city that it calls home. Its
culturally diverse collection of undergraduates feast on nursing, biology, business,
and other academic challenges in a liberal arts setting that encourages them to use
their knowledge and experiences to change the world for the better.
USF’s 55 well- kept acres, spotted with beautiful basilica- type buildings and
modern facilities, are, as one student puts it,
“wedged into the heart of San Francisco.” The
campus stands atop one of San Francisco’s seven
hills, adjacent to Golden Gate Park, overlooking
San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. The newer
Lone Mountain East residence hall houses 600 sophomores in apartment- style units.
The 44- unit Core Curriculum requires students to take courses in six major cat-
egories: foundation of communication; math and sciences; humanities; philosophy,
theology, and ethics; social sciences; and visual and performing arts. All students
Website: www .usfca .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 7,581
Undergraduates: 5,793
Male/Female: 35/65
Financial Aid: 87%
Pell Grant: 28%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 23,103
Accepted: 71%
Enrolled: 9%
“Internships and service
learning are definitely big
parts of the education here
at USF.”
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take at least one Community Engaged Learning class, and optional first- year sem-
inars give students insights into unique topics and a taste of the city through
excursions and other enrichment activities. The Muscat Scholars Program supports
incoming first- generation students in their transition to college life, and the Black
Achievement Success and Engagement initiative provides a rigorous scholars pro-
gram, resource center, living/learning community, and full- tuition scholarship for
Black- identified students.
Undergraduates at USF choose from more than 100 majors, minors, and interdis-
ciplinary concentrations. The university places a strong emphasis on its preprofes-
sional programs in nursing, science, communications, and business. By enrollment,
nursing, psychology, finance, and marketing are
the most popular majors. Biology, data science,
entrepreneurship and innovation, and hospital-
ity management are also strengths. In the School of Nursing’s Simulation Lab, nurs-
ing students interact with state- of- the- art mannequins, including adult, pediatrics,
and obstetrics, that simulate symptoms and conditions specific to real- life patients
and scenarios. The Center for Asia Pacific Studies enhances interdisciplinary majors
with an Asian focus, as does the Asian studies program. The visual arts program pro-
vides courses in art education, graphic and fine art, drawing, painting, art history,
and museum studies. Newer majors include engineering, which offers concentrations
in electrical and computer, environmental, and sustainable civil engineering.
Accelerated, three- year bachelor’s degree options are available in 21 majors, as are
dual- degree bachelor’s/master’s programs in several preprofessional fields.
Some of the preprofessional majors are quite demanding, and “competition
for internships and leadership opportunities can get intense,” says an advertising
major. But students agree that the climate in the classroom is generally more relaxed
and collaborative. Forty- three percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20
students, and according to a junior, “All USF professors are active in their field” and
able to bring real- world experience into the classroom.
“Internships and service learning are definitely big parts of the education here
at USF,” says one senior. Nearby Silicon Valley is a boon for those seeking research
or internship opportunities in the tech sector, banking and finance firms, biotech
companies, arts organizations, and nonprofits. USF is the official host of the Human
Rights Film Festival, which is integrated into the curriculum. The four- year Honors
College, open to students in all majors, offers small interdisciplinary seminars, lec-
tures from visiting scholars and artists, and opportunities to apply for funding to
conduct research or travel abroad. The “distinctively Jesuit” St. Ignatius Institute
living/learning community allows students to study the great books of Western civ-
ilization and spend a semester or year studying abroad in Oxford, England. Overall,
the university offers more than 100 study abroad programs in 45 countries. “USF
also has a partnership with UC San Francisco, so a lot of people are able to do
research at the various UCSF campuses,” notes a junior.
“USF students are very open- minded and adventurous,” comments a senior.
Sixty- seven percent of undergraduates are from California, and 10 percent hail from
abroad. About 20 percent identify as Catholic. Asian Americans account for 26 per-
cent of the population, Black students 8 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 21 percent,
and multiracial students 10 percent. A sociology major points to “socioeconomic
advancement for marginalized communities, environmental and social justice, and
LGBTQ+ positivity and acceptance” as popular causes on campus. Admission is
need- blind, and USF offers merit scholarships averaging $20,800, as well as athletic
scholarships.
Forty- five percent of undergrads live in on- campus housing, which is guar-
anteed for the first two years. After that, most students brave San Francisco’s
(continued)
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 81%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (415) 422- 6563
Email Address: admission @
usfca .edu
Strong Programs:
Nursing
Communications
Biology
Data Science
Entrepreneurship and
Innovation
Hospitality Management
Psychology
Finance
“All USF professors are
active in their field.”
Undergraduates at
USF choose from
more than 100
majors, minors, and
interdisciplinary
concentrations.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
budget- busting rental market, which “can be a struggle,” says a senior, espe-
cially if you don’t have a parent or guardian who can cosign a lease. On- campus
students say the dining facilities offer a range of vegan, vegetarian, and other
choices. “Campus safety officers are constantly roaming the campus making sure
that the students are safe,” reports a student. And while students say sexual assault
has not been a big problem on campus, “USF encourages a lot of dialogue” on
the issue.
More than 100 student clubs and organizations provide numerous events and
social activities. The College Players is the oldest continuously performing college
theater group in the West. Fraternities attract 5 percent of the men and sororities
draw 9 percent of the women, although they don’t have houses. The school’s zero-
tolerance policy on underage drinking is strictly
enforced. The traditional Night Howl occurs at
the end of first- year orientation in the fall: new
students gather by the wolf sculpture in front of
Gleeson Library and “howl at the moon for good
luck,” explains a sophomore. In the spring, the
Donaroo music festival brings big- name performers to campus. But most socializing
takes place off campus, and students take advantage of reliable public transportation
to get everywhere from Chinatown and the beach to museums and the symphony.
“Living in a city like San Francisco, there is no reason to constrict oneself to the
confines of a campus, with so many concerts, bars, nightclubs, and other happen-
ings going on,” says a senior.
Varsity athletics provide a popular diversion as well, and the Division I USF Dons
compete in the West Coast Conference. Men’s soccer and women’s cross- country are
perennial powerhouses. The university sponsors 22 club and intramural sports; the club
volleyball, boxing, and judo teams are nationally competitive. Students make ample
use of the Koret Health and Recreation Center, which touts an Olympic- size swimming
pool, exercise and weight rooms, and a variety of playing courts.
In line with its Jesuit tradition, the core mission of USF is to provide a solid liberal
arts and preprofessional education that develops students holistically, promotes the
common good, and creates “a more humane and just world.” Despite the “notori-
ously expensive” cost of living in San Francisco, students make the most of their time
here. “Students at USF truly care about learning and we desire to achieve great things
in life,” says a kinesiology major. “I haven’t met a student who doesn’t want to
change the world.”
“Living in a city like San
Francisco, there is no
reason to constrict oneself
to the confines of a
campus.”
USF is the official
host of the Human
Rights Film Festival,
which is integrated
into the curriculum.
Overlaps
Loyola University
Chicago, Loyola
Marymount,
Gonzaga, Seattle
University, Santa
Clara, UC Santa
Cruz, Cal Poly– San
Luis Obispo, UC
Davis
If You Apply To ›
USF: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053
Santa Clara is a selective midsized California university now drawing increased
national attention. Gorgeous Silicon Valley campus is within easy reach of San
Francisco, and the large endowment also contributes to an air of prosperity. A well-
developed core curriculum keeps students focused on basic academic and other
values. Offers engineering and business in addition to the liberal arts.
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Steeped in history and tradition, Santa Clara University was founded by the Society of
Jesus (Jesuits) in 1851 with a mission that emphasizes a commitment to academics and
the community. The class schedule is based on 10- week quarters, classes stay small and
intimate, and the curriculum focuses on an expanding global society. “Santa Clara’s
personality is warm, friendly, inquisitive, and passionate about social justice,” says a
marketing major. Add to that the infinite opportunities for networking and intern-
ships in Silicon Valley, and Santa Clara offers a well- rounded educational experience.
SCU’s old- world charm includes 106 acres complete with lush green lawns, palm
trees, and luscious rose gardens, accented by authentic Spanish architecture. The
Mission Gardens, replete with olive trees, are a beautiful escape from the pressures
of school. The famous classic mission church was rebuilt in 1926 in the design of
the six previous churches that were destroyed by seemingly biblical disasters ranging
from fires to floods. Newer structures include the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and
Innovation, a massive $300 million facility housing the university’s STEM programs.
The Core Curriculum is designed to express the school’s “most basic values.” It
prescribes courses in three broad categories— Knowledge, Habits of Mind and Heart
(skills), and Engagement with the World. The Core Pathways program supplements the
major and core curriculum by offering 24 sets of
courses with innovative common themes across
disciplines, such as design, hunger and poverty,
justice and the arts, and values in science and
technology; students choose one Pathway and
complete three or four courses. It culminates in an integrative Pathway Reflection
Essay. All first- year students are members of a Residential Learning Community (RLC)
and take two- quarter sequences of Critical Thinking & Writing and Cultures & Ideas
linked to their RLC. Students must complete a requirement that involves community
service, and most majors require a capstone experience or senior project.
In addition to liberal arts, Santa Clara offers preprofessional programs in engi-
neering and business. Engineering students can opt for a dual- degree program that
allows them to get a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The Leavey School
of Business is renowned along the West Coast, with finance, economics, and market-
ing all strong. In the College of Arts and Sciences, communication and psychology
remain popular. Other notable majors include environmental science, environmental
studies, public health science, bioengineering, and computer science and engineering.
While courses are challenging, students say the quarter system gives them more
control over the intensity of their workload. “Every 10 weeks you can change your
workload to something that fits best for you,” explains a public health science major.
Small classes— 43 percent enroll fewer than 20 students— taught by full professors
allow plenty of time for one- on- one interaction. Students in all fields opt to engage
in research supervised by a faculty member, much of it subsidized by grants. “It’s
very easy to get research or TA positions,” says an economics major. “If you want to
be a big fish in a small pond, SCU is a great choice.”
For students looking for more of a challenge, the honors program places 65 to
70 selected freshmen in seminar- style classes, and an endowed scholarship sponsors
one student’s junior year at Mansfield College, Oxford University. The LEAD
(Leadership, Excellence, and Academic Development) Scholars Program invites stu-
dents whose parents did not attend college to join a small community of peers who
work closely with faculty and staff to cultivate leadership skills. The study abroad
program is extensive, with options in 42 countries on every continent except
Antarctica, and 28 percent of undergrads study internationally during their four
years. Those seeking professional experience find ample assistance at the Career
Center, which offers mock interviews, résumé edits, cover letter help, goal setting,
and more. “I cannot stress enough how much of a perk Silicon Valley is for going to
SCU,” enthuses a sophomore. “Internship opportunities are endless.”
Website: www .scu .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 7,983
Undergraduates: 5,989
Male/Female: 51/49
Financial Aid: 73%
Pell Grant: 9%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 35%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 16,650
Accepted: 52%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 89%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (408) 554- 4700
Email Address: admission @
scu .edu
Strong Programs:
Finance
Economics
Marketing
Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
Public Health Science
Bioengineering
Computer Science and
Engineering
“Santa Clara’s personality is
warm, friendly, inquisitive,
and passionate about
social justice.”
The Career Center
offers mock
interviews, résumé
edits, cover letter
help, goal setting,
and more.
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According to a psychology major, Santa Clara students are “very driven and ‘go,
go, go’ all the time.” Thirty- five percent of undergraduates are Roman Catholic, and
religion, while not intrusive, is a force in many aspects of campus life. The campus
ministry provides counseling and opportunities
for spiritual development, and many students are
active in local volunteer organizations. Fifty- six
percent of undergraduates hail from California,
6 percent come from foreign countries, and the rest are from 48 states. The student
body on this liberal campus is almost evenly split between public school graduates
and alumni of religiously affiliated or other private schools. Twenty- one percent of
the students are Asian American, 3 percent are Black, 18 percent are Hispanic/Latino,
and 10 percent are multiracial, but socioeconomically, the school is much less diverse,
with just 10 percent of incoming first- year students receiving Pell Grants. “Our school
is quite posh,” concedes an accounting major. “Being located in the heart of Silicon
Valley, there is a lot of luxury.” Merit- based academic awards averaging $16,600 and
nearly 200 athletic scholarships are available to those who qualify. The Johnson
Scholars Program rewards up to 10 outstanding incoming students with four- year,
full- tuition scholarships and special opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Almost all freshmen and sophomores live on campus before packing up and
heading for shared houses or apartments for the last two years; 53 percent of all
undergrads reside in campus housing. All first- year students, including commuters,
participate in one of the nine Residential
Learning Communities, living in themed dorms
and taking courses with students who share sim-
ilar academic or social interests. The campus
offers one central dining hall. “Everything is made fresh,” says an environmental
science major, “and we have a killer salad bar for those who like their veggies.”
Students give good ratings to campus safety. “I think people feel safe on and around
campus because of the location,” reports a junior.
Santa Clara ended its support of fraternities and sororities, but Greek organizations
and a lively off- campus party scene persist, albeit independently. On- campus social life
is led by the nearly 200 student organizations that coordinate events, making it “easy to
join in on the fun,” says a senior. The Bronco is a sports and recreation area where stu-
dents can hang out, play billiards, and enjoy a late- night meal. Fall Concert, the Global
Village celebration, the Gonzaga basketball game, and the Love Jones talent show are
favorite annual events. The town of Santa Clara is mostly residential. For those who
want to bask in the sun, Santa Cruz is only 20 miles away. San Francisco lies within
45 minutes, and other short road trips include Napa Valley, Monterey, and Palo Alto.
The Santa Clara Broncos compete in Division I; men’s and women’s soccer and
basketball, women’s volleyball, men’s tennis, and baseball are among the more
successful programs. Women’s soccer recently claimed the national title. Fourteen
intramural and 17 club sports draw the enthusiastic participation of a third of the
undergraduates. “Every patch of grass usually has someone either chucking a Frisbee
or kicking a ball around,” says a political science major.
Santa Clara University is a warm place in every sense of the word. The physical
setting is comfortable and scenic. More important, the SCU community gives mean-
ing to the traditional Jesuit ideals of infusing morality and ethics into strong and
coherent academics. Students say they are reminded of all this daily by their school’s
nickname: “Claradise.”
“If you want to be a big fish
in a small pond, SCU is a
great choice.”
The Johnson Scholars
Program rewards up
to 10 outstanding
incoming students
with four- year, full-
tuition scholarships.
“Being located in the heart
of Silicon Valley, there is a
lot of luxury.”
Overlaps
Loyola Marymount,
UC Berkeley,
UCLA, University
of San Diego,
University of
Southern California,
Boston College,
Cal Poly– San Luis
Obispo, UC Davis
If You Apply To ›
SCU: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please con-
sult Santa Clara’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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632 SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Sarah Lawrence College
1 Mead Way, Bronxville, NY 10708
A free- spirited sister of East Coast alternative institutions like Bard and Bennington
where individualism reigns supreme. Though co- ed, women significantly outnumber
men. Strong in the humanities and visual and performing arts, Sarah Lawrence
takes its inspiration from the Oxford University tutorial system. Nationally known for
creative writing and filmmaking. Full of quirky, headstrong intellectuals who hop the
train to New York City with ease.
Sarah Lawrence College attracts creative, curious, and highly motivated individuals
who are both critical thinkers and devotees of independent learning. They love lit-
erature and the arts and take pride in their academic prowess. Indeed, freedom and
exploration are valued more highly than any tradition here. Yet students also appre-
ciate the things that have always been constants here, such as the emphasis on small
classes and one- on- one conferences with professors. As a senior studying theater and
sociology attests, what makes Sarah Lawrence stand out is that “students are given
full agency and autonomy over their education.”
Established in 1926 and named after the wife of a founder, Sarah Lawrence sits
on a quaint, 44- acre tract in the city of Yonkers called Lawrence Park West, a wealthy
Westchester County community close to the village of Bronxville, where even the
public library boasts Oriental rugs and fireplaces.
On campus, the prevailing architectural theme is
English Tudor, including the mansion from the
founder’s converted estate. The landscape is hilly
and green, with more than a hundred types of
trees and abundant rock outcroppings. Because the school’s founders believed that
there should be as little physical separation as possible between life and work, many
classrooms, dormitory suites, and faculty offices are all housed in the same build-
ings. Though its holdings are small— fewer than 350,000 volumes— the cozy library
is charming. The Barbara Walters Campus Center (named for one of the school’s
most famous alumnae) provides space for student organizations, socializing, campus
dining, and community events.
Regardless of what they choose to focus on, all students at Sarah Lawrence
become intimately acquainted with the written word; writing begins in the first
year and continues relentlessly “across the curriculum” for the next three. General
education requirements include credits in at least three of four academic areas,
leaving lots of room for students to dabble in whatever strikes their fancy. Though
there are formal grades, more important is the student’s portfolio of work, accom-
panied by in- depth, written evaluations from professors, filed twice a year. To ease
the transition to college, all first- years take a First- Year Studies seminar, choos-
ing from more than 30 topics. The professor of their chosen course becomes their
“don,” the person who very often guides their academic development throughout
their four years.
Despite challenging academics, a senior says, “Competition between students is
low because everybody’s course of study is so individualized.” Indeed, every student
designs his or her own program of study, and almost no subject is out of bounds.
Writing, literature, filmmaking, and visual and performing arts are among the col-
lege’s traditional strengths, and other popular concentrations include foreign lan-
guages, biology, and computer science. Aspiring psychologists— also a significant
group on campus— may participate in fieldwork at the college’s Early Childhood
Website: www .sarahlawrence
.edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,594
Undergraduates: 1,402
Male/Female: 20/80
Financial Aid: 80%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 62%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 5,186
Accepted: 50%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 71%
Returning Freshmen: 79%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: 914- 395- 2510
Email Address: slcadmit @
sarahlawrence .edu
Strong Programs:
Writing
Literature
Filmmaking
Visual and Performing Arts
Psychology
Foreign Languages
Biology
Computer Science
“The professors are all
integrated almost as
colleagues into the work
we are doing.”
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SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE 633
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Center. The premed program, more structured than other offerings, places nearly all
eligible graduates into medical school.
Classes are intimate, with 87 percent of them enrolling fewer than 20 stu-
dents. “Our seminar, roundtable discussions are always so fruitful because I’m
not getting lectured at,” shares a writing and literature major. Most students take
three courses per semester, and professors meet one- on- one with their students
weekly or biweekly in a system modeled after Oxford University’s tutorials, so
there’s no time to slack off— or fall behind. “The quality of instruction is very
high because the professors are all integrated almost as colleagues into the work
we are doing,” says a political economy student. Perhaps because of the college’s
emphasis on personal relationships with professors, even the registration process
requires deep thought: students interview teachers to ensure that courses fit into
their academic plans and that the professor is someone they respect and want to
study with.
All students at Sarah Lawrence conduct research as part of their one- on- one
work with professors. Ninety percent of all courses include this research, known
as “conference work.” The Sarah Lawrence Center for the Urban River is a facility
on the banks of the Hudson River that affords
research opportunities for students pursuing
environmental and social sciences. Students
are encouraged to study abroad, and the col-
lege runs its own semester, yearlong, and summer study abroad programs in such
locales as Oxford, London, Paris, Havana, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Thirty- eight per-
cent of students undertake some sort of international experience. Those inter-
ested in service learning may participate in the Intensive Semester in Yonkers,
in which they take three classes in Yonkers centered on the history of the
city and community empowerment while also working with local nonprofit
organizations.
A creative writing student describes Sarah Lawrence students as “progressive, a
little bohemian, and critical of the status quo.” Twenty percent of undergrads are
natives of New York State— the bulk from nearby New York City— and 7 percent
come from abroad. Four percent of students are Black, 5 percent Asian American,
11 percent Hispanic/Latino, and 6 percent multiracial. Many students come from
upper- class families, and a senior comments, “It can be difficult for students from
working- class backgrounds and first- generation college students” to find their place
on campus. Political and social issues ranging from racism and human rights to cli-
mate change attract much attention here, and students are “more than happy to start
a protest,” says one student. A sophomore remarks, “I can’t think of a time when I
met a conservative on campus.” Merit scholarships averaging $25,700 are available to
qualified students.
Seventy- six percent of students live in the “eclectic” campus housing, which is
available to all full- time students. Campus food receives fair reviews, and there are
plenty of options for students with special dietary
needs. Campus security is strong, and students
report that sexual harassment and assault poli-
cies and support services are effective. “I really
recommend the health and wellness services at our school,” says a junior. “They
bring therapy dogs to campus. When I had COVID, they checked on me every single
day, and the nurses really care.”
With a plethora of student organizations hosting on- campus activities, and the
school’s proximity to New York City, social life is varied and active. Theater fans
and aspiring actors flock to discounted Broadway shows, and clubs, bars, museums,
and concert halls also beckon. Not surprisingly, Greek life has never been part of
“[Students are] progressive,
a little bohemian, and
critical of the status quo.”
Favorite traditions
include the annual
screening of The
Princess Bride on
the lawn during
orientation week.
Every student designs
his or her own
program of study,
and almost no subject
is out of bounds.
“We have very unofficial
rivalries with Vassar and
Bard— more ironic than not.”
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634 SEATTLE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the Sarah Lawrence scene. College policies require party hosts who serve alcohol
to register, and a dance and literature student says party culture is “not a defining
part” of campus life. Favorite traditions include the annual screening of The Princess
Bride on the lawn during orientation week, fall and spring formals, and midnight
breakfast, served during the last week of each semester. Students also look forward
to Sleaze Week, “a week dedicated to gender expression, including educational activ-
ities, guest speakers, movie screenings, and more, ending with a dance, the Sleaze
Ball,” explains a senior.
The Sarah Lawrence Gryphons, named for a mythical figure that is part lion,
part eagle, field 16 teams that compete in the Division III Skyline Conference.
Women’s soccer and men’s basketball are recent conference champs, and women’s
swimming is also competitive. “We have very unofficial rivalries with Vassar and
Bard— more ironic than not,” claims a senior. The intramural program revolves
around one- day invitational events— squash matches, dodgeball tournaments, fit-
ness challenges— rather than league play.
Sarah Lawrence offers a close- knit community for writers, artists, and creative
thinkers in a lush setting just outside the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. “The edu-
cation students get at Sarah Lawrence is unlike any other. You can truly have it all
here,” says a writing student. “You can play sports and perform in the theater. You
can study botany and poetry at the same time.”
The Barbara Walters
Campus Center is
named for one of
the school’s most
famous alumnae.
Overlaps
Bard, Vassar,
Skidmore, Mount
Holyoke, Oberlin,
NYU, Barnard,
Fordham
If You Apply To ›
Sarah Lawrence: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common
Application.
Scripps College: See page 156.
Seattle University
Seattle, WA 98122
Unlike the University of Washington, Seattle U is a stone’s throw from downtown
and within walking distance of the waterfront. Jesuit tradition guarantees a nurturing
environment and student growth both academically and in community service.
Transitioning to a national institution but remains true to its Pacific Northwestern
roots. Out- of- staters are drawn as much by the city of Seattle as by the university
itself.
Although Seattle has cultivated a reputation based largely on software, Starbucks
lattes, and perpetually gray skies, the city is also home to Seattle University, a vibrant
institution founded by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1891 that attracts 4,200 under-
graduates to its urban campus. With strong preprofessional programs and a com-
mitment to social and spiritual engagement, SU continues to express its mission to
empower leaders for a just and humane world.
SU’s campus, bordered by busy city streets, is a 50- acre urban sanctuary in the
heart of Seattle. The university’s diverse buildings are united by a recurring theme
of red brick and light- filled atriums. The Chapel of St. Ignatius is a prize- winning
Website: www .seattleu .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 5,502
Undergraduates: 3,932
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 92%
Pell Grant: 21%
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SEATTLE UNIVERSITY 635
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
building designed by Steven Holl around the concept of a “gathering of different
lights.” New buildings, including the $100 million Sinegal Center for Science and
Innovation, are designed to meet environmentally friendly standards, and energy
efficiency and sustainability are top priorities for renovations. Special areas like
the Ethnobotanical Garden and Japanese American Remembrance Garden high-
light native plants and local history. The James Tower Clinical Nursing Lab is a
state- of- the- art training facility for the school’s many nursing students.
The 60- credit University Core Curriculum introduces all students to the
“unique tradition of Jesuit liberal education” and aims to develop the whole person
for a life of service, provide a foundation for questioning and learning in any
major or profession, and offer a common intel-
lectual experience to all SU students. The core
features seminars in writing, quantitative rea-
soning and creative expression, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences,
as well as coursework in philosophy and theology. Freshmen complete a first- year
seminar built around a central theme or problem (enrollment is limited to 19 stu-
dents), and seniors must complete a capstone course. In addition, the
writing- across- the- curriculum initiative requires all sophomores to submit a writ-
ing sample for assessment.
SU students choose from more than 60 undergraduate degree programs. SU’s
most popular majors are also some of its best: nursing, finance, psychology, and
computer science. The B.S. degree in diagnostic ultrasound is a particular spe-
cialty, and criminal justice, engineering, education, and biology are also strengths.
A six- year, dual- degree program in business and law is also available. “Being on
the quarter system is conducive to fostering academic growth as a community
because students are aware that there is no time to slack off,” notes a sopho-
more. Sixty- five percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, making professors
easily accessible.
More than 200 service- learning courses are offered each year, and 80 percent of
students perform community service during their time at SU. Motivated students
may enroll in the University Honors program, which offers three concurrent classes
in every term. The program makes extensive use
of the seminar format and focuses on the history
of ideas, with tracks in Intellectual Traditions;
Society, Policy, and Justice; and Innovations. According to a strategic communica-
tions major, “Many of our majors require some sort of internship, and professors are
more than willing to get students connected with opportunities in the area.” When
students want to escape Seattle’s dreary skies and near- constant drizzle, they can
take part in the university’s study abroad program. Fifteen percent of students pack
their bags for programs offered in 55 nations around the world, including China,
France, Greece, Japan, and Sweden. SU also sends approximately 20 students to the
National Conference for Undergraduate Research each year as part of a robust under-
graduate research program.
“Everyone at this school believes in making the world a better place in their own
way,” comments a communication and media major. Nineteen percent of under-
graduates are Catholic. Forty- six percent hail from Washington, and 9 percent are
from other nations. Black students constitute 6 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans 27 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 17 percent, and multiracial students
11 percent. The university, like its host city, has a reputation for progressive liberal-
ism. “We’re all feminists, agents against racism, and allies,” says a sophomore,
adding, “As a queer student, I feel more than safe— I feel embraced.” Merit scholar-
ships worth an average of $25,400 are awarded annually, and athletes vie for more
than 250 scholarships.
(continued)
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 74%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 7,934
Accepted: 85%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 75%
Returning Freshmen: 82%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (206) 220- 8040
Email Address: admissions @
seattleu .edu
Strong Programs:
Nursing
Finance
Marketing
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Criminal Justice
Engineering
Computer Science
Biology
“Many of our majors require
some sort of internship.”
“We’re all feminists, agents
against racism, and allies.”
First- year students
are assigned to
one of eight theme
communities,
which focus on
common interests.
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636 SKIDMORE COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Fifty- four percent of SU students live in university housing. First- year students are
assigned to one of eight theme communities, which focus on common interests like
social change and advocacy, creative expression, and global exploration. Students
are required to live on campus through their sophomore year; after that, housing is
not guaranteed. A biology major says, “The surrounding area is very expensive, so
most students who move off campus share bedrooms in apartments or townhouses.”
Dining options, on the other hand, get rave reviews for being local, seasonal, organic,
sustainable, made to order, and, in the words of one student, “delicious, Instagram-
ready food.” Students report feeling safe on campus, day and night.
With more than 175 student clubs and organizations, there are plenty of opportu-
nities to socialize on campus. Consistent with Jesuit tradition, there are no fraternities
or sororities, and one student says, “Not a whole lot of drinking occurs on campus.”
Instead, students head off campus to enjoy Seattle’s vibrant nightlife. “We are right next
to Capitol Hill, which is the famous arts district/nightlife neighborhood,” explains a
sophomore. “Everything is walkable.” Students can take advantage of the city’s ubiqui-
tous coffeehouses, eateries, shops, and concert venues. Everyone anticipates the annual
Quadstock festival. “For one Saturday during spring quarter, the campus turns into a
huge block party, with live music, games, and food,” says a senior.
SU’s Redhawks compete in the Western Athletic Conference (and Division I). Men’s
and women’s soccer and softball have been competitive in recent years. Basketball, base-
ball, and soccer games against the University of Washington draw crowds. Intramural
and club sports sign up 30 percent of students; popular options include flag football,
softball, crew, and cycling.
With its emphasis on the liberal arts, civic engagement, and Jesuit principles, SU
affords students an experience “which focuses on educating the entire person,”
according to one junior. For those students who are not averse to hard work and over-
cast skies, Seattle University might be an inspired choice— just be sure to pack a parka.
Dining options get
rave reviews for
being local, seasonal,
organic, sustainable,
and made to order.
Overlaps
Gonzaga, Santa
Clara, Creighton,
University of the
Pacific, Loyola
Marymount,
University of
Washington,
University
of Western
Washington,
University of Oregon
If You Apply To ›
Seattle: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application. Application includes
optional question about gender identity.
Skidmore College
815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Founded in 1903 as a “young women’s industrial club,” now co- ed Skidmore College
still excels in the fine and performing arts that were then deemed proper for young
ladies. But little else remains the same, most notably strength in the life sciences.
Compare to Connecticut College, Vassar, and Wheaton (MA). Unique wooded
campus gives the feel of living in a forest.
Skidmore College serves up solid academics with a decidedly nontraditional flair. Its
politically liberal and free- spirited students seem a happy lot, thanks to small classes
and accessible faculty members. “The college has a charm, sort of like a summer
camp,” says a junior. Thanks to an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, students
can “have diverse interests and be able to dabble in anything,” a senior says.
In 1961, as enrollment surged, Skidmore traded its Victorian campus in the
heart of Saratoga Springs for 750 acres on the northwest edge of town. Since then,
Website: www .skidmore .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,720
Undergraduates: 2,720
Male/Female: 41/59
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SKIDMORE COLLEGE 637
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
the campus has grown to more than 50 buildings on 1,200 acres, and the student
body has doubled in size (men were welcomed in 1971). While contemporary in
style, the new buildings on Skidmore’s Jonsson campus reflect the Victorian heritage
of the school’s original Scribner campus. Covered walkways connect the residential,
academic, and social centers, and the prevailing views are of surrounding moun-
tains, woods, and fields. Increasingly concerned with sustainability, the college has
implemented geothermal heating and cooling in half of its buildings and generates
20 percent of its power from a nearby hydroelectric dam and its own solar array.
Skidmore’s newest facility, the 100,000- square- foot Tisch Center for Integrated
Sciences, will house all 10 science departments and some 60 research and teaching
labs; the North Wing opened in 2020, the East Wing in 2022, and the full project is
slated for completion in 2024.
Skidmore’s First- Year Experience includes a classwide summer reading project
and a choice from among more than 40 Scribner Seminars. These seminars are typi-
cally capped at 16 students and taught by professors who also serve as mentors and
advisors. Seminar topics are broad and varied, in
keeping with Skidmore’s 44 majors; recent offer-
ings include The Business of Food, Sport, Self,
and Society, and The Good Life in London.
Students in each seminar receive guidance and
support from an upper- class peer mentor, and themes raised in the summer reading
crop up again during the year in campuswide programming.
The most popular majors at Skidmore are social sciences, business, psychol-
ogy, and visual and performing arts; the most popular minor is media and film
studies. Not coincidentally, students say these are some of the college’s best pro-
grams as well, along with performing arts. Nearly one- third of students major
in the physical and life sciences. Students in biology, environmental science,
environmental studies, and geoscience courses often conduct fieldwork in the
college’s 300- acre North Woods, a natural laboratory. Skidmore augments liberal
arts and sciences offerings with preprofessional majors in business, education
studies, health and human physiological sciences, and social work, not to men-
tion a bevy of cooperative and dual- degree programs in engineering, business
administration, accounting, finance, physical and occupational therapy, and
nursing, offered in conjunction with such institutions as Clarkson, Dartmouth,
NYU, Syracuse, and others.
“Skidmore is a very collaborative working environment. Professors challenge stu-
dents to constantly improve communication skills by working with other students and
submitting work in both written and oral forms,” explains a sophomore. “The profes-
sors have a huge passion for whatever they’re studying,” adds a senior. “They are always
accessible.” Seventy- seven percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, enhancing
that accessibility. Students speak highly of the 120 approved off- campus study options
in 45 countries, especially Skidmore- run programs in France, England, New Zealand,
and Spain. More than half of the students spend at least one semester off campus.
Skidmore’s Summer Collaborative Research Program provides roughly 80 students a
funded opportunity to work individually with faculty mentors for up to 10 weeks on
original research in disciplines ranging from biology to business. “There is a plethora of
leadership opportunities at Skidmore that do not require you to be an upperclassman,”
a dance and economics double major points out. Internships are popular, too, with
85 percent of students doing at least one during their college years, often with funding
from the school.
“Skidmore has a very diverse student body in terms of sexual, religious, geo-
graphic, and gender identities. There is also a diverse field of interests,” says a stu-
dent. Students are generally well- off. They hail primarily from New York (30 percent),
(continued)
Financial Aid: 53%
Pell Grant: 10%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 38%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 13,183
Accepted: 26%
Enrolled: 23%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 867- 6007
Email Address: admissions @
skidmore .edu
Strong Programs:
Performing Arts
Life Sciences
English
Business
Psychology
Political Science
Economics
Studio Art
“Professors challenge
students to constantly
improve communication
skills.”
The nearby
Adirondacks and
Green Mountains
make Skidmore
a haven for
backpackers, skiers,
and members
of the popular
Outdoors Club.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California; 9 percent come from for-
eign countries. Asian Americans constitute 6 percent of the student body, Hispanics/
Latinos 10 percent, Black students 5 percent, and multiracial students 6 percent.
Limited awards for academic merit are available, although there are no athletic
scholarships. Additionally, the college commits to meeting the full demonstrated
financial need of all enrolled students.
Eighty- seven percent of Skidmore students live in the dorms, and most stu-
dents get singles after freshman year. Dorms are integrated by class and co- ed by
floor or suite, with kitchenettes and lounges on every floor. “Housing is great.
It’s guaranteed all four years, and the on- campus apartments are unbelievably
nice,” says a student. Most buildings have carpeting, air- conditioning, and cozy
window seats. Some upperclassmen move to apartments— whether on campus
in the Northwoods Village Apartments or the Sussman Village Apartments or
off campus in Saratoga Springs. The Murray- Aikins Dining Hall provides students
with fresh food choices in a state- of- the- art facility. “I have friends visit me
from other schools and demand to be sneaked into our dining hall,” boasts a
freshman.
“Most of the social life revolves around campus clubs and organizations,”
reports a chemistry major. “Since we don’t have Greek life, we don’t have the ste-
reotypical party scene on campus.” Skidmore’s more traditional activities, which
have continued even after a half century of
coeducation, include Club Fair, Oktoberfest,
Winter Carnival, the National College Comedy
Festival, Spring Fling, and Earth Day in the
spring. Newer traditions include a student- run
tribute concert; the Big Green Scream, which ushers in the men’s and women’s
basketball seasons; and Pack the Rink, which marks the beginning of the men’s ice
hockey season.
The nearby Adirondacks and Green Mountains make Skidmore a haven for back-
packers, skiers, and members of the popular Outdoors Club. The old resort town of
Saratoga Springs, with its healing waters, antique shops, and eateries, offers plenty
of culture, including the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, an annual Victorian
Streetwalk, and Chowderfest events. Students reach out to the community through
BenefAction, a volunteer group connected to several local agencies and schools. The
best road trips include Albany, New York City, and Boston.
Skidmore’s men’s and women’s varsity teams (the Thoroughbreds) compete
in Division III; the men’s and women’s basketball and tennis teams have claimed
Liberty League championships in recent years. The riding program has won nine
Intercollegiate Horse Show Association national championships. About 20 club and
intramural sports are available as well.
Skidmore continues to win the hearts of motivated students with gorgeous scen-
ery, caring faculty, and its flexibility, openness, and receptivity to change and
growth. Students here are also a bit quirky, says a sophomore, “wearing shorts in the
winter, for example.” They’re more likely to cheer on the fall of a foreign dictator
than a goal by the lacrosse team. Bottom line: there’s room for— and encouragement
of— all types of students.
Eighty- five percent of
students do at least
one internship during
their college years,
often with funding
from the school.
“Since we don’t have Greek
life, we don’t have the
stereotypical party scene
on campus.”
Overlaps
Vassar, Colgate,
Hamilton,
Bates, Oberlin,
Connecticut
College, Wheaton
(MA), Bowdoin
If You Apply To ›
Skidmore: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
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SMITH COLLEGE 639
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Smith College
College Lane, Northampton, MA 01063
The furthest left- leaning of the nation’s leading women’s colleges. Liberal
Northampton provides sophisticated social life, and membership in the Five
College Consortium adds depth and breadth all around. With a total enrollment
of about 2,800, Smith is one of the largest top women’s colleges, strong in
the sciences and the arts, and the first women’s college to offer engineering.
Compare to Bryn Mawr.
Heaven only knows what Sophia Smith would think of the women’s college she
founded in 1871 with the hope it would be “pervaded by the Spirit of Evangelical
Christian Religion.” There are still Evangelicals at Smith, but today they join the rest
of their schoolmates in crusading against racism, classism, sexism, and homopho-
bia. Though the all- female school remains strongly committed to its liberal arts mis-
sion, it is also focused on placing women at the forefront of science and technology.
Students here have the opportunity to become leaders in the male- dominated field
of engineering or pursue interdisciplinary fields such as landscape studies or the
study of women and gender. “Smith has an open curriculum, a great college town,
and a very strong science program,” says one sophomore.
Smith is in the small city of Northampton, an artsy and politically progressive
oasis within an hour’s drive of the Berkshire Mountains. The 147- acre campus
resembles a medieval fortress from the front gate, but inside it sparkles with many
gardens, Paradise Pond, and a plant house.
Buildings cover a range of styles from late 18th
century to modern, and the college has success-
fully retained its historic atmosphere while keep-
ing facilities up- to- date. The college’s science and
engineering building, Ford Hall, earned LEED Gold certification and boasts a myriad
of high- tech equipment, including two electron microscopes. Smith’s four libraries
house one of the largest collections of any liberal arts college in the country. The
new, state- of- the-art main library, designed by Maya Lin (of Vietnam Veterans
Memorial fame), has replaced the historic Neilson Library.
With the exception of at least one writing course, Smith women have unusual
freedom to plan a course of study. They must take half of their credits outside of their
major, and first- year students can take small seminars on topics such as Rebellious
Women and Pandemics in Fact and Fiction. Students can expand their academic
options by registering for courses at any of the other Five College Consortium
member schools: Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and UMass Amherst.
Psychology is among the most popular majors on campus, followed by com-
puter science, government, biological sciences, engineering, and English. Four in 10
Smith women major in science and thereby enjoy numerous opportunities to assist
professors with their research. The Picker Engineering Program, the country’s first
women- only, accredited engineering program, offers an ambitious engineering cur-
riculum taught within the full depth and breadth of the liberal arts. Administrators
hope the program will lead to greater gender parity in engineering. Those who com-
plete it are highly sought- after: recent graduates have headed to prestigious graduate
programs at Cornell, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, and other colleges, received highly
competitive National Science Foundation fellowships, or been quickly snatched up
by employers. Smith’s art history department is among the best in the nation and
enjoys access to the college’s superb museum. Dance and music are notable as well.
Website: www .smith .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,827
Undergraduates: 2,510
Male/Female: 0/100
Financial Aid: 62%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 55%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 7,269
Accepted: 23%
Enrolled: 37%
Grad in 6 Years: 89%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (413) 585- 2500
Email Address: admission @
smith .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Art History
Dance
Music
Landscape Studies
Psychology
Computer Science
Government
“Smith has an open
curriculum, a great college
town, and a very strong
science program.”
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640 SMITH COLLEGE
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Landscape studies, which focuses on the relationship between humans and natural
and built environments, is a first- of- its- kind undergraduate program among liberal
arts colleges.
Be ready to hit the books with your newfound sisters at Smith. Coursework is
described as “very intense and very difficult,” although the atmosphere is “not too
competitive because we all want to grow together,” according to one student.
Students generally refrain from discussing grades,
choosing instead to focus on helping each other.
Smith’s student- run honor system, which covers
everything from exams to library checkout, is
widely praised and enforced. All courses are
taught by professors, and 69 percent of them have fewer than 20 students. Students
seem to be pleased with the quality of teaching. “My professors have all been acces-
sible and supportive as well as open- minded and articulate,” says a sophomore.
Qualified students may enter the Smith Scholars program and embark on one or
two years of independent study or extra college research for full credit. The STRIDE
program allows freshmen and sophomores to become paid research assistants to
professors. Students are also enthusiastic about the opportunity to take part in
Smith’s well- known study abroad program, which sends 40 percent of the junior
class to a number of countries for at least a semester. The Praxis program allows each
student to participate in at least one summer internship funded by the college.
About 120 older students are enrolled in the groundbreaking Ada Comstock Scholars
program for women returning to college.
Smithies are “women who know what they want and know how to get things
done,” says a government major. Eighteen percent of undergraduates hail from
Massachusetts, and 14 percent come from abroad. Black students account for 5 percent
of the student body, Asian Americans 10 percent, Hispanics/Latinas 12 percent, and
multiracial students 6 percent. Nobody disputes
that Smith is a liberal place, with social issues of
the day dominating conversations, though some
students are surprised to find themselves in such a
freewheeling atmosphere. With an endowment of
more than $2 billion, Smith has deeper pockets than many of its competitors. And
though it’s got a hefty price tag, the school meets the full demonstrated financial need
of admitted students and has replaced loans with grants in all need- based financial
aid packages. It also offers merit- based awards that average $19,400 annually.
Housing at Smith, which consists of 40 houses (not dorms), is universally adored
and is home to 96 percent of students. “The house system builds strong community,
and each house has its own traditions,” a student explains. Each house accommo-
dates from 12 to 100 students and functions as a self- governing unit, responsible for
everything from visiting hours to weekend parties and concerts. The atmosphere is
less that of a sorority than of an extended family. Classes are mixed in each house,
and first- year students easily mingle with seniors. Alternative options include food
cooperatives, language- themed housing, and an apartment complex. There are sev-
eral dining locations on campus open at specific times for breakfast, lunch, and
dinner on the weekdays and brunch and dinner on the weekends, and the food gets
good reviews. Some houses even have family- style Thursday dinners to which stu-
dents invite faculty members.
You will not be greeted with a rocking social scene at Smith, but there are plenty
of parties to be had and great places to visit. “The student organizations on campus
are pretty good at organizing events like movie nights and sundae parties,” says a
senior. The five- college system sponsors a free bus service that runs to the other
four campuses of the consortium, which offer a broad range of social and cultural
“My professors have all
been accessible and
supportive as well as open-
minded and articulate.”
The new, state- of-
the-art main library,
designed by Maya Lin
(of Vietnam Veterans
Memorial fame), has
replaced the historic
Neilson Library.
“The house system builds
strong community, and
each house has its own
traditions.”
Four in 10 Smith
women major in
science and thereby
enjoy numerous
opportunities to
assist professors with
their research.
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UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH (SEWANEE) 641
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
opportunities. In addition, each house throws an average of two parties a semester.
For special weekends, a whole fraternity may be invited from Dartmouth or another
nearby college, an arrangement that is only slightly more civilized than the typical
college bar scene. Students say the alcohol policies are getting stricter, and IDs are
checked and hands are stamped at campus parties. Smith also offers time- honored
traditions like Mountain Day in the fall, when the president cancels class for a day
of hiking and bonding, complete with brown- bag lunches.
Northampton, known as NoHo after New York City’s SoHo neighborhood, is a
college town of about 30,000 that is known for its freewheeling culture and funky
bohemianism. The town is home to multiple subcultures and is generally tolerant of
everyone. “Northampton is one of my favorite
places,” says a senior. “It’s small and artsy, has
multiple venues for music and dance, a dance
club, bowling alley, and a lot of great restaurants.
There is never a lack of nightlife.” The Community
Service Office assists student volunteers with finding long- term placements and
short- term projects in Northampton, the surrounding communities, and on campus.
The New England countryside has numerous special charms, including ski slopes
only an hour away. The best road trips are to Boston (two hours) or New York City
(three hours).
Smith has a long tradition of success in Division III athletics; the college was
the first women’s college to join the NCAA and still places a premium on recruiting
strong athletes. The Pioneer crew, basketball, soccer, and field hockey teams are
competitive in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference. Smith’s
multimillion- dollar sports complex features indoor tennis and track facilities and a
six- lane swimming pool. Interhouse competitions include everything from kickball
to inner- tube water polo to rugby.
“It can be hard to adapt to the environment of a women’s college,” acknowl-
edges one senior. “But it’s been the most valuable thing I’ve ever done.” The strict
evangelism is long gone, and today’s Smith women are far from Sophia Smith wan-
nabes. But her namesake and spirit live on at this eclectic, open- minded institution
where women don lab coats, power suits, combat boots, and even white dresses at
graduation. This “community of close, intelligent, interesting, and compassionate
women” readies them to be and do just about anything.
“[Smith is a] community
of close, intelligent,
interesting, and
compassionate women.”
On Mountain Day
in the fall, the
president cancels
classes for a day of
hiking and bonding,
complete with
brown- bag lunches.
Overlaps
Barnard, Brown,
Bryn Mawr, Mount
Holyoke, Oberlin,
Scripps, Wellesley
If You Apply To ›
Smith: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Accepts applications from students whose birth certificates reflect their gender as female or who identify as female.
University of the South (Sewanee)
735 University Avenue, Sewanee, TN 37383
Easily mistaken for an Oxford or a Cambridge plunked down in the highlands of
Tennessee. Traditions loom large at Sewanee, including its honor code and ties to
the Episcopal Church. Long known as a force in Southern literature, Sewanee is
also strong in environmental studies and economics and encourages study abroad.
Trying to move beyond its image as an old, Southern college, but diversity remains a
challenge. If you have a horse, bring it along.
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642 UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH (SEWANEE)
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The University of the South, known simply as Sewanee, came into being in 1857
when a group of southern Episcopal bishops saw the need for a distinguished center
of learning in the region. After a Civil War– enforced hiatus, it opened its doors in
1868 with the financial backing of Anglican parishes in England and a starter library
donated by Oxford and Cambridge. Traditions remain alive and well— academic
gowns are sartorially chic and the two semesters are Advent and Easter— even as the
university seeks more inclusivity and a broader national appeal. Students say that
academics are rigorous, but, as a senior puts it, “small class size allows students to
get the help they need.” The Roberson Project on Slavery, Race, and Reconciliation
explores the university’s historical roots in pro- slavery culture and the ongoing
impacts of racial injustice.
Sewanee— a name of indeterminate Native American origin most likely tied to its
geography— is located atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, between Chattanooga
and Nashville. The atmosphere is like “attending Oxford in England,” a freshman
says, “only with mountains!” Stately English
Gothic buildings are carved from beige- and- pink
sandstone native to the region, and each has
plenty of space, as the school spreads out over a
13,000- acre forested plot fondly known as “the Domain.” Particularly noteworthy
structures are St. Luke’s and All Saints’ Chapel and Convocation Hall, built in 1886.
Recent additions include the Wellness Commons, housing the Wellness Center, a
fitness facility, and a mini bookstore. A new central campus gathering space for stu-
dents, the Biehl Social Commons, opened in 2024.
As part of Sewanee’s general education program, students pursue seven learn-
ing objectives in their first two years: Reading Closely, Understanding the Arts,
Seeking Meaning, Exploring Past and Present, Observing and Experimenting,
Cross- Cultural Comprehension, and Encountering Perspectives. An optional
Finding Your Place course enhances the first- year experience with lectures, dis-
cussions, service opportunities, and field trips before classes begin in the fall. All
students take a writing- intensive course, and in keeping with European tradition,
Sewanee seniors must pass comprehensive exams in their majors to earn their
diplomas.
Psychology, economics, politics, and biology are the most popular majors, along
with international and global studies, an interdisciplinary program with faculty
from 14 departments. The strength of Sewanee’s English department is nationally
recognized, thanks in part to a bequest from playwright Tennessee Williams. The
Sewanee Reviewthe oldest continuously published literary quarterly in the United
States— and the Sewanee Writers’ Conference enhance the department’s reputa-
tion. The sciences are also strong, especially variations on environmental studies,
given the campus’s rich natural setting. The Integrated Program in the Environment
encompasses six majors and six minors that incorporate coursework in the natural
and social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Premed and preprofessional programs
are highly regarded; students applying to medical, dental, and veterinary schools
enjoy high acceptance rates. Although Sewanee does not offer a business major, its
economics and finance majors can be paired with a prebusiness program that offers
special experiential learning opportunities and a business minor with finance, man-
agerial, and international tracks.
Students report that the coursework is challenging and intensive, but the atmo-
sphere breeds camaraderie. “Students will frequently hole up in the library or in a
classroom together studying for tests or writing essays,” explains a sophomore.
Sixty- six percent of courses enroll fewer than 20 students, and the faculty receives
rave reviews. “The professors here are top- notch and have absolutely made my expe-
rience,” cheers a politics major. Most professors wear black academic gowns in the
Website: www .sewanee .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,657
Undergraduates: 1,590
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 36%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 4,578
Accepted: 52%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 82%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 522- 2234
Email Address: admiss @
sewanee .edu
Strong Programs:
English
Environmental Studies
Psychology
Economics
Politics
International and Global
Studies
“[It’s like] attending Oxford
in England, only with
mountains!”
The Roberson Project
on Slavery, Race,
and Reconciliation
explores the
university’s historical
roots in pro- slavery
culture and the
ongoing impacts of
racial injustice.
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UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH (SEWANEE) 643
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classroom and beyond, as do many members of Sewanee’s signature honor society,
the Order of the Gown. “People wear gowns around sometimes,” concurs a junior.
Sewanee also takes its honor code very seriously. Violations— such as lying, cheat-
ing, or stealing— usually result in suspension. Sewanee is “steeped in tradition that
almost all students abide by, no matter how archaic,” a sophomore says.
The Sewanee Pledge initiative promises three benefits to all undergraduates:
funding for a summer internship or research opportunity, access to a semester- long
study abroad program at no additional tuition
cost, and a graduation guarantee that provides
an additional year of study tuition- free to stu-
dents who are unable to complete a single major
within four years. Overall, many students study abroad in their choice of more than
200 approved programs; the Sewanee Semester in Spain and short- term summer
programs tend to draw the most interest.
Twenty- one percent of Sewanee’s students are Tennessee natives, though
many of the rest come from the Southeast; 5 percent are international. As a school
in the South, the atmosphere can be quite familial— almost a quarter of entering
freshmen are legacies. Still, one senior argues, Sewanee students are not simply a
“large group of privileged preps.” One student calls it “weird and goofy, like a pro-
ductive summer camp.” The student body is 19 percent Episcopalian and over-
whelmingly Christian, although students of all faiths are welcomed. Students of
color have a small but growing presence on campus, with Black students making
up 4 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 1 percent, Hispanics/Latinos
6 percent, and multiracial students 3 percent. Both sides of the political aisle are
represented on campus, and students say debates are civil and healthy. Each year,
the school hands out merit scholarships averaging $22,900, and socioeconomic
diversity is gradually rising.
Virtually all Sewanee students live in the dorms, and students report that while
the quality of the facilities varies, the community atmosphere is tight- knit and
enjoyable. “What’s most cool is we have theme
houses, which allow students to live with people
with similar interests,” cheers a junior. McClurg
Dining Hall serves a wide variety of food and
accommodates students’ requests. Life on the
mountain is peaceful and “students most always feel safe and secure,” according to
one junior. Students receive training in alcohol and sexual misconduct interven-
tion strategies.
Fraternities and sororities are a big deal here, with a substantial majority of
students— 57 percent of the men and 61 percent of the women— signing up. The
university enforces an open- door policy for on- campus events, which makes Greek
parties more inclusive here than at many other schools. “Greek life rules the social
scene, but university- funded programs help keep life from becoming one long frat- a-
thon,” remarks a student. Drinking is a fact of life, but a sophomore reports that
with a medical amnesty policy and other measures, “the main focus is safety.”
Annual Fall and Spring Party weekends draw alumni and friends back to campus,
and students also enjoy the Perpetual Motion dance performances and Sewaneroo
music festival. Popular road trips include Atlanta, Nashville, and Chattanooga, so it
helps to have a car. Nearby lakes, waterfalls, and caverns also offer rafting, hiking,
camping, and other active day trips.
Varsity sports are popular at Sewanee, where the Tigers compete in Division
III. Football is probably the favorite sport on campus— games are important social
events. While a once- popular cheer dating to the 1890s (“Sewanee, Sewanee, leave
’em in the lurch. Down with the heathens and up with the Church. Yea, Sewanee’s
“[Sewanee is] weird and
goofy, like a productive
summer camp.”
In keeping with
European tradition,
Sewanee seniors must
pass comprehensive
exams in their majors
to earn their diplomas.
“We have theme houses,
which allow students to live
with people with similar
interests.”
Students also enjoy
the Perpetual Motion
dance performances
and Sewaneroo
music festival.
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644 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
right!”) isn’t often heard at games nowadays, the YSR acronym (“Yea, Sewanee’s
right!”) persists, usually being shouted at the end of the school’s alma mater and
other moments that call for a burst of school spirit. The men’s and women’s tennis
teams dominate the Southern Athletic Association, each winning several confer-
ence titles in the last decade, and men’s and women’s golf and men’s lacrosse have
also been successful. The equestrian team regularly ranks among the top teams in
the country. About two- thirds of students participate in intramurals, club sports,
and the Outing Program, which sponsors outdoor adventures like caving and kay-
aking as well as trips to the Rio Grande for canoeing and to Colorado for Alpine
mountaineering.
Sewanee’s small size means it offers students plenty of opportunity to really
make a difference. The rich traditions tap into the university’s long history and give
the campus a life and personality all its own. “Having a campus as lush and unique
as Sewanee has made it an extremely special place,” muses a senior, “and helps
foster positive attitudes from everyone around.”
Overlaps
Davidson,
Rhodes, Furman,
Washington
and Lee, Wake
Forest, University
of Tennessee
Knoxville,
University of
Georgia, University
of Virginia
If You Apply To ›
Sewanee: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
Among public flagship universities in the South, USC struggles against the image of
being one giant step behind UNC at Chapel Hill. The university boasts one of the top
international business programs in the nation. Criminal justice is also a specialty.
Unlike Clemson, USC is in a major city. Check out the Honors College, which is one
of the best anywhere.
Whether it’s football or international business, students at the University of South
Carolina are game— after all, they’re the Gamecocks, and like their mascot, they’ve
got plenty of fighting spirit. Students love to cheer on the school’s football and bas-
ketball teams, especially if the opponent is longtime rival Clemson. South Carolina
is working hard to give its campus a more cosmopolitan feel through academic pro-
grams with a strong global focus and initiatives such as the Student Council on
Diversity and Inclusion.
South Carolina’s main campus is located in the heart of Columbia (population
138,000), which also happens to be the state capital. Government buildings and
downtown businesses are within an easy walk, allowing students to secure intern-
ships or even part- time jobs during the school
year. The old section of the campus, which dates
to the school’s 1801 founding, includes the glo-
rious oak- lined Horseshoe; 10 of its 19th- century
buildings are now listed in the National Register
of Historic Places. The $250 million Innovista
complex integrates public and private sector research in high- tech facilities. The
massive, $210 million Campus Village complex, housing 1,800 students, a dining
facility, and academic support spaces, opened in 2023.
Regardless of the program in which they enroll, students must complete the
Website: www .sc .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 35,653
Undergraduates: 27,343
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 75%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 53%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 42,188
Accepted: 64%
Enrolled: 24%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
“[University 101 is] an
incredible class. You learn
about student skills, time
management, and all the
resources at USC.”
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Carolina Core, a series of distribution requirements that includes courses in problem
solving, writing, foreign language, global citizenship and multicultural understand-
ing, and scientific literacy (among others). USC has been a national leader in devel-
oping initiatives to support the first- year transition, such as the required three- hour
University 101 seminar. According to one student, University 101 is “an incredible
class. You learn about student skills, time management, all the resources at USC, and
have a ton of fun.” To build community, there’s the Freshman Reading Experience,
in which entering students read the same book before coming to campus, then dis-
cuss it in small groups upon arrival.
South Carolina offers a slew of undergraduate degree programs; business is pop-
ular, as are psychology, nursing, exercise science, biological sciences, and criminal
justice. With South Carolina’s coastal economy depending on foreign trade, the uni-
versity has developed a top- notch international business program, as well as nota-
ble majors in international studies and global studies. Students in the journalism
and mass communications program benefit from an excellent film library right on
campus, while budding marine scientists may study and do research at a 17,000- acre
facility about three hours away. Art students, neglected at many universities, here
have access to the latest cameras, editing stations, and computers, as well as pottery
kilns and other necessary equipment. Musicians enjoy a four- level building with
a music and performance library, rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and a 250-
seat lecture hall. The English program benefits from sizable collections of research
material on F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. An unusual minor in medical
humanities gives doctors- to- be an introduction to the ethical, cultural, legal, eco-
nomic, and political factors that affect medical practice today.
“For the most part, the courses are challenging and the environment is laid-
back,” says one senior. A classmate adds, “Students share notes, study together, and
help out others.” Forty- two percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20
students, and the quality of teaching is generally
high: “All my professors are passionate about
what they teach and do a great job of sharing
their passion with us,” one student says. Unlike
many honors programs that focus on lower- division education, USC’s Honors
College provides curricular and research opportunities across all four years. About
600 courses are available annually through the Honors College, which serves more
than 2,000 students. Nineteen percent of undergraduates study, intern, volunteer,
or conduct independent research abroad, taking advantage of programs offered in
more than 60 different countries.
USC draws students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries; 62 percent
of undergrads are in- staters and 3 percent are international. Nine percent of students
are Black, 3 percent are Asian American, 5 percent are Hispanic/Latino, and 4 per-
cent are multiracial. “It is the norm to be involved with at least two or three student
organizations and to be very active on campus,” says one student. Another cites
education funding and LGBTQ rights as hot- button issues. The university awards
merit scholarships averaging $7,000 and more than 400 athletic scholarships. The
Gamecock Guarantee promises to cover tuition and fees for low- income South
Carolina residents who are the first in their family to attend college.
All first- year students live on campus in nearly two dozen living/learning com-
munities, ranging from academic fields like business and engineering to special
interests like sustainability and leadership. “I loved living on campus,” recalls one
junior. “It was so easy to walk to class from my residence hall.” After the first year,
housing can be expensive and difficult to get, students say, and only 31 percent of
all undergrads reside on campus. Dining options range from fast- food stands to
all- you- can- eat lines, with plenty of vegetarian and healthy choices— and, of course,
(continued)
Admissions: (803) 777- 7700
Email Address: admissions
-ugrad @ sc .edu
Strong Programs:
International Business
Criminal Justice
International Studies
Global Studies
Psychology
Nursing
Exercise Science
Biological Sciences
“The courses are
challenging and the
environment is laid- back.”
The Gamecock
Guarantee promises
to cover tuition and
fees for low- income
South Carolina
residents who are the
first in their family
to attend college.
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some junk food too. “You will never go hungry,” promises one student. Students
report feeling safe while roaming campus.
“Most social life takes place off campus,” says a psychology major. “We have
cool bars and restaurants close to campus that are geared toward younger people.”
Twenty- six percent of South Carolina’s men and 31 percent of the women go Greek,
and their chapters provide much of the weekend
social life on campus. Despite school policies,
some underage students “sneak [alcohol] in and
are not bothered if they behave themselves,”
says a speech/language pathology major. Still,
concerned about binge and underage drinking, administrators have increased fund-
ing for alternative activities, such as films, dance performances, theatrical produc-
tions, concerts, and comedy shows. And with more than 400 student groups on
campus, everyone should be able to find a niche. Downtown Columbia offers more
theaters, a comedy club, a performing arts center, and Five Points, a strip boasting
several bars. Outdoorsy types appreciate the beaches an hour and a half away, as
well as the mountain ranges four hours north for hiking, skiing, and camping.
Fall football weekends are always a big deal at South Carolina, which competes
in the Division I Southeastern Conference. The enduring rivalry with the Clemson
Tigers is one of the oldest and most colorful in college sports, with festivities begin-
ning weeks in advance; their annual game (the Palmetto Bowl) has been played for
more than a century. “We do an annual Tiger Burn, where the engineering students
build a 30- foot- tall tiger and burn it to the ground before the big game,” says one
Gamecock. “That’s really fun!” Winter weekends welcome another of USC’s strong
sports, basketball, played in the 342,000- square- foot Colonial Center. The wom-
en’s basketball team elated fans by bringing home the national title in 2022 and
2024. USC’s baseball and women’s golf, soccer, and softball teams are competitive
too. Students can also choose from dozens of club and intramural sports or dip
into the indoor and outdoor pools at the Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness
Center, which features an indoor track, basketball and racquetball courts, and a
climbing wall.
School spirit remains as strong as ever at South Carolina’s flagship university,
but the pace of change is picking up. Yet even as its academic focus grows increas-
ingly global, USC has a more personal feel than many state universities, thanks to its
special emphasis on student support and diversity of all types. Perhaps that’s why
Gamecocks say no place could be finer.
USC’s Honors College
provides curricular
and research
opportunities across
all four years.
“The engineering students
build a 30- foot- tall tiger
and burn it to the ground
before the big game.”
Overlaps
University
of Houston,
UMass Amherst,
University
of Missouri,
University of
Nebraska– Lincoln,
University of
South Florida,
Auburn, University
of Tennessee
Knoxville, Clemson
If You Apply To ›
South Carolina: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult South
Carolina’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Southern California
University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089
USC’s old handle: “The University of Spoiled Children.” USC’s new handle: highly
selective West Coast university with preeminent programs in cinematic arts and
business. The region’s only major private university that just happens to have a top
football team. L.A.’s answer to NYU with way more Heisman Trophies.
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Once dismissed as little more than an academic bastion of privilege, the University
of Southern California has come into its own as a West Coast destination for stu-
dents seeking the advantages of study in a center for the arts, technology, com-
munication, and international trade. The school’s lush campus and prime Los
Angeles location has led to a flood of applicants, making it continually tougher
to win admission. Students cheer on national championship teams and give high
marks to the Trojan alumni network as well. Often accused of being elitist, USC,
founded in 1880, continues to populate the next generation of Los Angeles busi-
ness leaders.
USC’s University Park campus has an unmistakably upscale vibe and offers a
mix of traditional ivy- covered and modern structures, arranged around fountains
and reflecting pools, well shaded from the Southern California sun. Sitting on 226
parklike acres, just minutes from downtown Los Angeles, USC is a veritable urban
oasis. Newer additions to campus include the $700 million, 2,700- bed USC Village, a
student housing project as well as a neighborhood revitalization effort that includes
eight residential colleges, a Gothic- style dining hall, and two dozen retail stores.
USC’s Core Curriculum, aimed at sharpening critical thinking and communica-
tion skills, requires nine courses: six general education, two intensive writing, and
one diversity. Students with high GPAs and test scores may choose the Thematic
Option— a.k.a. the “Traumatic Option”— in place
of regular general education courses. The 200 or
so who do get smaller classes with some of the
university’s best teachers and a handpicked group
of writing instructors. Freshmen may also join one of the school’s Learning
Communities, groups of 20 students with common academic interests, such as busi-
ness, medicine, technology, or languages. Each community takes four common
courses during the first year and meets with a dedicated faculty mentor and staff
advisor three to six times a semester. The First Generation Plus Student Success Center
serves as a resource hub supporting first- generation, undocumented, former foster
youth, and transfer students.
USC offers undergraduates the chance to pursue degrees not only in the Dornsife
College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, but also at any of its 20 professional schools
and schools of the arts— an advantage that students appreciate. “The flexibility to
take classes from different professional schools really highlights the emphasis here
on interdisciplinary studies,” says a cinema and media studies major. In fact, USC
strongly encourages students to pursue double majors or a combination of majors
and minors in unrelated academic fields, which means business majors may minor
in bioethics, or Russian and art history majors may study the music industry or
business too. Majors in business, social sciences, visual and performing arts, engi-
neering, and communication are strong and enroll the most students. The cinematic
arts, film, and television production major is first- rate, and architecture is highly
regarded. The progressive degree program allows students to apply to a master’s-level
program during their junior year; depending on the field, one can earn a bachelor’s
and master’s degree in as little as 10 semesters.
The academic climate is challenging, and students report that while there is
some “friendly competition,” their classmates are mostly supportive of each other.
Sixty- one percent of undergraduate classes enroll fewer than 20 students, but the
quality of teaching varies, especially in some introductory courses for freshmen,
which can be huge. Advising and career services get mixed reviews. An English
major says, “My biggest support system at USC has been my professors, and they are
normally my first line of defense when I need advice.” The Discovery Scholars pro-
gram honors original research and creativity among undergraduates, and the Global
Scholars program singles out students who excel both at home and abroad. USC
Website: www .usc .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 35,297
Undergraduates: 20,057
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 63%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 32%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 69,062
Accepted: 12%
Enrolled: 41%
Grad in 6 Years: 96%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (213) 740- 1111
Email Address: admitusc @
usc .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Engineering
Communication
Cinematic Arts, Film, and
Television Production
Architecture
“My biggest support system
at USC has been my
professors.”
The First Generation
Plus Student Success
Center supports
first- generation,
undocumented,
former foster youth,
and transfer students.
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648 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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offers more than 50 semester- and yearlong study abroad programs in nearly 30
countries in addition to several short- term options offered during summer and
winter breaks and the May term.
USC students are perhaps best characterized by a sense of “ambitious drive,”
says one senior. Most pride themselves on their ability to maintain decent grades
along with an active social life. Sixty- one percent of USC undergrads come from
within the state, and 13 percent come from for-
eign countries. This left- leaning campus is
racially diverse, with Black students making up
6 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos
18 percent, Asian Americans 25 percent, and multiracial students 6 percent.
Hundreds of merit scholarships, averaging $17,600, are awarded each year, as are
about 375 athletic awards. USC also meets 100 percent of students’ demonstrated
financial need and is need- blind in its admissions. Undergraduates from families
with annual incomes of $80,000 or less qualify for free tuition.
Thirty- six percent of USC undergrads live on campus. All freshmen are housed
in residential colleges, which are led by faculty masters in residence and serve as a
hub for social life. Since swimming pools, tennis courts, carpeting, microwaves,
refrigerators, and air- conditioning are just some of the luxuries to be found in USC
dorms, not to mention the USC Village, it’s no wonder more upperclassmen would
like to stay on campus. But because there isn’t enough space for everyone, students
typically move after their first year to fraternity and sorority houses or apartments,
which are just a short walk away. Dining halls offer plenty of options, including an
international buffet in the Parkside complex. Some nearby areas are rather rough,
but thanks to USC’s police department, which regularly patrols the campus and
surrounding neighborhood, most students say they’ve never felt unsafe. “USC has
made sure that, with regard to sexual assault, all students know where to seek help
and access tools to deal with this issue,” notes a senior.
The on- campus social scene revolves around activities organized by student
clubs, fraternity parties on “The Row,” sporting events, the annual Springfest con-
cert, and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in the spring. A modest portion
of students go Greek. Several fraternities have
severed ties with the university following the
enactment of new rules imposed in the wake of
a series of sexual assault accusations stemming
from fraternity parties. Though L.A. is hardly a
college town in any traditional sense, it does offer an endless variety of bars,
clubs, shopping, and cultural experiences. As a junior points out, “The entire Los
Angeles area is full of fun things to do if you’re willing to hop on a train or take
an Uber.” Whether you’re looking for an internship at a law firm or a movie
studio, you want to learn to surf, or you’re eager to check out a new band before
they get signed to a major label, L.A. delivers. Famous Venice Beach is just a few
miles from USC’s campus, and in the winter months, students can reach the San
Gabriel Mountains (and its ski resorts) in less than an hour (by car, not by skis).
USC students are also active in the community, tutoring in 10 local schools
through the Joint Educational Project.
Along with UCLA, USC is moving to the Big Ten Conference in 2024. Previously,
Trojan athletics competed in the Division I Pac- 12 Conference and have won 134
team national championships in 17 men’s and women’s sports, including women’s
beach volleyball for a third straight year in 2023. Two of USC’s biggest schoolwide
traditions center on the ol’ pigskin. The first is Troy Week— the week leading up to
the UCLA game— which culminates with the Conquest pep rally and concert in the
middle of campus. Then there’s the Weekender, when USC students take off en
“[We have] the flexibility to
take classes from different
professional schools.”
Troy Week leads up to
the UCLA game and
culminates with the
Conquest pep rally
and concert in the
middle of campus.
“The entire Los Angeles
area is full of fun things to
do if you’re willing to hop
on a train or take an Uber.”
USC’s Core Curriculum
requires nine courses:
six general education,
two intensive writing,
and one diversity.
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masse for northern California to see their beloved Trojans face off against Stanford
or Berkeley. Throngs of USC undergrads, alumni, and fans gather in San Francisco’s
Union Square for a huge pep rally, featuring the band, cheerleaders, and university
personalities.
USC is a university on the move, though its progress has recently been marred
by well- publicized scandals involving athletics, admissions, and sexual abuse. “We
are drawing an academically competitive and involved student body,” says a geog-
raphy and communication major. Pack your sunscreen, flip- flops, and some asser-
tiveness, and you’ll fit right in. Shrinking violets, on the other hand, should probably
look elsewhere.
Overlaps
Stanford, UCLA,
UC Berkeley, NYU,
Northwestern,
Boston University,
Cornell University,
UC San Diego
If You Apply To ›
USC: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult USC’s website for the most up- to- date
information regarding standardized test requirements.
Southern Methodist University
P.O. Box 750181, Dallas, TX 75275
SMU is best known for business, the performing arts, and an abundance of school
spirit. Go- getter mentality is pervasive, and students benefit from internships and
other opportunities in nearby Dallas. Picture- book campus five miles from downtown
adds to its appeal. Methodist, but mainly in name.
Southern Methodist University is looking beyond its long- standing character-
ization as a training ground for the business elite of Dallas. Admissions stan-
dards are on the rise, and recent years have brought an updated curriculum that
emphasizes interdisciplinary study, a new residential model, and, in the words of
one senior, “tons of new campus buildings.” The highly regarded Cox School of
Business sets the no- nonsense tone for SMU’s success- driven academic climate.
Although founded in 1911 by what is now the United Methodist Church, SMU
is nondenominational; 12 percent of students are Methodist, and all faiths are
welcomed.
SMU’s well- landscaped campus is situated in the suburb of University Park,
located “five minutes from downtown Dallas and within 30 minutes of everything
else,” according to one student. Flower beds, fountains, and neatly trimmed lawns
surround stately brick buildings, most of them
collegiate Georgian. Dallas Hall, with its four-
story rotunda, is the centerpiece. The Meadows
Museum houses one of the finest collections of
Spanish art outside Spain, and SMU is the only private college in the country to host
a presidential library on its main campus, the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
The recently opened Ford Hall for Research and Innovation serves as an interdisci-
plinary research hub for faculty, students, and industry partners to collaborate on
complex problems.
The Common Curriculum combines coursework in a range of disciplines with
hands- on experiences and is designed to prepare students to be flexible, lifelong
learners in a rapidly changing world. Students say they find ample time to explore
their interests. “There is a lot of room to double or even triple major,” explains a
Website: www .smu .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 9,277
Undergraduates: 6,880
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 74%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 25%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 16,150
Accepted: 52%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 82%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 323- 0672
Email Address: ugadmission
@ smu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
“SMU is a relatively small
school that has a big
school feel.”
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biology and math major. The Office of Engaged Learning supports students who
wish to undertake capstone- level projects on campus or abroad, such as extended
research, service projects, internships, and entrepreneurial start- ups; participants
can apply for fellowships of up to $2,000.
Students hail the Cox School of Business (including its Caruth Institute for
Entrepreneurship) and the Meadows School of the Arts, which turns out profes-
sional artists, actors, singers, and dancers, as SMU’s strongest suits. Some of the most
popular fields of study are finance, economics,
biology, accounting, and applied physiology and
sport management, an interdisciplinary program
that teaches the biological basis of health while
offering the business skills needed in the health and fitness industries. Engineers
have access to top- of- the- line research labs and an extensive co- op program thanks
to the proximity of hundreds of high- tech companies, including AT&T and Texas
Instruments. The Tower Center for Political Studies focuses on international rela-
tions and comparative politics, while the Tate Lecture Series gives students a chance
to interact with national and international figures, such as Smithsonian Institution
leader Lonnie G. Bunch III, New York Times columnist David Brooks, and award-
winning actor and activist Marlee Matlin. As for the humanities, English and history
are particularly strong, and SMU publishes Southwest Review, the third- oldest contin-
uously published literary quarterly in the nation. SMU was the first university in
the South to offer a major in human rights.
SMU prides itself on small classes; 56 percent of undergraduate courses have
fewer than 20 students. “Some of my professors have practically been my life
coaches,” says an advertising major. “They’ve helped me excel in classes and
prepare for interviews. They’ve provided recommendation letters and answered
my emails at two in the morning. They never stop caring for their students.”
Most classes are taught by full- time faculty, and teaching assistants provide extra
help. The student- staffed Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center offers tutoring
and workshops.
The top 10 percent of each incoming class is invited to join the University
Honors Program, which features small seminars on topics not offered broadly.
Study abroad programs take 26 percent of under-
grads around the world; faculty- led options are
available in 14 locations. Each year, 20 to 25
exceptional incoming students are named
President’s Scholars and awarded full- tuition
scholarships as well as opportunities to study abroad and participate in an annual
retreat in Taos. Dallas- area employers also offer thousands of internships and learn-
ing opportunities to SMU students yearly.
A marketing major describes SMU students as passionate and driven to succeed,
adding, “There’s a big go- getter mentality all throughout campus.” Thirty- eight per-
cent of undergraduates are from the Lone Star State, and 3 percent come from out-
side of the U.S. Diversity among the student population has increased over the past
decade, and currently Hispanics/Latinos account for 14 percent of the student body,
Asian Americans 8 percent, Black students 9 percent, and multiracial students 4 per-
cent. A senior reports that, politically, there is a “pretty good mix” of views on
campus. SMU offers merit scholarships averaging $30,500, as well as roughly 250
athletic scholarships in 17 sports.
Fifty- two percent of undergrads live on campus; first- and second- year students
are required to live in one of 11 Residential Commons, each of which has a resi-
dent faculty member, intended to integrate academic, residential, and social experi-
ences. SMU Service House residents engage in community service in disadvantaged
(continued)
Visual and Performing Arts
Engineering
English
History
Finance
Economics
Biology
“Some of my professors
have practically been my
life coaches.”
SMU publishes
Southwest Review,
the third- oldest
continuously published
literary quarterly
in the nation.
“Boulevarding on game
days is the most fun
tailgating experience in
the South!”
Students mark the end
of the fall semester
with the Celebration
of Lights featuring
holiday lights and
carols at Dallas Hall.
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neighborhoods across Dallas. All residence halls are co- ed by floor, and options
include single and double rooms, some with their own bathrooms. The traditional,
all- you- can- eat meal plans include dining dollars that can be used at the two main
dining halls and at on- campus fast- dining options like Chick- fil- A, Sushic, and
Panera Bread. “Now that I live off campus, I actually miss the food in the SMU
dining halls,” says a student. Campus security is said to be strong, and students
praise the Not On My Campus campaign aimed at raising awareness of the issue of
sexual assault.
When the weekend comes, the more than 200 student groups sponsor speakers
and other diversions. “Social life at SMU is vibrant both on and off campus,” says a
sophomore. Thirty- one percent of the women join sororities, and 25 percent of the
men pledge fraternities. “Greek organizations have off- campus parties, since SMU is
technically a dry campus,” notes a senior. Dallas has plenty to offer in terms of social
life: “Whether it’s exploring the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts districts or going out
in Uptown, we never get bored here,” says a management major. Hundreds of stu-
dents volunteer with more than 70 nonprofits in the greater Dallas area, and service
trips over spring break are popular too. Highlights of the campus calendar include
Perunapalooza, a birthday carnival in honor of the Mustang mascot (a pony).
Students mark the end of the fall semester with the Celebration of Lights featuring
holiday lights and carols at Dallas Hall. Favorite road trips are to Austin, with its
abundance of restaurants, bars, and live music, and South Padre, Texas, a popular
spring break spot with a great beach.
Football games are a big deal here— after all, this is Texas— and SMU students
get riled up for the annual battle against Texas Christian University for possession
of the Iron Skillet. For home games, Mustang fans enjoy one of the best tailgate
parties in Texas through Boulevarding, which features family activities, music, and
food on the main quad. “Boulevarding on game days is the most fun tailgating
experience in the South!” cheers an environmental studies major. When basketball
season arrives, students camp out with their friends to get tickets, and “The Mob”
spirit group packs into the student section of Moody Coliseum. The SMU Mustangs
will compete in the Division I Athletic Coast Conference in 2024. They had consid-
erable success in the Atlantic Athletic Conference, with the equestrian team bring-
ing home its ninth national championship in 2023. Men’s and women’s golf and
tennis, men’s swimming and diving, and women’s rowing are recent conference
champions. About a third of the students participate each year in club sports and
the intramural program, which offers more than 18 individual and team sporting
activities.
“SMU is a relatively small school that has a big school feel,” says a senior. “We
still have a blast before home football games, we have big parties, and we have
incredible school spirit.” Although known for its striking campus and success-
oriented students, SMU offers solid preprofessional training along with an active
social life and ample opportunities to give back to the city of Dallas. The result is an
environment where future industry moguls, problem solvers, performers, and artists
alike can find space to grow.
The Office of Engaged
Learning supports
students who wish to
undertake capstone-
level projects.
Overlaps
Vanderbilt,
Texas Christian,
University of
Southern California,
Wake Forest,
University of Miami
(FL), UT Austin,
Baylor, Tulane
If You Apply To ›
Southern Methodist: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with sup-
plement. Please consult Southern Methodist’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test
requirements.
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Southwestern University
1001 E. University Avenue, Georgetown, TX 78626
The oldest institution of higher education in Texas, Southwestern is one of its top
liberal arts colleges. Compare to more conservative Austin College and much larger
Trinity University. Southwestern prides itself on individual attention and down- to-
earth friendliness, with emphasis on interdisciplinary and inquiry- based learning.
Participation in the Paideia program adds spice to the learning environment.
In a state known for political conservatism and an assumption that bigger is better,
Southwestern University stands out like a monadnock. Small and agile, it pursues a
flexible and innovative brand of teaching and learning in a culture where the liberal
arts are not always appreciated. “You learn to express and defend your opinions,”
says one student. “I learned how to think.”
Founded in 1840, five years before Texas became a state, Southwestern sits
on 700 acres at the edge of the rolling Texas Hill Country, although the city of
Austin has expanded to meet Georgetown. The Texas limestone buildings, built in
the Romanesque style, date from the early 20th century, and there are plenty of
lush lawns and towering oak trees. Southwestern’s commitment to sustainability
includes an agreement with the city of Georgetown that allows it to use 100 percent
wind power for the campus’s electrical needs. The university has several ongoing
renovation and construction projects, including a new, mixed- use first- year resi-
dence hall, an on- campus football stadium, and more.
To graduate, Southwestern students must complete a First- Year Seminar and satisfy
requirements in several liberal arts areas, as well as language and culture, social justice,
fitness and recreational activity, and a capstone experience. All students participate in
the Paideia program, which gives them a chance
to explore interests that may fall outside their
major and see how different disciplines are inter-
connected. A sociology and English double major explains, “It’s nice to be able to get a
taste of how others may see and understand the world in various other disciplines.”
The university has bolstered academic advising, assigning every incoming student to a
professional academic advisor, followed by a faculty or staff advisor after their first year.
The most popular majors are also some of Southwestern’s strongest: psychology,
communication studies, biology, and business, which is taught as one of the liberal
arts. In the Sarofim School of Fine Arts, where pottery is a specialty, student work
approaches graduate- level quality. Environmental studies and sociology are also
strengths. Political science and STEM majors alike benefit from SU’s proximity to
Austin, the state capital and a hub of tech innovation. Interdisciplinary minors are
available in data science, health studies, and design thinking. The university offers
three preprofessional programs in engineering, law, and health.
“We are constantly being challenged to take what we learn in class and apply
it to more difficult problems,” says a senior. Sixty- four percent of SU classes have
fewer than 20 students, and professors are appreciated for their willingness to help
students with course concepts and research opportunities. Academic support and
career services are highly praised as well, from departmental student mentors, such
as the SCI Guides in the natural sciences, to the comprehensive resources offered by
the Center for Career and Professional Development, including one- on- one coun-
seling, alumni panels, and campuswide internship and job fairs. “I definitely feel
prepared for life after college because everything is a process that has been put in
motion since I arrived my first semester,” says a junior.
Website: www .southwestern
.edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,462
Undergraduates: 1,462
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 56%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 5,557
Accepted: 45%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 72%
Returning Freshmen: 79%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
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Admissions: (512) 863- 1200
Email Address: admission @
southwestern .edu
Strong Programs:
Psychology
Communication Studies
Biology
Business
Studio Art
Environmental Studies
Sociology
“You learn to express and
defend your opinions.”
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SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY 653
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
SU encourages undergraduate research (about half of the students participate),
and each year holds a symposium to showcase students’ scholarly endeavors. The
King Creativity Fund provides grants to support up to 20 “innovative and visionary
projects” each academic year. For study abroad, SU hosts faculty- led programs in
England, Spain, Peru, and Argentina, among others. The university also sponsors
an internship program in Washington, D.C., and an arts apprenticeship program in
New York City.
Eighty- six percent of Southwestern students come from Texas, and many are the
first in their families to go to college. The university is affiliated with the United
Methodist Church, and 8 percent of students are Methodist. Hispanics/Latinos are
the largest minority group at SU, making up
27 percent of the student body; Black students
add 6 percent, Asian Americans 4 percent, and
multiracial students 5 percent. Two percent come
from foreign countries. Students describe a some-
times volatile mix of conservative and liberal political views on campus. “The CDSJ
(Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice) is a fantastic umbrella organization that
has a place for everyone to get involved and be an activist on and off campus,” says
a computer science major. Eligible students receive scholarships based on academic
performance, averaging $26,000 annually; talent awards are also available for fine
arts majors, though there are no athletic scholarships.
Seventy- three percent of SU students live in the residence halls, where the
number of stars definitely improves as you get older— juniors and seniors usually get
apartment- style facilities with their own bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Meals
at the central, all- you- can- eat Mabee Commons dining hall are getting “somewhat
better than what they’d been in recent years,” according to a senior. Students do
enjoy the nearby Cove’s coffee bar and late- night grill. Students can also swipe their
“Pirate cards” at pizzerias and other local merchants. Students say they generally feel
safe on campus, but the administration’s handling of sexual assault cases has been a
hot- button issue.
Almost all the social life at Southwestern takes place on campus. “Wednesday,
Friday, and Saturday nights are the main party nights, but there is always something
going on,” says one student. The school sponsors frequent activities like retro game
nights, carnival nights, and free concerts.
Southwestern has a strong Greek system, draw-
ing 26 percent of the men and 31 percent of the
women, “but you do not have to be Greek to
have a fabulous social life,” says a sociology major. Students 21 and older are permit-
ted to consume alcohol in designated areas on campus. Annual traditions include
the spring concert on the mall and Late Night Breakfast, in which “faculty and staff
serve students breakfast during finals week while karaoke and other fun stuff
happens!”
Georgetown (population 75,000), the county seat, caters mainly to families, but
things are getting more exciting thanks to the expanding bar and restaurant options,
weekly farmers markets, and live music on Friday evenings. The city’s historic down-
town and the popular Blue Hole swimming area are both within walking distance of
campus, and students enjoy bike trails along the San Gabriel River. “Georgetown
offers a lot of natural beauty,” says a communication major. Fifty- nine percent of
students get involved in the community through service- learning and volunteer
work. The bars and clubs of Austin’s Sixth Street are just a half hour away, and San
Antonio, College Station, Dallas, and Houston aren’t that much farther.
The Southwestern Pirates field 20 Division III varsity sports. The school is a
member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference; women’s tennis and men’s
“SU allows you to continue
to grow and challenge
yourself in a safe and
accepting atmosphere.”
The university
sponsors an
internship program in
Washington, D.C., and
an arts apprenticeship
program in New
York City.
“You do not have to be
Greek to have a fabulous
social life.”
Georgetown’s historic
downtown and the
popular Blue Hole
swimming area are
both within walking
distance of campus.
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654 STANFORD UNIVERSITY
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golf are recent conference champions. Men’s tennis, women’s soccer, and women’s
volleyball are also competitive. The university reintroduced football in 2013 and
wasted little time in claiming a conference title. Games against archrival Trinity in
San Antonio always draw crowds. Sixty percent of students compete in 18 intra-
mural and club sports, with flag football, basketball, sand volleyball, and pickleball
being the most popular.
With its emphasis on in- depth and student- centered learning, Southwestern is
doing its best to push the frontiers of liberal arts instruction in the 21st century. “SU
allows you to continue to grow and challenge yourself in a safe and accepting atmo-
sphere,” says a freshman. In a state where things tend to be huge and overwhelming,
Southwestern University is out to show that good things can come in small
packages.
Overlaps
Centre, Allegheny,
Kalamazoo,
Hendrix, Wheaton
(MA), Trinity
University (TX),
Baylor, Austin
College
If You Apply To ›
Southwestern: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional (test- optional applicants must inter-
view). Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Spelman College: See page 39.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305- 3005
If you’re looking for an Eastern counterpart to Stanford, think Duke with a touch
of MIT mixed in. Stanford’s big- time athletics, preprofessional feel, and laid- back
atmosphere set it apart from Ivy League competitors. In contrast to the hurly- burly of
Bay Area rival Berkeley, Stanford’s aura is upscale, spacious, and green. Bring your
bike and a pair of sunglasses, and leave your ego behind.
You might think the only difference between Stanford and the Ivy League is a couple
hundred extra sunny days each year. You’d be wrong. From the red- tiled roofs to
the lush greenery and California vibe, Stanford is a world away from the Gothic
intellectual vibes of the Ivies. Virtually all the great Eastern universities began as
places to ponder human existence and the meaning of life, with European institu-
tions as their models. Stanford, by contrast, built its academic reputation around
science and engineering, fields conducive to American ingenuity and industry, and
only later cultivated excellence in the humanities and social sciences. In this sense,
Stanford is, without a doubt, the nation’s first great “American” university. Now
one of the most super- selective universities in the country— turning down 24 of
every 25 applicants— Stanford has begun to increase the size of its entering classes
and intends to expand its dormitories and number of faculty proportionately until
it reaches a new comfort level.
The differences between Stanford and other institutions it competes against for
the country’s top high school seniors are evident everywhere, from the architecture
to the curriculum. The school’s mission- style buildings look outward to the world
at large rather than inward to ivy- covered courtyards. And unlike its Colonial- era
predecessors, Stanford— founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of
Website: www .stanford .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 16,963
Undergraduates: 7,761
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 84%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 14%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 56,378
Accepted: 4%
Enrolled: 84%
Grad in 6 Years: 95%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
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STANFORD UNIVERSITY 655
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
their son Leland Jr.— has been co- ed from the beginning. During its centennial, the
school became the first U.S. university to successfully launch a billion- dollar capital
campaign; today Stanford’s endowment is $36 billion. Some architectural critics say
the campus looks like the world’s biggest Mexican restaurant, even though Frederick
Law Olmsted, designer of New York City’s Central Park, planned many of the build-
ings. The campus stretches from the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the
edge of Palo Alto in the heart of Silicon Valley, smack in the middle of earthquake
country. The campus is nationally recognized as “bicycle friendly” and is outfitted
with 12 miles of bike lanes, 19,000 bike parking spaces, and free bike repair stations.
Stanford requires students to complete one course in Thinking Matters and 11
in a series called Ways of Thinking/Ways of Doing, which includes aesthetic and
interpretive inquiry, social inquiry, scientific analysis, formal reasoning, applied
quantitative reasoning, engaging diversity, ethi-
cal reasoning, and creative expression. Stanford
also requires writing and rhetoric courses and
one year of a foreign language. More than 200
optional, small- group Introductory Seminars are available to freshmen and sopho-
mores, covering topics like The Data Scientist as Detective and The Global Refugee
Crisis, in which about half of students enroll; one student credits these courses with
helping freshmen “develop relationships with really engaging professors.”
Computer science is the most popular major on campus, followed by human
biology, economics, symbolic systems, and engineering, especially mechanical engi-
neering. Stanford has developed a spate of interdisciplinary programs, notably inter-
national relations, public policy, and earth systems; the latter is an interdisciplinary
environmental science major. The Haas Center for Public Service offers more than
130 service- learning courses in a wide range of disciplines, while the well- regarded
communication department offers paid positions at various California media out-
lets. The Stanford Hopkins Marine Station is located on a mile of coastland in Pacific
Grove, next to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and offers courses in marine and bio-
logical sciences.
Don’t let Stanford’s California location fool you into thinking studying is
optional— it’s more like a full- time job. “People are always working together on proj-
ects and assignments. This might be because it is intense, and many students do take
on a heavy workload,” one student says. Students
sometimes compare themselves to ducks: they
look peaceful on the surface, but they’re pad-
dling like mad underneath. Stanford’s faculty
ranks among the best in the nation, with impeccable credentials, and most depart-
ments boast a nationally known name or two. Class sizes are generally small, with
69 percent enrolling fewer than 20 students, and 93 percent are taught by faculty, as
opposed to graduate students. “Overall, professors do seem to care about the stu-
dents. They are definitely accessible, almost all having open office hours,” says one
computer science major.
For students inclined to study abroad, programs are offered at Stanford’s campus
in Cape Town, South Africa, as well as several other locations around the globe,
including Australia, Chile, Japan, and Germany. Forty- eight percent of each gradu-
ating class takes advantage of these programs. Closer to home, the Stanford- in-
Washington program allows 60 students to live, study, and intern in the nation’s
capital each quarter, and a similar program is offered in New York City. The Summer
Research College is designed to create community among undergraduates engaged
in full- time summer research on campus, and there are three honors programs.
Three- quarters of students undertake independent study projects with faculty. For
those seeking additional academic support, the Schwab Learning Center— named
(continued)
Social:
% % % %
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Admissions: (650) 723- 2091
Email Address: admission @
stanford .edu
Strong Programs:
Computer Science
Engineering
International Relations
Public Policy
Earth Systems
Communication
Biology
Marine Science
“People are always working
together on projects and
assignments.”
At the first full
moon of the fall
quarter, freshmen
can become “true
Stanford students”
by kissing a senior at
midnight on the quad.
“[Professors] are definitely
accessible, almost all
having open office hours.”
Stanford’s sports
complex includes
26 tennis courts,
two gymnasiums, a
stadium, an 18- hole
golf course, and four
swimming pools.
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656 STANFORD UNIVERSITY
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after alum Charles Schwab— offers services for students with learning disabilities
and ADHD.
Stanford students may be Olympic champions and future Rhodes scholars, but
students say there isn’t a sense of elitism on campus. One notes, “People are a bit
quirky, but everyone is generally happy and easy to get along with.” Forty- one per-
cent are from California, while international stu-
dents represent 11 percent of the population.
More than half of undergraduates identify as stu-
dents of color: Asian Americans account for
26 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 18 percent, Black
students 7 percent, and multiracial students 10 percent. Students on this liberal
campus are keen to be heard, and recent hot topics include “divestment from Israel,
divestment from fossil fuels, and race relations,” according to one senior. Admissions
are need- blind, and the university guarantees to meet the full demonstrated finan-
cial need of every domestic admit. Academic scholarships are based on need (mean-
ing no merit awards), and attendance is free for students from families with incomes
of less than $100,000, and it has lowered parent contributions for families with
incomes of less than $150,000. The university also awards hundreds of athletic
scholarships every year.
Freshmen must live on campus, and Stanford guarantees housing for four years;
94 percent of students stay on campus, in part because of the lack of affordable off-
campus options in extraordinarily expensive Silicon Valley. As students gain senior-
ity, a lottery system decides where they’ll live. “Junior year, I lived in an old faculty
mansion for 30 students that had a Thai chef,” one student says. The multimillion-
dollar Governor’s Corner complex includes all- oak fixtures, homey rooms with
views of the foothills, microwave ovens in the kitchenettes, and Italian leather sofas
in the lounges. Dorm dwellers must sign up for a meal plan. “Campus security is
quite good. We have an AlertSU program that texts emergency messages to the
school whenever there is any sort of security violation, and Stanford is extremely
well- lit at night,” says a freshman.
Like most things at Stanford, social life and activities vary a great deal, although
most take place on campus, with a constant lineup of events and performances.
Greek organizations claim 18 percent of the men and 23 percent of the women and
provide their share of happy hours and weekend
bashes, which are open to all. Underage drinking
happens but is kept under control. As one fresh-
man puts it, “Party culture is not exclusively
Greek, and social life is not exclusively partying.” As tradition goes, Full Moon on
the Quad occurs at the first full moon of the fall quarter, during which freshmen can
become “true Stanford students” by kissing a senior at midnight on the quad. The
Viennese Ball is a February event that may make you wish you’d taken ballroom
dancing lessons, and Halloween finds students partying at the Mausoleum, the
Stanfords’ final resting place.
Palo Alto “has a few fun hangouts and is slightly overpriced,” a political science
major says, and students love to seek refuge in the outdoors— nearby hills are perfect
for jogging and biking. Trips to the Sierra Nevada mountains (four hours away) or to
the Pacific Coast (45 minutes) are popular, as are jaunts to San Francisco, Los Angeles,
or the Napa Valley.
The Stanford Cardinals have a proud athletic tradition that has made it a peren-
nial winner of the Division I Directors’ Cup, which recognizes the best overall col-
legiate athletic program in the country. The women’s water polo, women’s rowing,
and men’s gymnastics teams captured national championships in 2023. The base-
ball team has been to the College World Series, and the football team has become a
“Party culture is not
exclusively Greek, and
social life is not exclusively
partying.”
The well- regarded
communication
department offers
paid positions at
various California
media outlets.
“People are a bit quirky, but
everyone is generally happy
and easy to get along with.”
Attendance is free
for students from
families with incomes
of less than $100,000.
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STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK 657
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
State University of New York
As the second- largest comprehensive university system in the country (after its California State counterpart), the
State University of New York provides its 364,000 students with a lavish buffet of educational opportunities, from
optometry, fashion, and ceramics to space- age Ph.D.s in nanoscale engineering and everything in between.
The statistics of SUNY (pronounced “SOOney”) are awesome. SUNY has an annual operating budget of bil-
lions, greater than the gross national product of many countries and larger than the budget of more than a dozen
American states. The system encompasses 64 campuses across New York and 21,000 acres of property. It has some
320,000 undergraduates, offers more than 4,350 undergraduate majors, and employs 29,000 faculty members.
Every year SUNY’s colleges and universities award about 86,000 degrees (70,000 of them to undergraduates), rang-
ing from associate’s to Ph.D.s in thousands of academic fields. And it boasts nearly 3 million living alumni.
Not only does this scale and breadth make SUNY a microcosm of all that American higher education has to
offer, but its universities have long been among the most affordable in the U.S. Under New York State’s Excelsior
Scholarship program, the first of its kind in the country, in- state students from households earning up to $125,000
qualify for reduced tuition at any of the state’s two- and four- year institutions.
These statistics are all the more remarkable considering that until 1948, the State of New York had no state univer-
sity at all. That year, the legislature created the State University of New York around a cluster of 29 institutions, the best
of which focused on the training of teachers, to handle the flow of returning World War II veterans. A “gentleman’s
agreement” not to compete with the state’s private colleges, which for generations had enjoyed a monopoly on higher
education in New York, hindered SUNY’s movement into the liberal arts. Not until Nelson A. Rockefeller became gov-
ernor in 1960, and made higher education expansion a priority, did the State University begin its dramatic growth.
SUNY has since evolved into a vast knowledge network consisting of 14 University Centers and doctorate-
granting institutions (think research universities, medical schools, specialized colleges of environmental science
and veterinary medicine, and the like); 13 four- year Arts and Sciences Colleges (think liberal arts institutions,
offering both undergraduate and graduate programs); seven Technology Colleges, offering both two- and four- year
degrees in specialized fields; and 30 locally sponsored Community Colleges.
Consistent with this ambitious enterprise, system leaders have made a concerted effort to recognize and
enhance student diversity and to make students of all backgrounds feel welcome. The Office of Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion has helped increase enrollment of students of color. Nevertheless, a slight majority of the student
body— 53 percent— continues to be white. Fifteen percent of students are Hispanic/Latino, 10 percent are Black,
powerhouse. Men’s water polo and women’s volleyball, swimming and diving, and
soccer are also standouts. The annual contest against Pac- 12 archrival Cal (Berkeley)
is dubbed the “Big Game.” The marching band proudly revels in its raucous irrever-
ence, to the delight of students and the dismay of conservative types. For those not
drawn to varsity play, Stanford offers 31 club sports and 20 intramural activities, and
its vast sports complex includes 26 tennis courts, two gymnasiums, a stadium, an
18- hole golf course, and four swimming pools.
Stanford University’s sunny demeanor and infectious West Coast optimism
offer an appealing alternative to the gloom and gray weather that seem to hang over
some of its East Coast counterparts, with the same high- caliber academics and deep
athletic traditions that have made them great.
Overlaps
Harvard, Princeton,
Yale, MIT, Brown,
Duke, Columbia,
University of
Chicago
If You Apply To ›
Stanford: Single choice early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Stanford’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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658 STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
8 percent are Asian American, and 2 percent are multiracial. Women account for 56 percent of undergraduates.
SUNY has launched numerous initiatives to increase retention and graduation rates among underrepresented stu-
dents and is now turning its attention to faculty— to the support of historically underrepresented faculty of color
in general and of female faculty of all races in STEM fields. SUNY’s definition of diversity is sweeping and covers
not only race and ethnicity but also religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, and socio-
economic status.
Prospective students apply to SUNY via the system’s ApplySUNY portal or the Common App, selecting the cam-
puses where they wish to be considered. Levels of selectivity inevitably vary widely across an institutional network
of this size: most SUNY Community Colleges operate on an open- enrollment basis, while SUNY’s “U-centers” and
specialized programs are among the most competitive public institutions in the nation. Students who earn asso-
ciate’s degrees in a two- year SUNY program are guaranteed the chance to continue their education at a four- year
institution (though not necessarily at their first choice). In- state undergraduates pay the same tuition at all SUNY
institutions and comparable, if varying, fees. Rates at the Community Colleges are lower and vary. For the roughly
17,000 out- of- state students, who make up 5 percent of the student body, tuition and fees at a SUNY school cur-
rently run between $10,700 and $26,700, depending on the type of institution— well within range of other leading
public flagships such as UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan.
Mainly for political reasons, the State University of New York chose not to follow the model of other states
and build a single, flagship campus like an Austin or a Chapel Hill. Instead, it created four University Centers with
undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools— one in each corner of the state. Although each of them con-
siders itself to be a comprehensive university, there has been a certain degree of specialization from the beginning:
Albany is strongest in education and public policy, Binghamton is best known for undergraduate arts and sciences,
Stony Brook is noted for its hard sciences, and Buffalo maintains a strong reputation in the life sciences and geog-
raphy. In January 2022 the state formally designated both Stony Brook and Buffalo as joint flagships of the SUNY
system. Critics charge that the decision to forgo a dominant flagship campus for so many decades has diminished
SUNY’s chances of achieving national prominence, and that the lack of big- time, Division I football and famous
Ph.D. programs has affected its reputation. That said, others maintain that somewhere in the labs and libraries of
these public powerhouses are lurking the Nobel Prize winners of this century.
SUNY’s 13 Arts and Sciences Colleges vary in size and character. Many were founded historically as teachers’
colleges and have successfully made the transition into public liberal arts colleges on the small, New England
model. They range from Potsdam, the northernmost SUNY campus and one of the oldest colleges in the United
States, to Purchase, a suburban campus in Westchester County that specializes in the visual and performing arts,
to Old Westbury on Long Island, which began as an experimental institution to serve minority students, older
women, and others who had been “bypassed” by more traditional institutions.
The seven Technology Colleges lack the academic prominence of their Arts and Sciences peers, but they play
a key role in serving state and regional demand for vocational training by delivering a wide variety of two- and
four- year programs. Five of them (Alfred State, Canton, Cobleskill, Delhi, and Morrisville) are concerned primarily
with agriculture but also have programs in engineering, nursing, medical technology, data processing, and business
administration. Farmingdale offers an extensive range of programs, from ornamental horticulture to aerospace
technology. Maritime, founded in 1874, is the oldest maritime academy in the United States.
A little- known feature of the SUNY system is that five of its state- funded programs are lodged in private
institutions— four at Cornell University (agriculture and life sciences, human ecology, industrial and labor rela-
tions, and veterinary medicine) and one at Alfred University (ceramics). Even though they are attending a private
institution, students in these programs pay much lower SUNY- level tuition rates.
Like their peers around the country, SUNY’s 30 Community Colleges have traditionally enjoyed a lower pro-
file, but a growing emphasis on vocationalism and the soaring costs of higher education have brought them back
into favor. It used to be that students looked to New York’s Community Colleges for terminal degrees that could
readily apply to the marketplace. Now, a growing number of students who otherwise would have been packed off
to a four- year college are saving money by staying home for the first two years and then transferring within the
SUNY system to a four- year college— or even a University Center— to get their bachelor’s degrees. More than half
of SUNY’s Community Colleges offer on- campus housing.
Following are full- length descriptions of SUNY’s four University Centers (the University at Albany, Binghamton
University, the University at Buffalo, and Stony Brook University) as well as two of the Arts and Sciences Colleges
best known beyond New York’s borders (Purchase College and the College at Geneseo).
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SUNY– UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY 659
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
SUNY– University at Albany
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222
Like the rest of the SUNY system, University at Albany is much better than its relative
anonymity would suggest. Strong in anything related to public policy, including
criminal justice and social welfare. Study abroad programs in Europe and Asia are
also strengths. Only 4 percent of undergrads are from outside the Empire State.
UAlbany has invested in new architecture, including student housing.
Founded in 1844 to train teachers, UAlbany offers a bevy of outstanding programs
in arts and sciences, business administration, and preprofessional programs, and it is
placing increased emphasis on technology. Study abroad is solid too, but— consistent
with its location in the state capital— it’s the university’s public policy programs that
truly shine.
Designed by Edward Durrell Stone, who also designed the Kennedy Center and
Lincoln Center, UAlbany’s main uptown campus is stark, modern, and suburban.
Almost all the original academic buildings are clustered in the center of the campus,
while some students are housed in symmetrically
situated quads named for periods in New York
history— Indigenous, Dutch, Colonial, State, and
Freedom— and progress clockwise around the
campus. New student housing options for upper-
classmen include Empire Commons, Freedom Apartments, and Liberty Terrace. The
downtown campus primarily houses the university’s public policy programs, and the
health sciences campus is home to public health programs and research centers. A
spate of construction projects has changed the face of the uptown campus over the
past decade and includes a $180 million Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurship
Complex, located adjacent to the main campus.
UAlbany’s general education program consists of 30 credits of distribution require-
ments, through which students must demonstrate competency in advanced writing,
oral discourse, information literacy, and critical thinking. In addition, all freshmen
take a required introductory seminar. For the career- minded, most of UAlbany’s
preprofessional programs are among the best of any SUNY branch. Students in the
public policy and management, social welfare, and criminal justice programs may
take advantage of their proximity to the state government to participate in intern-
ships. A nursing program started in 2023. Psychology, social sciences, and computer
science are popular majors, and undergrads are clamoring for admittance to the
university’s business administration program, which is especially strong in account-
ing. Students can sign up for one of more than 30 B.A./M.A. programs or opt for a
six- year law degree in conjunction with UAlbany Law School. The New York State
Writers Institute is the least traditional of UAlbany’s offerings and has enhanced the
university’s reputation in creative writing. The College of Emergency Preparedness,
Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity is the first of its kind in the nation.
The academic climate is challenging, and courses tend to be demanding. Classes
can be large, but 31 percent enroll fewer than 20 students. Students form study
groups to help one another through the coursework, and professors are always avail-
able to offer support. “The quality of teaching is excellent overall,” a physics major
says. “There are some superstar professors and a bad apple here and there, but usu-
ally very good instructors.” Qualified students can take part in the Honors College,
which allows freshmen and sophomores to enroll in up to six introductory courses
that have been designed by distinguished faculty. The courses emphasize research,
Website: www .albany .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 13,745
Undergraduates: 11,535
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 90%
Pell Grant: 45%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 66%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 26,031
Accepted: 68%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 66%
Returning Freshmen: 83%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
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Admissions: (518) 442- 5435
Email Address: ugadmissions
@ albany .edu
Strong Programs:
Public Policy and Management
Social Welfare
Criminal Justice
Business Administration
Creative Writing
Emergency Preparedness,
Homeland Security, and
Cybersecurity
Psychology
Communication
“This campus is friendly and
welcoming of individuals
of every race and sexual
orientation.”
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660 SUNY– UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY
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service learning, and a creative component. Senior honors students design and
complete a yearlong research or creative project. About 12 percent of students take
advantage of UAlbany’s superior offerings in foreign study, which include programs
in 40 countries, plus hundreds of other options available through the SUNY system.
“This campus is friendly and welcoming of individuals of every race and sexual
orientation,” says a sociology major. Four percent of undergraduates come from
states outside New York, and another 7 percent come from foreign countries. Black
students make up 22 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 19 percent,
Asian Americans 9 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. UAlbany makes
available merit scholarships, averaging $4,200, and roughly 200 athletic scholar-
ships in 18 sports. Forty- five percent of first- year students are Pell- eligible. Thanks to
New York State’s Excelsior Scholarship program, in- state residents whose annual
household income does not exceed $125,000 qualify for free tuition.
Fifty- two percent of students live in university housing; first- year students are
required to live in dorms, where the rooms are described as small but “satisfactory.”
Upperclassmen can choose from a variety of housing options, including the new
Empire Commons, which offers four- bedroom
apartments. Living/learning communities allow
incoming freshmen who share similar interests or
majors to live together in the same residence hall and take some courses together.
Many students move off campus because “the transportation system to and from
campus is convenient and the cost of apartments is as cheap or cheaper than living
on campus,” explains a junior. Students on the main campus take their meals at the
Indian or State quads or at the recently remodeled Campus Center, while most down-
towners live and eat at Alumni Quad. “The Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence is a
fantastic resource for students and is quite effective,” says a sophomore.
“Our school has a vibrant social life on and off campus,” says a senior. “There are
multiple clubs and events on campus, and downtown Albany also has a good social
scene, such as clubs and restaurants.” Students have more than 250 clubs and organi-
zations to choose from, many of which are involved in community service. While
most people are serious about their work, a UAlbany weekend starts on Thursday night
for many, with off- campus parties or barhopping about town. Students warn that alco-
hol policies forbidding underage drinking are strict and well enforced. Fraternities and
sororities attract just 1 percent of the men and 1 percent of the women, yet they have
become the school’s main party- throwers. Parkfest is a huge all- school concert that
brings in well- known as well as up- and- coming bands. The natural resources of the
upstate region keep students busy skiing and hiking, and the Student Association owns
and operates Dippikill, a wilderness retreat described as UAlbany’s “own little Walden”
in the Adirondacks. Treks to Montreal and Saratoga are also popular.
As for varsity sports, most Great Danes teams play in the Division I America
East Conference. The men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams
have dominated the conference, claiming dozens of championships in recent years.
Men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, and women’s basketball are also highly
competitive. Intramurals and club sports engender a great deal of student enthusi-
asm, and participation numbers in the thousands.
The University at Albany is not the concrete, sterile diploma mill it may appear
to be. It’s a place of opportunity for those willing to put in the hours and hard work.
As one veteran cautions, “You can find an outlet here for even the most obscure
interest, but this is not a school that will educate you when you’re not looking.”
The College
of Emergency
Preparedness,
Homeland Security,
and Cybersecurity
is the first of its
kind in the nation.
“Downtown Albany has a
good social scene.”
The natural resources
of the upstate region
keep students busy
skiing and hiking.
Overlaps
SUNY– Binghamton,
SUNY– Stony Brook,
SUNY– Plattsburgh,
SUNY– Buffalo,
SUNY– New Paltz,
SUNY– Oneonta,
College of Saint
Rose
If You Apply To ›
SUNY– Albany: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
SUNY– Albany’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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SUNY– BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY 661
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
SUNY– Binghamton University
P.O. Box 6001, Binghamton, NY 13902- 6000
Binghamton has become one of the premier public universities in the Northeast
because of its outstanding academics and commitment to undergraduates. It is writing
the rules on how to integrate global awareness and international experiences into
undergraduate study. If 100,000 screaming fans on a Saturday afternoon tickles your
fancy, head 200 miles southwest to Penn State.
Since its founding in 1946, Binghamton University has offered a private- school
experience at a public- school price, even for out- of- staters. With more than 450
clubs and an emphasis on small classes— 48 percent of those taken by undergradu-
ates have fewer than 20 students— it’s no wonder that students who apply here are
also considering schools such as Cornell and NYU. Binghamton offers an intellec-
tually challenging environment with an emphasis on global experiences, including
education abroad opportunities in more than 100 countries, area studies programs
that focus on specific regions of the world, and the unique Languages Across the
Curriculum program. “The biggest complaint,” muses one student, “is the one thing
that no one can change: the weather.”
Binghamton’s campus sits on 930 acres of open grassy space and includes a
nature preserve, trails, fountains, and a pond. The oldest buildings date from 1958,
so the prevailing architectural style is modern and “functional.” Some students say
that, from the air, the circular campus bears a
striking resemblance to the human brain, but
administrators insist that’s merely a coincidence.
A slew of renovations and construction, includ-
ing two residential communities, science and technology buildings, a major renova-
tion of the University Union, and the addition of a $60 million baseball stadium
complex, has given the campus an up- to- date feel. A 13- acre Health Sciences Campus,
located a short drive from the main campus, includes the School of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Sciences building, the Health Sciences Building, and a new research
facility for the pharmacy school.
Students apply to one of the university’s five schools with undergraduate pro-
grams: the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Harpur College of
Arts and Sciences, the College of Community and Public Affairs, the School of
Management, and the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science
(named for the founder of IBM). Regardless of the school they choose, students face
the same general education requirements, which span four categories: language and
communication, creating a global vision, liberal arts (including sciences, mathe-
matics, aesthetics, and humanities), and physical activity and wellness. The Student
Transition and Success program provides first- year students with peer mentors and
assistance in exploring experiential learning opportunities and career paths.
Popular majors include integrative neuroscience, psychology, economics, bio-
logical sciences, and accounting. Business administration and engineering majors
are strong, and minors in global studies and health and wellness studies are well
regarded. More than 50 combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs are available,
and the pharmacy school offers guaranteed acceptance to its Pharm.D. program to
academically eligible incoming students. Students have the option to design their
own majors via the Individualized Major Program in Harpur College. Binghamton’s
academic reputation is enhanced by a tough grading policy, which includes pluses
and minuses as well as straight letter grades and Fs on the transcripts of failing
Website: www .binghamton
.edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 16,547
Undergraduates: 14,080
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 79%
Pell Grant: 28%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 51%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 41,642
Accepted: 42%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (607) 777- 2171
Email Address: admit @
binghamton .edu
Strong Programs:
Area Studies
Foreign Languages
Business Administration
Engineering
Integrative Neuroscience
Psychology
Economics
Biological Sciences
“Beating the test is usually
more important than
beating other students.”
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students rather than no credit. “Students are usually self- motivated and coopera-
tive,” says a sophomore. “Beating the test is usually more important than beating
other students.” According to a biology major, “There are some great teachers here
and some not so great. All faculty members, however, have made themselves very
accessible.”
Binghamton operates student exchanges with universities around the world and
directly sponsors more than 50 study abroad programs in locations as diverse as the
UK, Costa Rica, India, Ghana, South Korea, and Australia. “Study abroad at
Binghamton is huge!” says an English major. Twenty- two percent of students study
abroad at some point in their undergraduate careers. Undergraduate research is also
emphasized here (39 percent of students participate), and the invitation- only First-
Year Research Immersion program involves enriched courses taught by teams of
faculty from multiple STEM disciplines. Faculty- supervised independent research,
often culminating in a senior honors thesis, is common in Harpur College. The
Source Project allows first- year students to conduct original research in social sci-
ences and the humanities. The Binghamton University Scholars Program is a four-
year honors program offering special seminars and leadership training to exceptional
students, along with opportunities for experiential learning and junior- and senior-
year capstone projects.
Although Binghamton offers a top- notch liberal arts and sciences education,
word of its excellence has been slow to cross state lines: only 10 percent of under-
graduates come from states beyond New York, and another 3 percent hail from for-
eign nations. By other measures, though,
Binghamton’s student body is rather diverse:
Black students make up 5 percent of the total,
Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, Asian Americans
17 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. “The biggest social and political
issues on campus relate to social equality,” a student reports. “Students at Binghamton
are very proactive, and we hold meetings that raise questions and provoke ideas.”
The university has taken several steps in recent years to create a more inclusive
campus environment, including the establishment of an LGBTQ center and the
addition of a vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Binghamton offers
merit scholarships and grants worth an average of $8,900, as well as roughly 300 full
or partial athletic scholarships in 21 sports. Under the state’s Excelsior Scholarship
program, New York residents from families earning $125,000 or less per year qualify
for free tuition.
About half of Binghamton’s students live in the residence halls, most of which
have traditional double rooms with bathrooms down the hall or suites with common
rooms and shared bathrooms. As one student explains, “Binghamton models the
housing system after Oxford. We have six differ-
ent residential communities, comprised of two
to five buildings each. This makes a rather large
university seem smaller and more comfortable.”
One community consists of two apartment- style buildings for upperclassmen. Each
community is led by a collegiate professor who helps link students’ residential and
academic experiences, and each has its own set of traditions. Dining halls have
plenty of options, and students report feeling safe while trekking around the univer-
sity grounds. “The university works hard to make our campus feel like a home; stu-
dents have enough to worry about, and safety does not need to be one of those
things,” a senior says.
When the weekend comes, Binghamton students know how to let off steam. On
campus, a senior says, “The options are endless: bowling, concerts, performances,
Late Nite Binghamton, sports, and much more.” Late Nite Binghamton brings free
The Source Project
allows first- year
students to conduct
original research in
social sciences and
the humanities.
“The biggest complaint is
the one thing that no one
can change: the weather.”
“The university works hard
to make our campus feel
like a home.”
Late Nite Binghamton
brings free movies,
games, a coffee
bar, and other
nonalcoholic fun
to campus.
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SUNY– UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO 663
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movies, games, a coffee bar, and other nonalcoholic fun to campus from 8 p.m.
until 1 a.m. every Friday and Saturday. Frat parties occur off campus; 15 percent
of the men and 16 percent of the women go Greek. One student emphasizes that
Greek life is “not something that defines you at this school.” While some underage
students manage to find alcohol, any caught violating the school’s policy “will be
taken care of accordingly,” says a senior. Annual campus traditions include Stepping
on the Coat (to celebrate the arrival of warm weather), the Spring Fling carnival, and
Senior Days.
Binghamton itself is “far from the most exciting place on earth, but the commu-
nity is still alive and has its own distinct pulse,” according to a biomedical engineer-
ing major. The downtown area offers restaurants and bars, and “many students
volunteer with local groups, such as food drives and mentoring children,” says a
nursing major. Popular road trips include Ithaca and Syracuse, as well as Cortland
and Oneonta, about an hour away by car.
Binghamton teams compete in Division I, but the school doesn’t field a foot-
ball squad. As a result, perhaps the most significant rivalry is with Cornell in men’s
lacrosse. Women’s basketball, volleyball, and softball and men’s cross- country,
tennis, and baseball are competitive in the America East Conference. Binghamton’s
debate team is among the best in the nation, and computer science students excel
in the FAA National Design Competition. Intramurals, club sports, and fitness pro-
grams attract about 80 percent of the student body.
With a four- year graduation rate that is among the highest of any public univer-
sity, Binghamton has a reputation for an excellent education at a reasonable price
that continues to draw smart New Yorkers to its vibrant and growing campus.
Despite the hubbub of city life, the university maintains a cozy feel. Says one happy
senior, “When you walk on the campus, you instantly feel at home and a huge sense
of camaraderie.”
A slew of renovations
and construction has
given the campus an
up- to- date feel.
Overlaps
Clemson, Miami
(OH), UC Santa
Barbara, UC Santa
Cruz, William
& Mary, Boston
University, Cornell
University, NYU
If You Apply To ›
SUNY– Binghamton: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
SUNY– Binghamton’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
SUNY– University at Buffalo
15 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260
The largest and most academically comprehensive of SUNY’s four university centers,
Buffalo is also one of the system’s two flagship universities, along with Stony Brook.
Majority of students come from Western New York and New York City, and a high
percentage commute from home. Working to set itself apart with the visibility that
comes from bigtime Division I sports, including football. Great place for poets.
As part of the mammoth State University of New York system, the University at Buffalo
is working hard to ensure it gets noticed. Very few universities share UB’s strength in
medicine, engineering, and computer science, and the university is one of the world’s
leading supercomputer sites. Its resources are large enough to warrant three campuses:
North, South, and Downtown. In addition to the sciences, the former private univer-
sity offers strong professional schools, including a top- ranked school of pharmacy.
“As large as we are, we have a very diverse and welcoming atmosphere,” says a senior.
Website: www .buffalo .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 26,348
Undergraduates: 19,046
Male/Female: 54/46
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664 SUNY– UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
UB traces its heritage to 1846 when it was founded as a private college, led by
future U.S. president Millard Fillmore, that evolved into a large university and in
1962 became part of the newly established SUNY system. (UB recently removed
Fillmore’s name from some campus landmarks
due to his support as U.S. president of the Fugitive
Slave Act of 1850.) The university’s North
Campus, home to most undergraduate programs,
stretches across 1,100 acres in the suburbs just outside the city line and boasts build-
ings designed by world- renowned architects such as I. M. Pei. Meanwhile, the South
Campus, along Main Street, favors collegiate ivy- covered buildings and is the home
of the schools of architecture, pharmacy, nursing, and public health, as well as UB’s
highly rated dentistry program. The university provides connecting bus service—
known as the UB Stampede— between the North and South campuses. UB’s six main
libraries, which are the most comprehensive in the SUNY system, hold more than
four million volumes and the James Joyce Collection, the largest Joyce collection in
the world. The university continues building and renovating at a steady pace, and
the new One World Café, an international eatery with seating for more than 500
students situated at the heart of the North Campus, opened in 2022.
The general education program, known as the UB Curriculum, includes a small-
group UB Seminar for all new students; required coursework in diversity, writing,
math, and natural sciences; Pathways that allow students to explore interests the-
matically; and a Capstone e-portfolio aimed at integrating their learning. “First- year
seminars and classes help make the college transition a successful and enjoyable
one,” says a sociology major. The engineering and business management schools
are nationally prominent, and architecture is solid. Occupational and physical
therapy programs are also quite good, while the English department is notable for
its emphasis on poetry. Well- known poets visit the campus frequently, and stu-
dents not only compose and read poetry but study the art of performing it as well.
Music, geography, and French are well regarded. Of UB’s 140- plus undergraduate
majors, some of the most popular are psychology, social sciences, engineering, busi-
ness administration/marketing, and nursing. The university offers more than 70
combined bachelor’s/master’s degrees (such as a five- year business administration
B.S./M.B.A.) and numerous interdisciplinary majors, as well as opportunities for self-
designed majors. Many undergrads study abroad, choosing from more than 700
options available through the SUNY system.
Students agree that the academic atmosphere in most disciplines at UB is com-
petitive. “Success through hard work and innovative thinking is really stressed,”
says an occupational therapy major. “You are measured against your peers in many
classes and labs.” Class sizes can get quite large, which can be an adjustment for first-
years, but 39 percent of all undergraduate courses have fewer than 20 students. At a
school where graduate education and research
get lots of the attention, the faculty are often
experts in their field, but, an international busi-
ness major says, “Students oftentimes do not
build relationships with professors.” Given the sheer size of the school and the mul-
titude of opportunities, a junior says, “It’s easy to get lost or confused.” UB’s Finish
in 4 program seeks to alleviate these challenges and help students graduate on time,
in part by expanding course availability and curricular plans. Students say the Career
Design Center is the most helpful of UB’s student support services. Students accepted
into the UB Honors College enjoy smaller classes, priority class registration, faculty
mentors, and specialized advising.
“Students like to be involved but at the same time are very studious,” says one
senior. “They also like to party.” Eighty- five percent hail from New York State, and
“As large as we are, we
have a very diverse and
welcoming atmosphere.”
(continued)
Financial Aid: 64%
Pell Grant: 37%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 58%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 30,939
Accepted: 68%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 84%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (716) 645- 6900
Email Address:
ub -admissions @ buffalo .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Business
Architecture
Occupational and Physical
Therapy
English
Music
Geography
French
“Success through hard work
and innovative thinking is
really stressed.”
Students say the
Career Design Center
is the most helpful
of UB’s student
support services.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
13 percent come from nations outside the U.S. Black students account for 9 percent
of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans 17 percent, and
multiracial students 3 percent. The campus is socioeconomically diverse as well,
with 37 percent of entering first- years qualifying for Pell Grants. UB’s considerable
efforts in increasing awareness of diversity include the Intercultural and Diversity
Center and the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Campus politics tend to
lean left. Merit scholarships are offered to the top incoming students, and athletes
compete for nearly 300 athletic scholarships. In- state residents qualify for free tui-
tion under the state’s Excelsior Scholarship program, provided their family’s annual
income is $125,000 or less.
Thirty percent of students live on campus in traditional residence halls or apart-
ments for upper- class students; the rest commute from home or find less expensive
apartments nearby. Most of the on- campus dwellers reside on the North Campus.
Gender- inclusive housing is available for students who wish to live in a mixed-
gender housing environment. Students have a smorgasbord of dining choices rang-
ing from three dining halls to more than 35 food courts, restaurants, and snack
stops, including local favorite Tim Hortons. “Everything is clean, well organized,
with great service and fantastic food,” cheers a junior. Students report that security
on campus is adequate, and sexual assault cases are “definitely not taken lightly.”
“The social life is really split between on and off campus,” explains a social sci-
ences major. School- sponsored events and activities organized by the more than 400
student organizations keep students busy during the week. Alcohol is allowed on
campus for students 21 and over. The university
recently enacted new anti- hazing and oversight
regulations for the Greek system, to which 1 per-
cent of UB men and 2 percent of women belong.
Many students gravitate to the downtown area
on the weekends; “Downtown Buffalo is super fun and young,” says a sophomore.
Friday night happy hour centers on beer and the chicken wings that spread the fame
of Buffalo cuisine. Also popular are the Albright- Knox Art Gallery, with its world-
renowned collection of modern art, and the Triple- A baseball Bisons, who play
downtown. The two major pro teams, the Buffalo Bills (football) and the Sabres
(hockey), are both top draws.
The winters are cold in Buffalo, but students can take refuge inside a series of
enclosed elevated walkways that connect most of the North Campus academic
buildings. The flip side is that the outlying areas of the city offer great skiing, skat-
ing, and snowmobiling— and the ski club even offers free rides to the slopes. Having
a car might be a good idea— “to go off campus, it is unfortunately a trek,” says one
student, but others warn that parking can be a problem on campus. Although most
students are content to stay in Buffalo, those who want a change of scenery can
drive to Niagara Falls, just a few minutes away, or to Rochester, Cleveland, or
Toronto, where the drinking age is lower. “The best road trip is 10 minutes to
Canada,” says an anthropology and geology double major.
UB has been trying to enhance its visibility by getting its name on the sports
pages. It is the only major SUNY unit to field a Division I football team; fans pack
into the school’s 30,000- seat football stadium. The Bulls men’s and women’s bas-
ketball teams are the most successful, often making NCAA tournament appearances.
Men’s and women’s track and field and women’s swimming are also competitive.
Intramural sports are popular, especially soccer and Oozefest— a massive mud-
volleyball tournament that draws students, faculty, staff, and alumni. “Oozefest is
probably our number one tradition,” says a senior. “Tons of teams sign up, dress in
costume, and start playing early in the morning.”
At a university as large as UB, students learn to take initiative with their
Friday night happy
hour centers on beer
and the chicken wings
that spread the fame
of Buffalo cuisine.
“[At Oozefest], tons of
teams sign up, dress in
costume, and start playing
early in the morning.”
The university
offers more than 70
combined bachelor’s/
master’s degrees.
Overlaps
University of
Pittsburgh,
University of Iowa,
SUNY– Stony Brook,
Rutgers, UC Irvine,
SUNY– Albany,
SUNY– Binghamton,
Cornell University
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education, and students here say they appreciate UB’s huge range of academic pro-
grams, research resources, and social events. Says one satisfied senior, “UB is a school
that provides people from all walks of life the opportunity to obtain a quality edu-
cation and experience diversity firsthand.”
If You Apply To ›
University at Buffalo: Early action, rolling admissions. Please consult UB’s website for the most up- to- date information
regarding standardized test requirements. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
SUNY– College at Geneseo
1 College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454
BEST
BUY
Geneseo is a preferred option for New Yorkers who want the feel of a private liberal
arts college at a public- school price. It is similar in scale to Mary Washington and
William & Mary in Virginia, much smaller than Miami of Ohio. Offers business and
education in addition to the liberal arts and sciences. Less than 5 percent of the
students come from outside New York.
The SUNY– College at Geneseo offers a serious academic environment at an afford-
able price. This public institution attracts high achievers who “tend to be friendly,
liberal, and hardworking,” says a junior. Responsive, attentive professors help com-
pensate for the long winters and somewhat isolated location. Excellent preprofes-
sional programs make admission competitive for this most pastoral campus of the
State University of New York system.
Geneseo sits in the scenic Genesee Valley of western New York. Founded as a public
teacher training college in 1871, it became part of the emerging SUNY system in 1948.
The surrounding community has been designated
a National Historic Landmark Community. An
elementary education major calls the town “small
and inviting” and says the historic storefronts and
nearby forests and rolling hills make for “beautiful
scenery.” Campus architecture ranges from Gothic to modern, and recent campus
improvements include an outdoor sports stadium and an ongoing renovation of the
Milne Library, expected to be completed in 2024.
General education requirements have been reformed and the program dubbed
“A Geneseo Education for a Connected World.” Students complete foundational
courses in scientific and quantitative reasoning, communication, and five courses
in participation in a global society. Every student also completes an integrative
and applied learning project before graduation, which might involve research,
community engagement, internships, study abroad, or other opportunities. All
first- year students take a writing seminar in a small class, focusing on a theme
related to the instructor’s discipline. Popular majors include psychology, commu-
nication, business administration, and accounting. Biology, physics, geography,
education, and business (especially accounting) are strengths. New and rapidly
growing majors include data analytics, sustainability studies, and neuroscience.
Cooperative programs with other SUNY campuses in physical therapy, optometry,
engineering, and other fields allow students to finish their graduate degrees a year
ahead of schedule.
Website: www .geneseo .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 4,010
Undergraduates: 3,970
Male/Female: 35/65
Financial Aid: 55%
Pell Grant: 28%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 64%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 9,069
Accepted: 75%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (585) 245- 5571
Email Address: admissions @
geneseo .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Physics
Geography
Education
Business Administration
“Many professors are
welcoming and willing
to answer questions and
interact with students.”
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“Geneseo is challenging but never unreasonable,” says a sophomore.
Thirty- four percent of the classes have fewer than 20 students, and the qual-
ity of teaching is said to be generally high, especially in upper- level courses.
“Many professors are welcoming and willing to answer questions and interact
with students,” says an accounting major. Top students are invited to join the
prestigious Edgar Fellows scholarship program, which includes a $2,000 annual
scholarship, five honors courses, and an opportunity to complete a senior thesis
or a research, creative, or service project. Thirty percent of all undergrads under-
take research projects. The acclaimed Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership
Development program, which is open to all students, seeks to prepare students
for college and community leadership roles via workshops and symposia. For
students wishing to study abroad, the college offers around 60 programs in more
than 30 nations; through other SUNY campuses, students have access to more
than 1,000 programs.
Ninety- eight percent of Geneseo students are from New York State, and 1 per-
cent come from abroad. Asian Americans make up 3 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latinos 7 percent, Black students 4 percent, and multiracial students
1 percent. Geneseo is “a blue school in a red town,” according to a junior, but the
political climate doesn’t usually get heated. “Students tend to care about each other
and treat each other with respect,” says a senior. Geneseo offers merit scholarships
averaging $2,000 each to qualified first- year students but no athletic awards. New
York State’s Excelsior Scholarship grants free tuition to in- state students whose fam-
ilies earn up to $125,000 in annual income.
Nearly 55 percent of Geneseo students live in the residence halls and town-
houses, where 19 living/learning communities are available for interested students.
Rooms are guaranteed for four years, although most upperclassmen choose to move
off campus. The Red Jacket Dining Complex has
been renovated, and a senior reports, “The qual-
ity of meals has been improving every semester.”
Students say that, given its small- town location, the campus is safe, and an English
major notes that Geneseo has “stepped up its educational resources on sexual con-
sent for incoming students.”
“We do not have a huge nightlife, but there is a very charming Geneseo social
scene,” says a psychology major. “There are a lot of activities on campus as well as
great festivals and events in the town itself.” Fraternities and sororities, which draw
16 percent of the men and 22 percent of the women, set the social tone and host
most of the parties. “Greek life is a loud, influential minority,” says one student.
If Greek life doesn’t appeal, students can get involved in any of the more than
180 student organizations or partake in college- sponsored late- night activities at
the College Union. Students are active in the community, volunteering thousands
of hours of service each year through annual days of service, events like Relay For
Life, and numerous student groups. Students also look forward to annual fall and
spring festivals, GREAT Day (a celebration of student research and creative work),
and monthly multicultural club dinners and shows.
Adjacent to campus, the town of Geneseo’s Main Street has more than 60
shops, restaurants, and cafés. A campus shuttle takes students to a nearby Wegmans
supermarket and Walmart. Outdoorsy types appreciate the nearby Letchworth State
Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East”; rowers enjoy beautiful
Conesus Lake, only a 10- minute drive from campus. Popular road trips include
Rochester, 30 miles north, and Buffalo, 60 miles west; don’t forget your hat, mit-
tens, and parka!
About 40 percent of Geneseo students participate in recreational sports,
including men’s and women’s rugby, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and volleyball.
(continued)
Accounting
Psychology
Communication
Top students are
invited to join the
prestigious Edgar
Fellows scholarship
program, which
includes a $2,000
annual scholarship.
“Once you are here, you
must work hard.”
Students look forward
to the annual GREAT
Day, a celebration
of student research
and creative work.
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668 PURCHASE COLLEGE, SUNY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Geneseo’s varsity teams, the Knights, compete in Division III. Men’s ice hockey
and women’s basketball are nationally competitive, while men’s and women’s
cross- country and swimming and diving are perennial conference champions. Ice
hockey, though, stirs up the most school spirit: “Hockey is huge here,” confirms
a senior.
The SUNY– College at Geneseo offers students the best of two worlds. Given its
size, professors can provide the kind of personal attention normally seen only at
private liberal arts colleges; because of its public status, all that attention comes at a
bargain price. These factors have made it competitive— and, it turns out, getting in
is only half the battle. “Students are very serious about their education,” says a soph-
omore. “Once you are here, you must work hard.”
Overlaps
SUNY– Binghamton,
Ithaca, Syracuse,
SUNY– Buffalo,
University of
Rochester, Mary
Washington,
William & Mary,
SUNY– Albany
If You Apply To ›
SUNY– Geneseo: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supple-
ment. Theater and music applicants must audition. Arts applicants must submit a portfolio.
Purchase College, SUNY
735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577
One of the few public institutions that has a strong arts specialty. The visual and
performing arts are signature programs, but many students also come to Purchase
for a robust range of liberal arts offerings, from environmental studies and psychology
to film and creative writing. Proximity to NYC enhances academic and social
opportunities. Eclectic campus life offers funky traditions and an active music scene.
Purchase College, SUNY is a dream come true for aspiring artists of all kinds— an aca-
demic environment that provides a strong sense of community yet celebrates indi-
viduals for their unique talents and contributions. The liberal arts are well supported
here, too, with a growing number of academic opportunities. Purchase’s location just
30 miles north of New York City is ideal for its creative, socially conscious students,
who take full advantage of the endless cultural and professional opportunities the city
has to offer. A literature major says, “There’s a raw energy that exists on campus— in
the students and professors— that I don’t think many other colleges have.”
Set on a 500- acre wooded estate in an area of upscale Westchester County’s most
scenic suburbia, Purchase has a campus described by one student as “sleek, modern,
ominous, and brick.” The college, founded in 1967 to serve as a “cultural gem” in
the SUNY system, has earned a national reputa-
tion for its instruction in music, dance, theatre,
and visual arts. Almost all the faculty members
in the School of the Arts are professionals who
perform or exhibit regularly in the New York metropolitan area, and the spacious,
dazzling facilities here rank among the best in the world. The college also boasts the
Neuberger Museum, one of the largest public college museums. The four- theater
Performing Arts Center is huge, and dance students, whose building contains a
dozen studios, whirlpool rooms, and a “body- correction” facility, may never again
work in such splendid and well- equipped surroundings.
Mingling with highly motivated and talented performers and artists can make
some students in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences feel a little out of place,
Website: www .purchase .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 2,956
Undergraduates: 2,892
Male/Female: 41/59
Financial Aid: 79%
Pell Grant: 34%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 73%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 5,528
Accepted: 78%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 64%
Returning Freshmen: 78%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (914) 251- 6300
Email Address: admissions @
purchase .edu
“There’s a raw energy that
exists on campus— in the
students and professors.”
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PURCHASE COLLEGE, SUNY 669
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and the academic atmosphere reportedly varies between programs. “Dancers, actors,
visual artists, and music students pull the most weight as far as campus life is con-
cerned,” opines a student. Even so, about 60 percent of Purchase students pursue
liberal arts degrees. Environmental studies, biology, film, creative writing, and new
media have strong reputations, and psychology, playwriting and screenwriting, and
communication are other popular choices. An arts management major prepares stu-
dents to develop, manage, and produce artists and performers.
Regardless of their chosen school or degree program, all Purchase students com-
plete the same core curriculum, which requires coursework in seven knowledge areas
including the arts and humanities; communication; world languages; mathematics
and quantitative reasoning; diversity, equity, and inclusion, and social justice; natu-
ral sciences and scientific reasoning. When they arrive in the fall, most new students
take an introductory First- Year Seminar. Students in the liberal arts and sciences
complete a senior project, which is often research- based, while those in the arts divi-
sions undertake a senior recital or show. Purchase students tend to be serious about
their own personal achievements, and with 74 percent of classes enrolling fewer
than 20 students, professors are said to be accessible and friendly. “The professors
are engaged, extremely qualified, and very interested in our education,” says a stu-
dent. Faculty members lead short- term study abroad programs during the summer
on such topics as art history and language in Italy and political theater in Prague;
affiliated programs in the SUNY system provide access to hundreds of other options.
One student describes Purchase students as “artsy, creative, hippies, gay, vegans,
and open- minded, liberal activists.” Another adds, “Purchase is a very judgment- free
zone, and we are proud of that.” Eighty- two percent of students are from New York
State, most from New York City and Westchester and Rockland counties. Others are
from Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut; 4 percent are international. Black
students account for 13 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 26 percent,
Asian Americans 4 percent, and multiracial students 6 percent. Thirty- four percent
of freshmen are eligible for Pell Grants. In addition to need- based aid, merit scholar-
ships averaging $2,800 are awarded each year on the basis of academic achieve-
ments, auditions, and portfolios. New York residents from families whose annual
incomes are below $125,000 can attend Purchase tuition- free under the state’s
Excelsior Scholarship program.
Seventy percent of Purchase students live on campus, and a student explains,
“There are older and newer dorms, and their condition definitely reflects their age.”
Options are improving, however, with a 300- bed residence hall that recently opened,
and plans are in the works to renovate some of
the older facilities. With quirky names like
Wayback, Farside, and Fort Awesome, the dorms
at least sound like fun places to live. Housing in
the surrounding suburbs is expensive and hard to find, so many students commute
from home. The dining facilities are said to offer decent fare, and the college has
expanded its resources and educational programming related to student safety.
The campus is a neighbor to the world headquarters of major corporations like
IBM and PepsiCo, and the town of Purchase is by no means student- oriented. A
campus shuttle takes students to nearby White Plains and Port Chester and to the
Metro North station where they can catch a train to the Big Apple. The school has
been working in recent years to strengthen campus life, and students say those efforts
are paying off. A senior explains, “Most excitement takes place on campus, so you
never have to leave, but being so close to the city is a huge benefit!” A lively music
scene brings indie and up- and- coming bands to campus throughout the year, and
the Performing Arts Center regularly hosts student, faculty, and guest performances.
New York artists and celebrities also visit for lectures, performances, and other events.
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Music
Dance
Theatre
Visual Arts
Environmental Studies
Biology
Film
Creative Writing
Purchase’s location
just 30 miles north
of New York City
is ideal for its
creative, socially
conscious students.
“[Purchase is the] fun,
weird cousin of the SUNY
schools.”
With quirky names
like Wayback, Farside,
and Fort Awesome, the
dorms at least sound
like fun places to live.
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670 SUNY– STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
With about 50 active clubs on campus, there is usually something going on in the
Student Center (a.k.a. “the Stood”). Fraternities and sororities are definitely out.
Purchase is not without its traditions, although even these tend to be unconven-
tional: Fall Ball (“a giant drag show”), Zombie Prom (“a literal prom where people use
fake blood and wear tattered clothes like zombies”), and the Culture Shock music
festival (“carnival rides, food trucks and vendors, petting zoos, and performances by
famous people”).
Purchase fields 17 varsity sports that compete in the Division III Skyline
Conference. The few competitive Panthers teams include men’s basketball, men’s
and women’s tennis, and baseball. Intramural and club sports draw about 30 per-
cent of students and range from the typical basketball and soccer to the not- so-
typical Nerf club and circus skills club.
As the “fun, weird cousin of the SUNY schools,” as one senior puts it, Purchase
is a perfect place to study the arts and still be able to indulge in academics of all
kinds or vice versa. “It’s a great place to come and devote yourself to your craft,” says
a senior. Indeed, the opportunity that Purchase offers for a personalized, diverse
education is unique within the SUNY system.
Overlaps
SUNY– New Paltz,
CUNY– Hunter,
SUNY– Albany,
NYU, Skidmore,
Pace, Syracuse,
Ithaca
If You Apply To ›
SUNY– Purchase: Early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with sup-
plement. Apply to particular school or program. Auditions held for acting, dance, and music. Portfolios required for art and
design, creative writing, film, and theater design/technology.
SUNY– Stony Brook University
118 Administration Building, Stony Brook, NY 11794
BEST
BUY
Strategically located 60 miles east of New York City, Stony Brook is one of the
academic leaders of the SUNY system. The natural sciences, engineering, and health
fields are the major drawing cards. Situated in the lap of Long Island luxury, Stony
Brook offers easy access to beachfront playlands. Still caters mainly to students
from the New York tristate area.
As one of two flagship universities in the SUNY system, Stony Brook aims to be the
model of a student- centered research university. Its three Undergraduate Colleges pro-
vide a small college community experience with all the assets of a leading research
university. Since its founding in 1957, the public university has made a name for itself
with its top- notch programs in the hard sciences. It has also become known for the
high quality of its professors and its challenging but supportive learning environment.
The school’s location on Long Island’s plush North Shore is a powerful drawing
point. Sitting on 1,040 wooded acres just outside of the small, picturesque village of
Stony Brook and only 90 minutes from New York
City and half an hour from the beaches of the
South Shore, the campus is a conglomeration of
redbrick buildings interspersed with several
modern brick and concrete designs. Campus
beautification and sustainability are priorities, and grass and trees have replaced
much of the uninspiring campus concrete. Recently completed construction includes
two residence halls and a dining facility.
Website: www .stonybrook .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 21,894
Undergraduates: 16,314
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 81%
Pell Grant: 41%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 46%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 40,513
Accepted: 49%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 78%
“Students are often studying
at one of our many libraries
here into the late hours of
the night.”
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SUNY– STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY 671
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The Stony Brook Curriculum is based on a series of learning outcomes and is orga-
nized into four categories: Demonstrate Versatility, Explore Interconnectedness,
Pursue Deeper Understanding, and Prepare for Lifelong Learning. Students also
take one class fulfilling a Respect Diversity and Foster Inclusiveness requirement.
All freshmen— residents and commuters alike— enter the university as members
of one of three Undergraduate Colleges. Each college has its own faculty direc-
tor, as well as both academic and residential advisors. Freshmen participate in
theme- based academic and cocurricular programs, which include two small sem-
inar courses.
Coming of age in the high- tech era, Stony Brook quickly became recognized for
its science departments. Facilities are extensive, and the science faculty includes a
number of internationally known researchers. The comprehensive university hos-
pital and research center make health science and nursing strong. The hospital,
which has been ranked among the nation’s best for teaching, attracts grants and
offers many opportunities for research programs for undergrads as well as graduate
students. Biology is the most popular major, followed by psychology, health sci-
ence, and business management. Engineering, geology, marine vertebrate biology,
physics, economics, and anthropology are also strengths. Stony Brook boasts the
first and only school of communication and journalism in the SUNY system. The
art program benefits from a fine arts building, complete with studios and a reference
library, that complements Stony Brook’s beautiful five- theater Staller Center for the
Arts and 5,000- square- foot Zuccaire Gallery. Every summer, the Stony Brook Film
Festival brings leading and emerging independent filmmakers to campus. A major in
creative writing and literature has been introduced, as have minors in professional
writing and film and screen studies.
“Students are often studying at one of our many libraries here into the late
hours of the night,” say a health science and psychology double major. And while
the coursework is difficult, “The majority of my professors have gone above and
beyond to help their students.” Classes can be large, with just 36 percent enrolling
fewer than 20 students.
An Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities program offers undergradu-
ates the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty members from the
time they are freshmen until they graduate. The
WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) pro-
gram encourages women entering the university
as freshmen to pursue study in the sciences, engi-
neering, and mathematics. The program pro-
vides mentoring from female professors in these
fields, as well as research experiences during the freshman year. Students rave about
Stony Brook’s study abroad programs (England, France, Italy, Japan, and Madagascar
are just some of the possibilities). Students can also choose established internships
in the fields of policy analysis, political science, psychology, foreign language, or
social welfare. University Scholars is a four- year honors program for students who
rank at the top of the incoming freshman class that offers specialized support, pro-
gramming, and events. Students praise the career advising on campus. “Career advi-
sors send out weekly emails and host job fairs where you’re able to learn about
specific jobs and internships for your major and your chosen career,” lauds a jour-
nalism major.
“Students at Stony Brook are diverse, hardworking, and very intelligent,” says a
junior. Eighty- three percent of Stony Brook undergraduates hail from New York, and
a good portion commute from Long Island homes; 10 percent arrive from foreign
countries. The student body is 6 percent Black, 15 percent Hispanic/Latino, 34 per-
cent Asian American, and 3 percent multiracial. “We have tons of organizations that
(continued)
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (631) 632- 6868
Email Address: enroll @
stonybrook .edu
Strong Programs:
Health Science
Nursing
Engineering
Geology
Marine Vertebrate Biology
Physics
Economics
Anthropology
“Career advisors send out
weekly emails and host job
fairs where you’re able to
learn about specific jobs
and internships.”
The WISE (Women
in Science and
Engineering) program
provides mentoring
and research
experiences during
the freshman year.
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672 SUNY– STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
focus on activism,” says a student. Merit scholarships averaging $5,600 are given out
each year, in addition to around 200 athletic scholarships. Roughly a third of Stony
Brook undergraduates receive Pell Grants. As at other SUNY schools, in- state stu-
dents at Stony Brook whose families earn $125,000 or less in annual income enjoy
free tuition under the state’s Excelsior Scholarship program.
Stony Brook, which has one of the largest residential programs in the SUNY
system, has a slew of robust facilities that provide students access to state- of- the-
art fitness centers, computing centers, and big- screen TVs. Half of undergrads live
in university housing. While residential freshmen must take a meal plan, upper-
classmen who live in suites on campus either opt for a flexible food- service plan or
pay a nominal fee to cook for themselves. Kosher and vegetarian food co- ops keep
interested students well supplied with cheap eats. The university’s Walk Service
Program escorts students around campus at night. “We sit through so many sexual
assault lectures and workshops and online courses, and it has honestly helped,”
says one student. “I found it comforting that everyone had to go through this and
understand it.”
“Stony Brook isn’t much of a party school,” says a sophomore. Because many
students go home on the weekends, students say the party scene is low- key. The
university has fairly strict policies on alcohol consumption, and “the policies are as
effective as possible with young students in col-
lege,” a student reports. The Greek system draws
just 3 percent of the men and 3 percent of the
women. Current and classic movies are screened during the week, and student
organizations coordinate other entertainment in the form of frequent concerts,
plays, and other performances. Annual traditions include the Wolfieland carnival
at the start of the school year and the homecoming football game. “In the spring,
we have Earthstock, a celebration of nature and recycling, and Strawberry Fest,
where there are different strawberry- themed foods for us to try,” explains a biomed-
ical engineering major. The Roth Pond Regatta, featuring cardboard boat races, is
another big social event.
“Stony Brook is a wealthy residential town that cannot be categorized as a ‘col-
lege town,’” one student says. Nearby Port Jefferson offers small shops and interest-
ing restaurants. Beachcombing on the nearby North Shore or on the Atlantic Ocean
shore of Long Island and heading into New York City are popular ways to pass the
weekends. Having a car on campus is helpful, but many students make do with
trains, and a station is conveniently located at the edge of campus.
Stony Brook’s 18 Division I teams compete in the Colonial Athletic Association.
The nationally ranked Seawolves women’s lacrosse team has dominated the con-
ference in recent years, and other champs include women’s basketball, women’s
soccer, and baseball. Intramurals, ranging from soccer and flag football to handball
and table tennis, provide one of the school’s greatest rallying points, and students
are also active in more than 40 club sports.
Though Stony Brook is not old enough to have ivy- covered walls, it does offer
some of the best academic opportunities in the SUNY system, especially in the sci-
ences. Students tout their school’s diversity and creativity, as well as the feeling of
hospitality that pervades campus life. Says a freshman, “There is a strong sense of
community here, and everyone wants to support each other in their endeavors.”
The Roth Pond
Regatta, featuring
cardboard boat
races, is another
big social event.
“Stony Brook isn’t much of
a party school.”
Overlaps
Rutgers, UConn,
University of
Pittsburgh, Georgia
Tech, UC San Diego,
SUNY– Binghamton,
NYU, SUNY– Buffalo
If You Apply To ›
SUNY– Stony Brook: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Stony Brook’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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STETSON UNIVERSITY 673
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Stetson University
421 N. Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32723
The oldest private university in Florida, Stetson keeps company with the likes of
Baylor and Furman among prominent Deep South institutions. Established the state’s
first schools of business, law, and music. Business and music are traditionally the
strongest programs. Feels more like a small college than a university.
Stetson University, founded in 1883 and named for the maker of the famed 10-
gallon hat, draws students from across the country with its small size and empha-
sis on experiential and liberal learning. Once a bastion of conservatism, the school
has become more liberal and interfaith since cutting ties with the Southern Baptists
in the 1990s. With top- notch business programs and strengths in music, health
sciences, psychology, environmental science, and digital arts, this private Florida
university continues to attract students who aren’t afraid to wear a variety of hats
during their stay.
Located halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson’s 185- acre
campus features mainly brick structures in Late Victorian and early 20th century
revival styles. While some modern buildings are scattered about, the theme is decid-
edly Southern, complete with century- old sabal palms and live oaks. The Carlton
Union Building, home to dining services and student activities, has been completely
renovated. A $19 million Brown Hall for Health & Innovation opened in 2023 and
allows Stetson to expand Health Sciences and Pre- Health programs.
Stetson has three undergraduate colleges and schools— music, business adminis-
tration, and arts and sciences— and its general education requirements apply to all
of them. All entering students take a First Year Seminar, which allows them to work
closely with Stetson faculty to ease the transition
to college. Freshmen who are undecided on a
major participate in the Discovery program, and
all students take a Junior Seminar that focuses on
personal and social responsibility. Seniors in the
College of Arts and Sciences must complete a faculty- mentored capstone research or
creative project, while music students perform a senior recital. Business students
take a strategic management course and complete two experiential learning activi-
ties, such as internships or leadership opportunities. Additionally, all students must
pass four writing or writing- enhanced courses in order to graduate.
Stetson is known for its business program and particularly majors in accounting,
professional sales, finance, and entrepreneurship. Would- be money managers bene-
fit from the award- winning Roland George Investments program, where they over-
see a portfolio worth $6 million in stocks and bonds. Students who hope to work for
themselves can tap into the Prince Entrepreneurship Program, which connects them
with successful business owners, while the Family Enterprise Center was one of the
first in the nation in educating students for work in family businesses. The digi-
tal arts program is well regarded for game design, and Russian, East European, and
Eurasian studies is a surprising strength. Stetson’s music school is notable (ahem) for
choral music and public performances in addition to academic programs in theory,
composition, music education, and performance. Aspiring lawyers may take advan-
tage of a 3+3 accelerated B.A./J.D. program or a 4+3 direct admission program with
Stetson’s College of Law.
“Stetson has a positive, well- balanced academic climate,” says a computer
science major. Seventy- five percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and
Website: www .stetson .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,468
Undergraduates: 2,470
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 43%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 58%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 7,344
Accepted: 94%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 64%
Returning Freshmen: 68%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (386) 822- 7100
Email Address: admissions @
stetson .edu
Strong Programs:
Accounting
Professional Sales
Finance
Entrepreneurship
Music
Health Sciences
Digital Arts
Russian, East European, and
Eurasian Studies
“The professors constantly
encourage you to take
on more projects and
research.”
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674 STETSON UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
group work is common in many disciplines. Professors are always willing to help,
and many have worked in the field they are teaching before stepping in front of
the lectern. “The professors constantly encourage you to take on more projects
and research, if you are interested, and push you within their classes,” says an
English major.
Students with wanderlust can choose from more than 100 faculty- led, exchange,
or affiliate programs, and international internships are an option too; 20 percent of
undergrads typically study abroad. Stetson’s honors program incorporates interna-
tional study, community service, and a senior colloquium and also allows students
to create their own majors. The Stetson Undergraduate Research Experience pro-
gram awards funding to students for summer research or creative projects with fac-
ulty members, and original student work is celebrated at the annual Stetson
Showcase.
“The majority of Stetson students are academically minded and community
driven,” says a health sciences major. Sixty- nine percent of Stetson Hatters come
from Florida, and 7 percent hail from foreign countries. Black students constitute
12 percent of the student body, Hispanics/
Latinos make up 20 percent, Asian Americans
add 2 percent, and multiracial students represent
6 percent. Many come from affluent families, but
43 percent of current freshmen are Pell- eligible.
Students of all faiths and identities are welcomed. A Hillel House opened in 2019,
and multicultural student organizations recently moved into a larger Cross- Cultural
Center, located in a renovated historic home on campus. Students describe a mix of
political views on campus. Merit scholarships and non- need- based grants averaging
$28,100 are awarded each year, and Stetson also hands out athletic scholarships in
18 sports.
Sixty- five percent of undergrads live in the residence halls, since everyone is
required to do so through junior year, except for commuters who live at home. “I
lived on campus all four years because I loved how connected it made me to my
campus and my peers,” comments a senior. Stetson’s traditional, buffet- style cafete-
ria is known as the Commons, and students say the meals are usually satisfactory,
with sufficient accommodations for those with dietary restrictions. Campus safety
receives good ratings. “The campus is well lit at night, and Public Safety is very pres-
ent,” reports a psychology major.
“Greek organizations are usually the place to find parties or connections to party
life,” says a junior, adding that “music organizations also offer a type of subculture
partying.” Fraternities attract 22 percent of the men and sororities draw 15 percent
of the women, but students say that tightened alcohol policies have pushed most
partying off campus to nearby apartments or bars. The Council for Student Activities
offers plenty of on- campus alternatives, bringing
in big- name acts, and students also get involved
in more than 100 student organizations. Students
look forward to annual homecoming events,
including a comedy show, a talent show, Greenfeather (aimed at promoting com-
munity service), and tailgating. Ninety- two percent of students participate in volun-
teer activities, often through service- learning courses. When your birthday rolls
around, it’s best to don your bathing suit— it’s a popular tradition for fellow students
to toss you into the midcampus Holler Fountain.
As for the “adorable, small Southern town” of DeLand (population 39,000), it
boasts “shops, galleries, and cafés” but only a handful of bars, so students often head
to Orlando (40 minutes from campus) or Daytona Beach (20 minutes) to eat out,
shop, or dance the night away. In addition to the omnipresent beaches, Blue Spring
Students who hope to
work for themselves
can tap into the Prince
Entrepreneurship
Program, which
connects them
with successful
business owners.
“I lived on campus all four
years because I loved how
connected it made me to
my campus and my peers.”
When your birthday
rolls around, it’s best
to don your bathing
suit— it’s a popular
tradition for fellow
students to toss you
into the midcampus
Holler Fountain.
“Stetson is very much a
‘what can we do for our
students’ school.”
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and DeLeon Springs offer canoeing and nature watching. Popular road trips include
Miami for clubbing and the Keys for camping.
The women’s beach volleyball program has been the standard- bearer for Stetson’s
Division I Hatters, taking home seven Atlantic Sun Conference titles in recent years.
Women’s tennis won the conference championship in 2022, and other solid teams
include men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball. The football team
competes in the Pioneer Football League against the likes of Butler and Davidson.
Rowing teams practice on picturesque Lake Beresford. The Hollis Wellness Center
offers fitness facilities, and roughly 23 percent of students participate in club and
intramural sports, ranging from E-sports and surfing to flag football.
Stetson students tip their hats to the one- on- one attention freely given at this
small Sunshine State university. “Stetson is very much a ‘what can we do for our
students’ school,” explains a junior. After four years spent enjoying great weather
and forming close friendships with peers and professors, students emerge with solid
academic foundations for future work or study.
Overlaps
Baylor, Furman,
Baldwin Wallace,
Butler, John
Carroll, Loyola
University New
Orleans, University
of Redlands,
Valparaiso
If You Apply To ›
Stetson: Early decision, early action I and II, rolling admission. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement. Application includes optional fields for gender identity and preferred pronouns.
Stevens Institute of Technology
1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Stevens ranks with Clarkson and Worcester Polytechnic among East Coast technical
institutes that offer intimacy and personalized education. Youth- oriented Hoboken
is a major plus and an easier commute to Manhattan than most places in Brooklyn.
Co- op program is a popular option. Plan to work hard.
At Stevens Institute of Technology, students accept intense classwork, all- nighters,
and trips to the Big Apple as givens. The school is located just across the Hudson
River from Manhattan, which means that students have the cultural, athletic, and
gastronomic resources of New York City at their fingertips. Engineering and the
sciences set the tone on campus— and even business, arts, and humanities programs
are taught through the lens of technology— but students seem prepared to take on
the challenge of balancing work and play.
An eclectic mix of architectural styles compose Stevens’s 55- acre campus. Many of
the residence halls and administrative buildings are redbrick; classroom and lab facilities
range from traditional, ivy- covered brownstones to modern glass- and- steel structures.
The ABS Engineering Center houses five labs
designed for robotics, naval engineering, structural
engineering, hydraulics, and other research. The
new, $256 million University Center Complex
boasts two residential towers housing 1,000 stu-
dents in suite- style accommodations; a university center with space for dining, fitness,
student clubs, and events; and outstanding views of Manhattan’s skyline. The largest
project in the school’s history, the complex nearly doubled the number of beds available
for on- campus housing.
Stevens was created in 1870 through the will of 19th- century inventor Edwin
Website: www .stevens .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 7,835
Undergraduates: 4,037
Male/Female: 68/32
Financial Aid: 96%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 70%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 12,500
Accepted: 46%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
“[The academic
environment is] very tech-
oriented, with a lot of
hands- on group work.”
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Stevens. It is organized into four schools— the Schaefer School of Engineering and
Science, the School of Business, the College of Arts and Letters, and the School
of Systems and Enterprises— and offers 35 majors. Most programs require calcu-
lus, chemistry, physics, and humanities courses. All entering students are required
to participate in the Freshman Experience, which is a sequence of two common
courses: Writing and Communication and Knowledge, Nature, Culture. The uni-
versity is in the process of creating a new core curriculum to further strengthen the
first- year experience. Most seniors take a yearlong capstone course.
Engineering has long been king of the hill at Stevens; programs in biomedical,
chemical, civil, computer, electrical, and naval engineering are all highly regarded,
as is the major in mechanical engineering, not surprising since the program dates
to the school’s founding. Business programs are growing in number and popular-
ity and include a major in quantitative finance, rare at the undergraduate level.
Other notable majors include computer science, cybersecurity, business and tech-
nology, music and technology, and visual arts and technology. A five- year co- op
program allows engineering and science students to incorporate full- time intern-
ships into their studies. Students describe the academic climate as challenging but
supportive. “It’s very tech- oriented, with a lot of hands- on group work,” says a
mechanical engineering major, adding, “It’s not for the faint of heart.” Forty- two
percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and students agree that, despite a
few professors more interested in their research than their teaching, the quality of
instruction is above average. “Professors have been great about offering resources
and office hours to help clear up topics that were covered in class,” comments a
junior.
Professional practice is an important part of the Stevens environment, with
nearly all students participating in cooperative education, internships, or mature
research and design projects. The Pinnacle Scholars Program, which invites top stu-
dents to participate in faculty- guided research or
an international experience during the summer,
comes with a stipend of up to $5,000, the option
to pursue an accelerated master’s degree, and other benefits. Hundreds of short- and
long- term study abroad and exchange programs are available, although few students
find the time to take advantage of them. Men vastly outnumber women, but one
junior sees this as an advantage: “As a female at Stevens, I feel this has actually
helped me with holding my own and ‘vying with the boys,’ as I call it. It does not
faze me to be the only girl in a group project.” The Lore- El Center for Women’s
Leadership offers events ranging from health and wellness activities to leadership
conferences and professional dinners with successful women in industry. Stevens
has an active on- campus recruiting program with major corporations, start- up firms,
and government organizations. A junior reports, “Stevens has plenty of staff to help
students out with career advising and mental health services.”
“Most students are very academically motivated and want to challenge them-
selves,” says a chemical biology major. Sixty- six percent of the students at Stevens
are from New Jersey; many others come from the greater New York City area, and
3 percent hail from foreign nations. Nineteen percent of undergraduates are Asian
American, 15 percent are Hispanic/Latino, just 2 percent are Black, and 4 percent are
multiracial. Politics don’t usually receive much attention on campus. In addition to
need- based financial aid, qualified students receive merit- based scholarships that
average $21,200. The Clark Scholars and Stevens ACES programs seek to attract more
students from underrepresented backgrounds to STEM fields.
Forty- eight percent of undergraduates live in housing provided by Stevens,
while others find their own off- campus apartments. Meals in the main dining hall
are “decent,” remarks a junior. Students say campus security officers are visible and
(continued)
Admissions: (201) 216- 5194
Email Address: admissions @
stevens .edu
Strong Programs:
Mechanical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Quantitative Finance
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Business and Technology
Music and Technology
“People like to party here,
but they keep it in check.”
The Pinnacle Scholars
Program invites
top students to
participate in faculty-
guided research or
an international
experience during
the summer.
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friendly, and a junior notes that a “Take Back the Night committee works all year to
raise awareness for domestic violence and sexual assault.”
Twenty- two percent of Stevens men join fraternities, and 27 percent of the women
pledge sororities. “People like to party here, but they keep it in check,” says a quanti-
tative finance major. “Greek houses follow campus policies regarding alcohol and
usually hold registered parties where bouncers check IDs.” The student- run TechFest
is a favorite annual event highlighted by a big- name musician. The annual Innovation
Expo features entrepreneurial lectures, a student concert, a Shark Tank- style pitch
competition with $10,000 top prize, and hundreds of cool projects on display.
Greenwich Village, Times Square, and the bright lights of Broadway are just 15 min-
utes away on the PATH train, while Hoboken offers popular pubs and clubs right next
to campus. Road trips include Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and Six Flags Great
Adventure near Trenton. Beaches and ski slopes are both within a 90- minute drive.
Students cheer enthusiastically when the Division III Stevens Ducks take the
pool, field, and court. Most teams compete in the Middle Atlantic Conference, and
most are competitive: women’s volleyball, tennis, and lacrosse, and men’s golf,
swimming, and soccer are among the teams that recently brought home conference
titles; the Ducks have been national champions in men’s volleyball, wrestling, and
outdoor track and field. There are also intramural and club teams in everything from
basketball, soccer, and flag football to archery, crew, and bowling.
Stevens’s urban location and relatively small size can make for fun times, but
the emphasis here is on hard work and innovation. “[We are] small but mighty,”
says a proud student. Stevens graduates go on to make a dent in the world; notable
alums include Nobel Laureate Frederick Reines, who detected the subatomic world
of the neutrino; Alexander Calder, world- renowned sculptor of mobiles; and Marques
Brownlee, well- known YouTuber and tech influencer. “Stevens is a hub for future
innovators,” concludes an electrical engineering major. “The curriculum and the
services are all meant to prepare students for impactful careers in technology- based
fields.”
The annual Innovation
Expo features
entrepreneurial
lectures, a student
concert, a Shark
Tank- style pitch
competition, and more.
Overlaps
Rensselaer,
Northeastern,
Worcester
Polytechnic,
Lehigh, Carnegie
Mellon, Rutgers,
Rochester Institute
of Technology,
Clarkson
If You Apply To ›
Stevens: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please
consult Stevens’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
Susquehanna offers a refreshing alternative to the cookie- cutter education at many
small colleges. Its innovative core curriculum emphasizes personal development and
requires students to spend at least two weeks learning off campus. Best known for its
business program and big on study abroad. With a more down- to- earth atmosphere
than at upscale competitors like Bucknell and Dickinson, it is a national leader in
promoting socioeconomic diversity.
“Susquewho?” That’s the question many students ask when they’re first introduced
to this undergraduate institution in rural central Pennsylvania. While it may not be
a household name, Susquehanna University is earning a reputation as an innova-
tor. Friendly faculty, personal attention, and an increasing emphasis on community
Website: www .susqu .edu
Location: Rural
Private
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make SU a good place to expand your mind. The university’s off- campus study
requirement makes it an ideal choice for those looking to see more of the world too.
Susquehanna’s campus is beautiful and serene, set on 325 lush acres in the small
town of Selinsgrove on the Susquehanna River. Most of the 94 buildings on campus
are brick, with Georgian the predominant architectural style. Selinsgrove Hall, built
in 1858, and Seibert Hall, built in 1901, are on the National Register of Historic Places.
A 14- acre, 12,000- panel solar array supplies nearly a third of the campus’s electricity.
Susquehanna’s Central Curriculum emphasizes coursework in five areas:
Richness of Thought (fine arts and math); Natural World; Human Interactions (his-
tory, sociology, ethics, and language); Intellectual Skills (writing, oral presentation,
and teamwork); and Connections (an off-
campus, cross- cultural experience matched with
diversity classes). All first- year students must
complete a summer Common Reading assign-
ment based on a specific theme, participate in an
orientation program, and take a Writing and Thinking course as well as a First- Year
Seminar that helps them make the transition to college- level work. Finally, all stu-
dents take a capstone course or practicum in their major that usually involves an
extensive research or creative project.
The prestigious Weis School of Business draws the most Susquehanna students,
thanks in part to the fact that it guarantees all of its students an international intern-
ship and offers a semester- long London Program exclusively for business majors.
Communication studies, psychology, creative writing, and accounting are other
popular majors, and biology and music are solid. Susquehanna is increasingly recog-
nized for its science programs, especially biochemistry, environmental science, and
biomedical sciences. New options include minors in sustainability management and
church music. SU students may also pursue 3– 2 engineering degrees in partnership
with Case Western Reserve, Columbia, and WashU in St. Louis.
Sixty- seven percent of classes at SU have fewer than 20 students, and student/
faculty interaction is one of Susquehanna’s strong points. Students describe aca-
demics as challenging, and a senior says, “Professors expect students to be active,
visit their office hours, and ask questions.” Students enjoy a bevy of support services
too. “The Career Development Center does a lot of work with alumni networking
and workshopping to help students get ready for their professional life,” says a pub-
lishing and editing major. Counseling and Psychological Services has added staff
and increased hours, and a senior comments, “They offer a ton of availability and
services for all types of needs.”
To fulfill their curricular Connections requirement, students utilize the GO
(Global Opportunities) program, which requires them to study away from campus
for at least two weeks and to reflect on their experiences when they return. Students
choose from more than 130 options— a third of which are semester- long
programs— on six continents; about 95 percent of students study abroad, while the
remaining 5 percent head to locations across the U.S. As a senior explains, “The goal
is for students to experience a new culture before they graduate, and this require-
ment adds to the culture of diversity at Susquehanna.” Most students also complete
internships as a crucial part of their education and future job searches. For about
7 percent of students, the academic experience is defined by the Susquehanna
Honors Program. The four- year program entails a sequence of special courses and
projects, off- campus opportunities like conferences and other events, and an
optional living/learning community.
At Susquehanna, observes a sociology major, “Students are warm and person-
able, and they’re easy to get along with.” Sixty- four percent of SU students are from
Pennsylvania, and the majority attended public high school; 1 percent of students
(continued)
Total Enrollment: 2,107
Undergraduates: 2,107
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 25%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 80%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 4,688
Accepted: 88%
Enrolled: 12%
Grad in 6 Years: 71%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (570) 372- 4260
Email Address: suadmiss @
susqu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Biology
Music
Communication Studies
Psychology
Creative Writing
Accounting
Biomedical Sciences
“Professors expect students
to be active, visit their
office hours, and ask
questions.”
All first- year
students must
complete a summer
Common Reading
assignment based on
a specific theme.
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are international. Six percent are Black, 6 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 2 percent
are Asian American, and 3 percent are multiracial; diversity education is an area
of emphasis on campus. A political science major describes the political climate as
“relatively tame,” and the campus is rather moderate. Merit scholarships averaging
$35,900 are available for resident Einsteins, but there are no athletic scholarships.
All Susquehanna students are required to live on campus, except for the 12 per-
cent who are commuters. First- year students are assigned to four traditional resi-
dence halls. After the first year, students partake in a lottery system to choose from
a variety of options, including suites, townhouses, on- campus apartments, and
Greek houses. One student says food in the main cafeteria “can be hit or miss, but
when it’s good, it’s good.” Students report that the campus feels secure, and a soph-
omore adds, “Campus Safety, the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center, and
our Green Dot bystander training program help make campus a safer place and pro-
mote a safer culture.”
“Social life at Susquehanna is very active” and mostly campus- based, explains a
student. Charlie’s, the school coffeehouse, offers activities like open- mic, trivia, and
football- and- wings nights, while Trax, the on- campus nightclub, serves alcohol to
those of age. Twenty- four percent of the men
and 22 percent of the women belong to fraterni-
ties and sororities, respectively, but Greeks and
parties do not dominate the social scene.
Homecoming, Spring Concert, and Spring
Carnival are the big annual events. Favorite
campus traditions include a Thanksgiving dinner at which faculty members serve
students “the best meal of the year,” a candlelight Christmas service, and Senior
Hike, when the university president leads seniors to the top of nearby Mount
Mahanoy.
Outside the university, Selinsgrove is “small and quaint,” with several restau-
rants and stores. SU was originally founded in 1858 to prepare students for the
ministry, and the university’s commitment to the community has remained strong.
Each year, 69 percent of the student population volunteers on significant commu-
nity service projects. In the surrounding countryside, “it’s not uncommon to see an
Amish family go by in their horse and buggy,” says a student. Students head out-
doors to kayak, hike, and picnic at the Susquehanna River and nearby state parks.
For those with cars, Penn State is an hour away.
The Susquehanna River Hawks field 23 Division III teams, plus cheerleading.
Men’s and women’s track and field, men’s basketball, and women’s cross- country
and softball all boast recent Landmark Conference titles. Students also enjoy a diverse
recreational sports program consisting of 10 club sports and a variety of intramurals.
The crew, equestrian, and ice hockey clubs sign up the most students, while flag
football, co- ed soccer, and cornhole are among the most popular intramurals.
At Susquehanna, “Students are challenged to take initiative with their learning”
in a friendly, open environment, says a senior. From interning with local organiza-
tions to taking classes on the other side of the globe, the firsthand exposure to
diverse experiences and perspectives that SU students receive makes Susquehanna
worthwhile— and a name worth learning.
Favorite campus
traditions include a
Thanksgiving dinner at
which faculty members
serve students.
“The Career Development
Center does a lot of work
with alumni networking . . .
to help students get ready
for their professional life.”
Overlaps
Gettysburg, Juniata,
Muhlenberg,
Ursinus,
Washington
and Jefferson,
Bucknell, Dickinson,
University of
Scranton
If You Apply To ›
Susquehanna: Early decision, early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common
Application with supplement. Creative writing, graphic design, and studio art applicants must submit portfolio. Music appli-
cants must audition.
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Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081
Don’t mistake Swarthmore for a miniature version of an Ivy League school. Swat is
more intellectual (and liberal) than its counterparts in New Haven and Cambridge.
The college’s honors program gives hardy souls a taste of graduate school, which is
where legions of Swatties invariably end up. Geekier than Wesleyan, more grounded
than Reed, and more collaborative than just about anywhere.
Swarthmore College’s leafy green campus may be just 11 miles from Philadelphia,
but students often don’t have the time or the inclination to make the jaunt. That’s
because they have opted for one of the country’s most self- consciously intellectual
undergraduate environments. Swatties are bright, hardworking, and eclectic in their
interests, and campus life is fabled for its intensity. But the intensity doesn’t come
from huge amounts of coursework (à la Yale) as much as the self- imposed drive of
talented students who want to do lots of things simultaneously— from academics to
social protests to rugby— and do them well. “Swat is a truly intellectual place where
people love ideas with all of their hearts,” a philosophy major says.
Swarthmore was founded in 1864 by the liberal Hicksite branch of the Religious
Society of Friends (Quakers) in Philadelphia and named after a 17th- century English
manor house that was a center of the early Quaker movement. Swarthmore’s 425-
acre suburban campus is a nationally registered
arboretum, distinguished by rolling wooded hills.
Multistory buildings with natural stone exteriors
from local quarries, shaped roofs, and cornices
are the norm, fostering a quiet, collegiate atmo-
sphere. The Wister Education Center and Greenhouse is LEED Gold– certified and
includes classrooms, exhibit areas, and greenhouse space. Newer structures include
the $120 million Singer Hall, housing biology, engineering, and psychology pro-
grams as well as state- of- the- art labs and classrooms.
Students are required to take three courses in each of the college’s three
divisions— humanities, natural sciences and engineering (unusual for a liberal arts
college), and social sciences— and at least two of the three must be in different depart-
ments. Swatties must also demonstrate foreign language competency, fulfill a physi-
cal education requirement (which includes a swimming test), and take three writing
courses from at least two divisions. Optional first- year seminars emphasize close
interaction with faculty members; about 86 percent of students participate. The most
popular majors are economics, computer science, biology, mathematics, and political
science, and students also give high marks to majors in visual and performing arts.
Cross- registration is offered with nearby Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Penn.
Freshmen at Swarthmore are graded on a pass- fail system for their first semester,
there is no class rank or dean’s list, and there is a big emphasis on group projects. A
freshman explains, “While the courses are generally very challenging, the environ-
ment of Swat is not competitive at all. You will often see students reminding each
other of assignments, giving each other tips on how to succeed, and studying in
the library together.” Indeed, the administration has encouraged a spirit of collegi-
ality by sprinkling small lounges and cappuccino bars around the dorms and aca-
demic spaces. Class sizes are intimate as well, with 70 percent enrolling fewer than
20 students. “All the classes are taught by professors, many of them world- class,
and they are always accessible and very, very friendly,” says a classics and fine arts
double major. Aside from teaching, Swarthmore professors also serve as advisors,
Website: www .swarthmore
.edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,619
Undergraduates: 1,619
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 54%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 21%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 14,707
Accepted: 7%
Enrolled: 42%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (610) 328- 8300
Email Address: admissions @
swarthmore .edu
Strong Programs:
Economics
Computer Science
Biology
Mathematics
Political Science
Visual and Performing Arts
Engineering
“Swat is a truly intellectual
place where people love
ideas with all of their
hearts.”
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and students are also assigned to Student Academic Mentors, who shepherd them
through the first year on campus.
Undertaken by 18 percent of Swat’s students, the acclaimed two- year honors
program features small seminars or independent study and collaborative relation-
ships between students and professors. Setting it apart from any other program in
the United States are the written and oral examinations, which are reviewed by
external faculty at the end of the senior year and gauge the students’ ability to hold
their own with experts in the field. One student describes honors as “like a pre- Ph.D.
program”; indeed, Swarthmore is among the top five institutions in the nation for
the proportion of graduates who go on to earn Ph.D.s, at 22 percent. Thirty- nine
percent of Swarthmore students study abroad in countries such as France, Japan,
Poland, and Spain. Roughly two- thirds of students get involved with faculty- guided
research or independent creative projects. A sophomore adds, “We have a great
group of networked alumni who are always willing to help students, especially with
externships, in which students stay with their Swat alum host family one week
before winter break and shadow them.”
“Ultimately, we are all nerds here,” a history major says. “Each of us in our own
way has found a place where our passionate, geekiest interests are validated, appreci-
ated, and celebrated by our fellow Swatties.” Swarthmore is home to a diverse student
body; 12 percent are Pennsylvania residents and
14 percent are international. Nine percent of stu-
dents are Black, 18 percent Asian American,
14 percent Hispanic/Latino, and 10 percent mul-
tiracial. Consistent with its Quaker roots, Swarthmore encourages students to be as
educated as possible on issues of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic pluralism, and
the entire community is brought into decisions on issues such as socially responsible
investments and the pay scale of campus workers. The college banned fraternities
and sororities in 2019 in response to student protests over allegations of sexist and
racist activities by the two fraternities that existed at the time. Liberals far outnumber
conservatives, students say, but students on both sides are keen to stand up for issues
they are passionate about. Swarthmore is need- blind in its admissions and meets
100 percent of admitted students’ demonstrated financial need. In an effort to reduce
the burden of debt, the college joined the ranks of schools that have replaced loans
with grants in their financial aid packages. In addition, every student receives a $700
credit at the start of each academic year to fund the purchase of textbooks from the
campus bookstore.
Ninety- six percent of undergraduates live on campus, and housing is guaranteed
for all four years. “The dorms each have their own personality,” says a senior, “and
for the most part, they are quite comfortable and well maintained.” Dining options
are said to be diverse and plentiful, if not always gourmet level, and a handful of
local eateries are also covered by the meal plan. Campus safety personnel are “quick
to respond in any circumstance,” and a sophomore says, “We have a very active Title
IX office that works on prevention and resolution equally.”
Most social life at Swarthmore takes place on campus, and it often begins late,
since students hit the books until 10 or 11 p.m. and then head out for fun. “In order
to receive funding from the Social Affairs Committee, an event has to be open to all
members of campus,” explains an economics major. “Because of this regulation, you
don’t have to worry about getting in to a party or having to pay for most events.” The
college allows students of legal age to have alcohol on campus, and one student says,
“Campus police are not disciplinarians. They want students to be safe.” Annual tra-
ditions include the McCabe Mile, where participants take a break from studying for
midterms by running 18 laps around the basement stacks of the McCabe Library, and
Primal Scream, where everyone screams at midnight the night before final exams.
Freshmen at
Swarthmore are
graded on a pass- fail
system for their first
semester, and there
is a big emphasis on
group projects.
“All the classes are taught
by professors, many of
them world- class.”
Swarthmore is
among the top
five institutions
in the nation for
the proportion of
graduates who go
on to earn Ph.D.s.
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682 SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Students’ biggest complaints include lack of sleep and too much work, self-
imposed or otherwise. When not studying, Swatties are often volunteering in
Philadelphia or the nearby smaller city of Chester. The Eugene Lang Center for Civic
and Social Responsibility has made Swarthmore a national force in the area of ser-
vice learning. “Swarthmore is characterized by a genuine will to do good in the
world,” an engineering major says. The village of Swarthmore, known as the “’Ville,”
has some stores, a pizza parlor, and a Chinese restaurant. Students say there’s not
much in the way of off- campus social activity. For that, they hop from the on-
campus train station into downtown Philadelphia, where many temptations await,
including concerts, dance clubs, museums, and four professional sports teams. The
King of Prussia mall, with a movie theater and department stores, isn’t far either.
With Swarthmore’s focus on academics, athletics aren’t a high priority. The
school scrapped its football program because the need to recruit enough men to
remain competitive in the increasingly intense Division III environment was under-
mining efforts to recruit students with other
interests and talents. Men’s basketball and swim-
ming have won Centennial Conference champi-
onships in recent years. Other competitive
Garnet teams include men’s and women’s soccer
and tennis. Any victory over archrival Haverford
will have Swatties swelling with pride. Intramurals and club sports are available, and
the women’s rugby team’s annual Prom Dress Rugby match against Ursinus is a
beloved event. In the Crum Regatta, student- made boats float in nearby Crum
Creek— Swarthmore’s answer to the America’s Cup.
Swarthmore is a place where the administration supports the student body com-
pletely, and students are given a voice in a variety of issues ranging from faculty
hiring decisions to making campuswide policies. Students who want to take an
active role in their education beyond the classroom door may find the right fit here.
Says a student, “We really are dedicated to learning just because we like to learn, not
because we want the A.”
Every student receives
a $700 credit at
the start of each
academic year to
fund the purchase of
textbooks from the
campus bookstore.
“Our passionate, geekiest
interests are validated,
appreciated, and
celebrated by our
fellow Swatties.”
Overlaps
Amherst, Bowdoin,
Carleton, Pomona,
Williams, Wesleyan,
Yale, Brown
If You Apply To ›
Swarthmore: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Swarthmore’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Syracuse University
900 South Crouse Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13244
Syracuse defines itself as a research university that takes undergraduates seriously.
World renowned in communications, its signature program, Syracuse is also strong in
architecture, management, the arts, and public affairs. The university has been a national
leader in promoting socioeconomic diversity. Basketball provides solace during snowy
winter nights.
Anyone who has watched college sports on TV is familiar with the bright- orange
color associated with Syracuse University. They’ve seen the screaming fans and the
stadium overflowing with cheering hordes. But beyond all the athletic fanfare is
passion of another sort: Syracuse has set out to become a thriving, student- centered
Website: www .syracuse .edu
Location: Small City
Private
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SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY 683
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
research university. In recent years, the university has launched academic programs
and research initiatives in emerging areas such as global enterprise technology, bio-
inspired science, and artificial intelligence, and it has invested in new faculty hires. By
fostering close working relationships between students and faculty, expanding course
offerings, and investing heavily in facility upgrades, Syracuse has made its former
reputation as an academic assembly line with killer sports teams a distant memory.
The Syracuse campus is located on a hill overlooking the city of Syracuse in cen-
tral New York State. The character and mixture of architectural styles depict a con-
tinuously changing campus, which is grassy, full of trees, and bordered by residential
neighborhoods. Twenty- five of the university’s
140 buildings are listed in the National Register
of Historic Places. Many schools and colleges
have restructured facilities to accommodate
more faculty/student research. Recent construc-
tion projects include a $118 million renovation
of the JMA Wireless Dome (formerly called the Carrier Dome) and a major renova-
tion and expansion of dedicated student space in the Schine Student Center.
General education requirements vary by school and college, but several of them
subscribe to the Arts and Sciences core requirements, which include coursework in the
sciences, math, social sciences, humanities, and contemporary issues. All entering first-
year students participate in a one- credit seminar course on issues of identity, belong-
ing, and student success in addition to a writing seminar. All students also take at least
one course that fulfills an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility requirement.
The S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is undoubtedly the super-
star of Syracuse’s academic programs, offering eight majors and opportunities for
dual majors. Journalism and the television, radio, and film major are two of the
school’s strengths. Additionally, Syracuse’s programs in architecture, management,
life sciences, sport management, and visual and performing arts, especially drama,
are popular and well regarded. Also well- known is the Maxwell School of Citizenship
and Public Affairs, whose faculty members teach sought- after undergraduate courses
in economics, history, political science, international relations, and other social sci-
ences. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college at Syracuse and offers
recognized programs in geography, writing and rhetoric, philosophy, and chemistry.
A civil engineering major says that “each school at Syracuse has its own aca-
demic climate, and some are more competitive than others,” but students can expect
challenging coursework across the board. Classes are usually small; 63 percent have
fewer than 20 students. “Some professors go above and beyond to teach material,
while others stick to the old PowerPoint presentations,” says a senior, but another
student adds that, despite different approaches to teaching, “I have yet to meet a
professor who is unwilling to go out of their way to help their students.”
Teaming with NASA, the university has a $3 million virtual aerospace engineering
facility— one of three in the nation— where students have helped design a reusable
space launch vehicle. Syracuse students have also participated in NASA’s reduced- gravity
student flight programs. The university offers an
honors program for a small number of the most
motivated students, and a large portion of students
participate in undergraduate research. Over 16 per-
cent study abroad via more than 100 other pro-
grams in 60 countries, featuring centers in England, France, Italy, Spain, and Chile.
Syracuse’s centers in Los Angeles and New York City offer semester- long programs for
those pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.
Thirty- one percent of enrolled students are from New York State, and most
of those hail from New York City and Long Island; 19 percent are international.
Students of color are well represented, with African American students making
up 7 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 6 percent, Hispanics/Latinos
(continued)
Total Enrollment: 19,888
Undergraduates: 14,601
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 82%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 49%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 41,489
Accepted: 52%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (315) 443- 3611
Email Address: orange @ syr
.edu
Strong Programs:
Communications
Television, Radio, and Film
Architecture
Management
Life Sciences
Sport Management
Visual and Performing Arts
Geography
“Each school at Syracuse
has its own academic
climate, and some are
more competitive than
others.”
The S. I. Newhouse
School of Public
Communications
offers eight majors
and opportunities
for dual majors.
“I have yet to meet a
professor who is unwilling
to go out of their way to
help their students.”
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684 SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
10 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. Administrators say that Syracuse
has invested more funds in scholarships that primarily benefit underrepresented
students and that it remains committed to admissions policies that have made the
school a national leader in promoting socioeconomic diversity. “Syracuse has made
immense strides in bringing minority voices to the forefront of the conversations
on diversity issues,” reports a student. Athletes are well supported with over 400
athletic scholarships in 16 sports. Merit scholarships average over $12,000.
Fifty- three percent of undergraduates live in university housing, which is described
as comfortable and well maintained. Students are required to live on campus for their
first two years; all first- years reside in residence halls on North Campus. South Campus
offers apartment- style facilities. More than two dozen living/learning communities and
theme housing are popular options among first- year students. “I was in the engineering
learning community, where I met my closest friends,” says a senior. “These people were
my ultimate support system.” The campus offers 23 eateries, including five residential
dining centers. As for safety, the university provides a transport/escort service for stu-
dents studying late on campus and 24/7 on- site security in all campus housing.
Twenty percent of men belong to fraternities, and 33 percent of women join
sororities. “Greek life definitely plays a huge role on this campus. I have never felt
pressured to drink, however,” a student says. Students 21 and over spend many an
evening barhopping on Marshall Street, a lively strip near campus. Orange After
Dark puts on late- night activities like movie nights, bowling, and laser tag. Students
also enjoy the annual Juice Jam, Block Party, and Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations.
Students generally enjoy the city of Syracuse with its excellent art museum, a
professional theater, a resident opera company, a symphony, and a string of movie
theaters and restaurants. Many students are involved in the community through
internships and volunteer work. If students tire of
the life in Syracuse, several quaint country towns
are nearby, as are multiple ski resorts. Destiny
USA, about 10 minutes away, is the country’s sixth- largest shopping center. Popular
road trips include Skaneateles Lake, Ithaca, Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Rochester.
“Whether you are a socialite who loves Greek life or a nerd who loves science,
on game days we’re all bleeding orange,” says one senior. The Syracuse Orange foot-
ball team rocks the spacious JMA Dome, cheered on by their fruit- inspired mascot,
Otto the Orange, and 50,000 fans. Men’s soccer were national champions in 2022.
Men’s and women’s basketball are consistently strong, and a lively Duke– Syracuse
basketball rivalry has been established. Women’s rowing claimed a recent Atlantic
Coast Conference title. The “painters” are famous at Syracuse— they are groups of
students who each paint a letter of the school’s name on their bare chests and run
through rain, sleet, or snow to each home game. Syracuse extends its enthusiasm for
sports to more than 60 club and intramural programs as well.
From special academic partnerships with NASA to opportunities to study abroad or
volunteer right at home, students at Syracuse know they’ve got something special. The
wintry climate may be cold and snowy, but the ubiquitous bright- orange paraphernalia
all over campus is enough to warm anyone. “Orange is more than a color— it is a way of
life,” says a physics and political science double major. “Syracuse students are all in.”
Orange After Dark
puts on late- night
activities like movie
nights, bowling,
and laser tag.
“On game days we’re all
bleeding orange.”
Overlaps
Boston University,
Cornell, NYU,
Northeastern,
Penn State,
SUNY– Binghamton,
UMass Amherst,
UConn
If You Apply To ›
Syracuse: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to particular program; can apply
to single, dual, or combined programs. Applicants to art and architecture programs must submit portfolio. Applicants to
drama and music programs must audition. Please consult Syracuse’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding
standardized test requirements.
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UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE 685
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, TN 37996
UT is in the middle of the pack among its Southeastern rivals— behind Florida, U of
Georgia, and UNC; ahead of Alabama, Arkansas, and Ole Miss. As the only major
public university in Tennessee, UT comes close to being all things to all students.
Strong in business, engineering, and architecture. One of the few Southern flagship
universities located in a major city.
Students at the University of Tennessee put a premium on school spirit, athletics,
and academics— typically in that order. In the fall, boisterous fans pack into one
of the nation’s largest on- campus football stadiums to watch the Volunteers play
against national powerhouses like Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida. Also competitive
is the SEC- dominating women’s basketball team. “Bleeding orange is the only way
to go!” cheers one happy Volunteer. Amid this excitement, it’s easy to forget that UT
also prides itself on a number of strong academic programs.
Set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, UT, whose roots date to 1794,
is in the heart of east Tennessee’s urban hub. The 910- acre campus has an array of
architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Georgian to modern. Particularly notewor-
thy is the Hodges Library— the largest one in the
state— built in the shape of a ziggurat. The univer-
sity has spent approximately $1 billion in the last
decade on new construction, renovations, and
landscaping improvements. Streets that once ran
through the center of campus have been transformed into landscaped pathways, and
several parking lots have been replaced by grassy lawns. Other recent projects include
a $167 million student union, a $114 million science building, and the $129 million
Zeanah Engineering Complex— the largest academic building on campus.
UT’s general education requirements are fairly extensive and include courses in
written and oral communications, quantitative reasoning, arts and humanities, cul-
tures and civilizations, social sciences, and natural sciences, plus a foreign language
or multicultural studies. Many strong academic programs are in preprofessional
fields, most notably business (particularly supply chain management), architecture,
engineering, and nursing. On the liberal arts side, biology, psychology, marketing,
and sustainability are popular majors. The modern foreign languages and literatures
major allows students to combine a concentration in a language, such as German,
Spanish, or Japanese, with one in international business.
Academic competition varies, as does course difficulty. “Some classes are harder
than anything I could imagine, and some require little effort,” says one junior. Large
lectures are commonplace, and students report occasional problems with registra-
tion because preference is given to seniors. Even so, the university has bolstered
academic advising, tutoring, and career services in recent years, and graduation rates
have been on the rise. Professors receive mixed reviews: “I have had some really
good professors and some mediocre ones,” a supply chain management major says.
UT is the managing partner of Oak Ridge National Laboratory— the federal gov-
ernment’s largest nonweapons lab, located a few miles away— which enhances sci-
ence and technology offerings and involves 350 students and faculty in disciplines
as diverse as English and physics. About 12 percent of undergraduates are members
of the university- wide Chancellor’s Honors program, and most of UT’s colleges also
offer honors tracks. UT established the Haslam Scholars program for 15 of the uni-
versity’s top students; selection criteria include scholastic achievement, leadership
Website: www .utk .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 29,786
Undergraduates: 25,798
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 40%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 49%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 36,290
Accepted: 68%
Enrolled: 28%
Grad in 6 Years: 73%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (865) 974- 1111
Email Address: admissions @
utk .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Supply Chain Management
Architecture
Engineering
Nursing
Biology
Psychology
Kinesiology
“Some classes are harder
than anything I could
imagine, and some require
little effort.”
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686 UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
potential, and special talents. Haslam scholars enjoy such benefits as study groups
mentored by top UT faculty, a study abroad experience, and research support.
Student wishing to study abroad select from programs in more than 60 countries on
six continents. The most popular options are short- term, faculty- led programs that
provide students the opportunity to study under the guidance of a faculty member
during the summer terms.
UT students are “levelheaded but tend to get a little crazy on the weekends,” says a
student. Sixty- seven percent of undergraduates are homegrown Tennesseans, and 1 per-
cent are international. Enrollment of students of color remains low— Black students
account for 5 percent of undergrads, Hispanics/
Latinos 6 percent, Asian Americans 4 percent, and
multiracial students 5 percent— but the university
has hired a vice chancellor for diversity and engage-
ment to promote and improve campus diversity.
Financial aid opportunities have been generous, with thousands of merit scholarships
available (averaging $6,200) and 260 athletic scholarships in 20 sports.
Thirty- one percent of UT students live on campus. Although a few older build-
ings remain, the university built several new residence halls as part of a recent multi-
phase housing development plan. Each of the dorms has a residence hall association,
which for a token fee provides checkout of sports equipment, games, cooking uten-
sils, and other useful items. Freshmen may choose from 14 living/learning com-
munities, where they collaborate with peers on shared academic interests. Remote
alarm units and the LiveSafe mobile app allow students to report a crime from any-
where on campus, and the university has developed comprehensive sexual assault
awareness and prevention programs.
Students say that the social life is “very important” and active both on and off
campus. Greek life is popular— 19 percent of the men and 33 percent of the women
join up. The social calendar is dotted with numerous major events, including home-
coming, the Carnicus and All Sing skit and singing competitions, and Knoxville’s
Dogwood Arts Festival. True to their name, Volunteers also like to get involved in
community service projects. Cumberland Avenue (a.k.a. The Strip), a few blocks
away, offers a lively variety of bars and eateries. But nothing compares to the sea of
orange that engulfs the campus on Saturday afternoons in the fall. More than 100,000
people jam the football stadium to see the Volunteers (a term dating to the
Mexican– American War) take on their Southeastern Conference rivals. Denizens
liken football in Knoxville to religion, and according to one, “‘Alabama’ is a four-
letter word” in these parts. UT has claimed 23 team national championships and
more than 200 team SEC titles in its history. Recent conference champs include base-
ball, men’s basketball and tennis, and women’s soccer and swimming and diving.
The intramural program attracts roughly a quarter of undergraduates, and the most
popular sports are flag football, indoor and outdoor soccer, basketball, and softball.
With its athletic prowess well established, administrators and students are
hoping that UT can develop a comparable reputation for its academics. In its quest
to climb the ranks of public research universities, UT is transforming its campus
with a spate of new construction and ever- increasing academic resources. In the
meantime, many will find the growing opportunities here at the “Big Orange” to be
well worth the squeezing.
UT is the managing
partner of Oak
Ridge National
Laboratory— the
federal government’s
largest nonweapons
lab, located a few
miles away.
“[UT students are]
levelheaded but tend to
get a little crazy on the
weekends.”
Freshmen may
choose from 14
living/learning
communities, where
they collaborate
with peers on shared
academic interests.
Overlaps
Auburn, University
of Alabama,
Clemson, University
of Kentucky,
University of
Missouri, Middle
Tennessee State,
University of
Georgia, University
of South Carolina
If You Apply To ›
UT: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: required. Accepts the Common Application. Additional essay required for
nursing program applicants. Audition required for music applicants.
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UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN 687
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Texas at Austin
P.O. Box 8058, Austin, Texas 78713
BEST
BUY
UT Austin is on anybody’s list of the top 10 public universities in the nation, and the
Plan II liberal arts honors program is one of the country’s most renowned academic
programs anywhere. Though it is also the capital of Texas, Austin ranks among the
nation’s best college towns— a progressive enclave in a conservative state. Boot
camp for aspiring political types and tech entrepreneurs in the Lone Star State and
beyond. Super competitive admissions for out- of- staters. Where else can you spend
time watching bats?
The University of Texas at Austin has come a long way from where it began in 1883
as a small school with only one building, eight teachers, two departments, and 221
students. Today, the campus is a Texas- sized home to more than 38,000 full- time
undergraduates. From its extensive academic programs to its powerful athletic teams
to its location in one of the nation’s ultimate college towns, UT Austin has every-
thing a Longhorn could ask for. “Our university is a diverse community with amaz-
ing opportunities for success,” says a junior.
A 400- acre oasis near downtown Austin, replete with rolling hills, trees, creeks,
and fountains, the campus features buildings ranging from “old, distinguished”
limestone structures to contemporary Southwest architecture. The fabled UT Tower
is adorned with a large clock and chimes (a life-
saver for the disorganized) and is illuminated in
Longhorn orange after big athletic wins. From
the steps of the Tower, one can see the verdant
Austin hills and the state capitol. The outstand-
ing library system holds more than 10 million volumes located in 17 different librar-
ies across campus. New facilities include the 184,000- square- foot Thomas Energy
Engineering Building, which opened in 2022.
All undergraduates complete a 42- hour core curriculum that requires coursework
in English composition, humanities, American and Texas government, American
history, social sciences, math, science and technology, and visual and performing
arts. Entering freshmen are expected to participate in a small- group community
their first semester and take a First- Year Signature Course, which is usually taught by
a senior professor and introduces them to academic discussion and analysis of issues
from an interdisciplinary perspective.
The list of academic strengths at UT Austin is daunting. Undergraduate offer-
ings in accounting, advertising, architecture, communication, finance, market-
ing, radio- television- film, and social work are first- rate. Engineering and computer
science programs are excellent and continue to expand. The English department
is huge (nearly 60 tenure- track professors), and students give it high marks. UT’s
McDonald Observatory, based in West Texas, boasts one of the world’s largest tele-
scopes. Students say the academic climate is competitive and demanding. “There
are many rigorous majors that have accelerated courses or competitive programs,”
says a student. Many UT classes are quite large, but 54 percent have fewer than 20
students. UT is a research university, so the professors are often busy in the labora-
tories. They do, however, have office hours. “My professors are above and beyond
my expectations,” says a psychology major. “Their own interest in their topics is
obvious, and the determination to aid the students is admirable.”
The Plan II liberal arts honors program, a national model, is one of the oldest
honors programs in the country and one of the best academic deals anywhere. It
Website: www .utexas .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 48,717
Undergraduates: 38,444
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 45%
Pell Grant: 27%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 41%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 59,767
Accepted: 31%
Enrolled: 48%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (512) 475- 7399
Email Address: admissions @
austin .utexas .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Architecture
Communication
Radio- Television- Film
Social Work
Engineering
Computer Science
English
“There are many rigorous
majors that have
accelerated courses or
competitive programs.”
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688 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
offers qualified students a flexible curriculum, top- notch professors, small seminar
courses, and individualized counseling and provides them with all of the advantages
of a large university in a small- college atmosphere. Business, communication, engi-
neering, liberal arts, and natural sciences honors programs are also available. Being
in the capital city should have its advantages, and it does. Nearly 200 UT undergrads
work for lawmakers in the Texas Legislature, only a 10- minute walk from campus.
Internships with the likes of Apple, Meta, and Tesla in the city’s rapidly expanding
tech sector (nicknamed Silicon Hills) are just as popular. Engineering majors can
alternate work and study in the co- op program. The Sanger Learning Center offers
sessions with learning specialists, peer tutoring, coaching on public speaking, and
other academic help. Study abroad options are available in 100 countries.
UT students are “intelligent, involved, and proactive in their education,” says a
senior. Given the university’s stellar academic profile, it’s no surprise that admission
here has become exceedingly difficult for out- of- staters. Ninety percent of UT under-
graduates are Texans, and 5 percent hail from
outside the U.S. Historically, UT has been inte-
gral in the careers of big- time (conservative)
Texas politicians, but the liberals are not exactly
hiding out on this huge campus. Issues such as human rights, gun control, and abor-
tion can get students on both sides pretty riled up here. Hispanic/Latino students
account for 28 percent of undergrads, Asian Americans 24 percent, Black students
5 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. The university offers special welcome
programs, social and educational events, and peer mentoring for students of color
and first- generation students. It also awards merit scholarships averaging $4,200, as
well as hundreds of athletic scholarships. In addition, UT Austin provides full- tuition
scholarships to in- state undergraduates whose families make $65,000 or less per year
and smaller awards to those with incomes of $125,000 or less.
Only 18 percent of undergrads live in college- owned housing, but the univer-
sity has purchased additional properties near campus and added over 700 beds
and is working on building more. “Most of the dorms are old,” says a student,
“but they have nice facilities.” Residence halls offer a variety of living options
based on common social and educational interests. Apartments and condos close
to campus are lovely— and very expensive. More reasonably priced digs can be
found in other parts of town. But be forewarned: UT life requires lots of walking,
especially for commuters, though free shuttle stops are scattered about, and UT
students can ride the Capital Metro buses and shuttles for free with their student
ID. As for food, there is a wide variety of options, including healthy, vegetarian,
kosher, and vegan fare. Security can be a concern (Austin is an urban area after
all), but students report feeling safe on campus, thanks to active and highly visi-
ble campus police.
The university’s student event planning organization hosts concerts, movies,
and social events. The Cactus Café is an iconic venue with live musical acts. It also
boasts the world’s only collection of orange- topped pool tables in its arcade and
bowling alley. The Texas Union at the center of
campus is a hub for student gamers with the
state- of- the- art Alienware Longhorn Esports
Lounge. For those more interested in octaves
than eight balls, the Performing Arts Center has five theaters and attracts nationally
known performers. There are also more than 1,300 student organizations from
which to choose. Thirteen percent of the men and 15 percent of the women go
Greek. Annual festivals include 40 Acres Fest, a sprawling carnival of the campus
organizations. And Texas Independence Day provides an occasion for celebration
in March.
“My professors are
above and beyond my
expectations.”
Students especially look
forward to the annual
Texas– Oklahoma
rivalry football game
played in the Cotton
Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
The Plan II liberal arts
honors program offers
a flexible curriculum,
top- notch professors,
small seminar courses,
and individualized
counseling.
“[Students are] intelligent,
involved, and proactive in
their education.”
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UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS 689
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
As the state capital, Austin is hardly a typical college town, but it is one of
the best. “I love it,” exclaims a junior. “It has a great live music scene and is
beautiful.” Nightlife centers on nearby Sixth Street, full of bars, restaurants, and
buskers of all types, and the well- known music scene that features everything
from blues to jazz to rock to folk, as well as the Austin City Limits and South by
Southwest festivals. Along with live music, bat- watching is one of Austin’s most
popular activities— the city is known as “Bat City” after the colony of Mexican
free- tailed bats that lives under the Congress Avenue Bridge in the spring and
summer. It’s the largest urban bat colony in North America. Halloween draws an
estimated 80,000 costumed revelers to Sixth Street (and sometimes up its lamp-
posts). When the weather gets too muggy (quite often in spring and summer),
students head for off- campus campgrounds, lakes, and parks. The most popular
road trips are to San Antonio or Dallas. For spring break, students travel to Padre
Island, if not New Orleans.
Athletics are as vital as oxygen for most Texans, so it shouldn’t come as a shock
that the annual operating expenses of UT Austin’s athletic department exceed
$250 million— or that the university is joining the lucrative Division I Southeastern
Conference in 2024. Previously competing in the
Big 12, the Longhorns won their second consec-
utive Directors’ Cup, awarded to the best overall
collegiate athletics program in the country, in
2022. Students especially look forward to the
annual Texas– Oklahoma rivalry football game played in the Cotton Bowl Stadium
in Dallas. “Football games pull the student body together and give us a chance to
show our school spirit,” says one student. Bevo XV, the famed UT mascot, is the
latest in a long line of live longhorn steer mascots to be a fixture on football Saturdays
and at events throughout the year. The basketball programs have a new arena in the
Moody Center. Baseball, swimming and diving, and tennis are also competitive. UT’s
extensive intramural and club sports program rounds up 16 percent of students and
offers weekend athletes access to the same great facilities that the big- time jocks use.
UT Austin may seem overwhelming because of its imposing size, but students
say the school spirit and sense of community found here make it feel smaller. UT
prides itself on having one of the most reasonably priced tuitions in the country for
a flagship public research university. It also offers one of the best all- around educa-
tional experiences a student could ask for, especially if you make it into Plan II.
Nearly 200 UT
undergrads work for
lawmakers in the
Texas Legislature,
only a 10- minute
walk from campus.
“Football games pull the
student body together and
give us a chance to show
our school spirit.”
Overlaps
Baylor, Duke,
University of
Houston, MIT,
NYU, Rice, Texas
A&M, Vanderbilt
If You Apply To ›
UT Austin: Regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Apply either to institution as a whole or particular program.
Certain departments have additional requirements. Please consult UT Austin’s website for the most up- to- date information
regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX 75080
A rising star in the Lone Star State, UT Dallas is now the most selective of the regional
campuses of the UT system. Has put on a full- court press to attract top students
in science, technology, and business. Good living conditions and a serious honors
program. Football here is of the flag variety.
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690 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The University of Texas at Dallas was founded in 1961 as a graduate research center
to service the local tech industry, especially in the areas of space sciences and astro-
physics. It did not begin awarding undergraduate degrees until 1975, and it waited
until 1990 to admit its first freshman class. Since that time, the university has con-
tinued to grow and hone its chops as a four- year university with an emphasis on
engineering, mathematics, the sciences, and the management of new technologies.
“UTD is a young, vibrant, and promising institution,” raves one senior. “Even fresh-
men have the chance to create new organizations and traditions, work in real labs
with full professors, and be in contact with top administrators.” Although the uni-
versity may not fit the typical Texas “frats and football” mold, students here still
find plenty of reasons to cheer.
UT Dallas is situated on 650 rolling acres in the Dallas suburb of Richardson.
Most buildings are positioned around a central mall that features a variety of bloom-
ing trees, low flower beds, fountains, and reflecting pools. The predominant archi-
tectural style is modern, and many buildings are
interconnected by a series of glass sky bridges.
The Natural Science and Engineering Research
Laboratory is playfully referred to as the “mer-
maid building” for its iridescent blue, green, and
magenta shingles, which resemble fish scales. The Engineering and Computer
Science West building features makerspaces and exposed electrical, mechanical, and
HVAC systems that serve as teaching tools. Recent additions to campus include the
$101 million Sciences Building.
To graduate, UT Dallas students must complete a general education curriculum
consisting of coursework across a broad range of liberal arts and science disciplines.
As part of the school’s Orbit program for student success, all freshmen take a small-
group Freshmen Seminar, learn about campus resources, and receive peer mento-
ring. In addition, all students complete the required Comets to the Core project,
which puts students from different majors into small groups to propose multifaceted
solutions to a global problem selected by the UTD community, such as water crises
or childhood poverty.
UTD boasts highly respected programs in speech, language, and hearing sci-
ences; information technology and systems; biomedical engineering; and neu-
roscience. STEM fields account for more than half of UTD’s 56 undergraduate
degree programs, and students praise virtually all of the university’s programs
in the hard sciences and technology, especially engineering and computer sci-
ence. The innovative Harry W. Bass School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging
Communication, which blends humanities with science and technology, offers
a popular B.A. degree as well as concentrations in animation and games, critical
media studies, and emerging media arts. The Jindal School of Management offers
a solid menu of business programs, and a handful of majors in the social sci-
ences and humanities are available as well. Some of UTD’s most popular majors
include computer science; biology; arts, technology, and emerging communi-
cation; and business administration. A major in business analytics and a minor
in African American and African diaspora studies were recently added. More
than 40 undergraduate programs offer a fast- track option that allows qualified
seniors to take graduate courses as they work toward earning a master’s degree in
less time.
Students say that while the academic climate is collaborative, courses can be
grueling. A healthcare studies major counsels, “Our courses are rigorous but defi-
nitely doable with studying and asking for help when you need it.” Twenty- seven
percent of undergraduate classes enroll more than 50 students. “Most professors,
especially STEM professors, will take time out of their day to answer your questions,
Website: www .utdallas .edu
Location: Suburban
Public
Total Enrollment: 24,988
Undergraduates: 17,734
Male/Female: 56/44
Financial Aid: 73%
Pell Grant: 26%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 29%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 21,500
Accepted: 85%
Enrolled: 22%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 87%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (972) 883- 2270
Email Address: admission @
utdallas .edu
Strong Programs:
Speech, Language, and
Hearing Sciences
Information Technology and
Systems
Neuroscience
Engineering
Computer Science
Arts, Technology, and
Emerging Communication
Biology
Psychology
“Our courses are rigorous
but definitely doable with
studying and asking for
help when you need it.”
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UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS 691
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and they do a great job of providing resources to their students,” says a mechanical
engineering major.
Qualified students may take part in the Wildenthal Honors College, which
houses eight programs that grant students access to personal mentoring and special
social and academic opportunities. The program is valuable because it allows stu-
dents “to get to know the professors better and
open the door to new opportunities for research
and just meeting more cool people,” enthuses
one freshman. The Undergraduate Research
Program provides stipends for students to pursue short- term research proposals.
Study abroad options are available in about 50 countries. The McDermott Scholars
program offers a full ride plus stipends for international travel, field trips, and other
benefits; up to 20 freshmen are selected every year.
Given the student body’s heavy interest in STEM fields, one student says, “UTD
would best fit a nerd.” Ninety percent of undergraduates hail from the Lone Star
State and 4 percent from abroad. Black students account for 5 percent of the stu-
dent body, Asian Americans add 41 percent, Hispanics/Latinos represent 18 per-
cent, and multiracial students make up 4 percent. “UTD is a fairly accepting school,
politically,” says a first year. The university hands out merit scholarships averag-
ing $11,674 each year but no athletic scholarships. UTD covers full tuition and
mandatory fees for Texas residents whose families earn $65,000 or less per year.
The Academic Bridge Program helps more than 130 high- potential students from
underserved schools make the transition to college- level academics with personal
advising, mentoring, and tutoring.
Twenty- three percent of undergrads live on campus in suite- style residence halls
and apartment- style housing. “The first- year dorms are the epitome of excellent
college housing,” says one student. Freshmen can choose to participate in a living/
learning community (LLC); options range from management and engineering to
first- generation and social sciences. LLC students live in the same residence hall,
attend classes together, and participate in various group activities. A bevy of dining
options are available, including choices for the health conscious. Students rate
campus security highly.
Students say the social scene is slowly heating up. “On campus, clubs and sports
are the main channels for social life,” explains a cognitive science major. “Professional
e-sports, chess, and robots, oh my!” deadpans another. The growing Greek system
attracts 3 percent of the men and 5 percent of
the women. A math major describes the party
scene as “very low- key and generally off campus,”
and the university is said to be “fairly strict”
when it comes to enforcing alcohol policies. Popular traditions include Weeks of
Welcome, homecoming, and the annual Oozeball tournament (that’s mud volley-
ball, for the uninitiated). Richardson is “pleasant and relaxed,” says a senior. Students
frequent the Northside restaurants across the street from campus and get involved
with the locals through community service projects. When it’s time for off- campus
fun, many make the short trip to downtown Dallas, which is “lively, artsy, and
sophisticated,” according to a molecular biology major.
UTD may be one of the few places in Texas where football isn’t considered a
way of life. In fact, “our ‘football’ team [is] a world- renowned chess team,” says a
freshman. The university does have 17 other varsity sports, along with a co- ed
eSports team. And the UT Dallas Comets are regular contenders in the Division III
American Southwest Conference, winning recent titles in men’s baseball,
women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, women’s tennis, and volleyball.
Temoc, the student- designed official mascot, is a “slightly creepy” blue- skinned
“The first- year dorms are
the epitome of excellent
college housing.”
The required Comets
to the Core project
puts students from
different majors
into small groups to
propose multifaceted
solutions to a global
problem selected by
the UTD community.
“Our ‘football’ team [is] a
world- renowned chess
team.”
The juggernaut chess
team has made 18
appearances in the
President’s Cup
(the “final four”
of college chess).
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692 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
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comet- in- human- form (try spelling it backward!) “that people love and write fan-
fics about,” shares a freshman. The juggernaut chess team has made 18 appear-
ances in the President’s Cup (the “final four” of college chess). About 10 percent
of students take part in intramural and club sports. Popular activities include flag
football, basketball, spikeball, and soccer, and students are enjoying a recently
built cricket field and outdoor fitness court.
UTD appeals to those students seeking challenging coursework, access to under-
graduate research and top- notch facilities, and administrators who value their input.
“Sure, UTD is a relatively new university, but there is enough tradition to be proud
of,” reasons a biomedical engineering major, who adds, “UTD is driven, talented,
smart, quirky, and has eclectic interests that truly make the university interesting
once you get to know it.” Indeed, students here aren’t bound by tradition— they’re
creating it.
Overlaps
Georgia Tech,
Purdue, CU
Boulder, UC Santa
Barbara, University
of Maryland, UT
Austin, Texas A&M,
University of North
Texas
If You Apply To ›
UT Dallas: Early decision, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult UT Dallas’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843
Coming to A&M is like joining an elite club with more than 74,000 full- time members.
In addition to fanatical school spirit, Texas A&M offers leading programs in the
natural sciences, engineering, and business. To succeed in this mass of humanity,
students must find their academic niche. The student body is 95 percent Texan, and
out- of- staters should be prepared for major culture shock.
Known for top- notch science and engineering programs and unsurpassed school
spirit, Texas A&M opened in 1876 as the state’s first public institution of higher
education: a land grant college with a military training focus. Today, this school of
more than 50,000 full- time undergrads boasts a massive endowment and innumera-
ble traditions. When they’re not studying for rigorous classes, Aggies may be found
at Midnight Yell before each home and away football game or yelling— as the saying
around campus goes, “Aggies don’t cheer, we yell!”— for their teams at other high-
energy athletic events.
“Aggieland” is the largest university campus in the country (5,200 acres)—
something made obvious to students every time they walk to class or take the
student- driven buses. The campus combines historic brick buildings from the turn
of the 20th century with new, modern facilities
and is pulled together by a heavy cover of live
oak trees. The campus is in a constant state of
flux, as renovations take place on a regular basis,
including the 140,000- square- foot Instructional
Laboratory & Innovative Learning Classroom Building, and Aggie Park, a 20- acre,
$35 million project featuring an outdoor amphitheater, a performance pavilion, a
lake, and some 600 freshly planted trees.
The general education requirements are standard, but incoming Aggies can
expect some heavy coursework. They must also fulfill an international and cultural
Website: www .tamu .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 63,693
Undergraduates: 51,040
Male/Female: 53/47
Financial Aid: 70%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 41%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 43,757
Accepted: 62%
Enrolled: 42%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (979) 845- 1060
“From your first tour on
campus to the day you
graduate . . . you’ll be greeted
with a smile and a ‘Howdy!’”
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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY 693
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diversity requirement and demonstrate computer literacy and proficiency in a for-
eign language. While Texas A&M is best known for its agriculture, engineering, and
veterinary medicine colleges, the university is cultivating a strong liberal arts program
and an even stronger business school. Psychology, biomedical sciences, mechanical
engineering, and communication tend to be the most popular majors. Aggies stand
by their science programs and have done outstanding research in oceanography
and animal science. Technical programs of virtually all kinds are heartily supported,
especially nuclear, space, and biotechnical research.
Students generally agree that while academics are taken seriously here, the cli-
mate is, in the words of a junior, “definitely collaborative.” Teaching assistants and
grad students are often found behind lecterns, and 27 percent of classes have more
than 50 students. Undergraduate research is, unsurprisingly, important here, and
getting involved is “as easy as emailing a professor and starting that conversation,”
says a biomedical engineering major. Highly motivated students also recommend
the University Honors Program as a good way to make friends and enjoy perks like
“priority registration, access to smaller classes with better professors, and networking
with the brightest minds here at Texas A&M,” according to one participant. Studying,
working, and volunteering sometimes take students far from Aggieland— A&M is a
leader among American public universities in sending students abroad. Roughly one-
third of undergrads study internationally during their four years, mostly in short- term
programs; more than 100 faculty- led programs are available, along with hundreds of
other options through partnerships and exchange programs worldwide.
Ninety- five percent of undergraduates are from Texas, and just 1 percent come
from other countries. Even if you’re not from Texas, Aggies are known for their
friendliness. Says one, “From your first tour on campus to the day you graduate, no
matter who you are, you’ll be greeted with a smile and a ‘Howdy!’” Black students
make up 3 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 10 percent, Hispanics/
Latinos 25 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. The campus is decidedly
conservative, and a senior comments that “not many rallies or political protests are
organized here.” Athletes compete for hundreds of scholarships, while scholars vie
for thousands of merit awards averaging $5,600. In- state students can lock in their
tuition rate for four years, but out- of- staters are subject to tuition increases.
A&M’s single- sex and co- ed dorms range from cheap and not- so- comfortable to
expensive and cushy (with private bathrooms and in- unit laundry machines), but
they accommodate only 22 percent of undergrads. A communication major recom-
mends the university’s freshman living/learning
communities as a chance to “meet people with
similar interests as you” and because “applying
for one can help guarantee a spot to live on
campus.” Most upperclassmen live in the numer-
ous apartments and houses in College Station or its twin city, Bryan, and the univer-
sity runs an extensive bus system throughout the community. Dining halls, fast- food
chains, snack shops, and food trucks are all over campus. “I’m never afraid on
campus that my things will get stolen or that I will be in danger,” says a nonprofit
management major. Students report that the “Step In. Stand Up.” campaign has
done much to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault.
When it comes to social life, a junior advises, “It is imperative that you join a
student organization in order to make A&M feel a little smaller and to really find
your niche and purpose.” With more than 1,100 student- led clubs and organiza-
tions to choose from, students should have little trouble doing so. Greeks attract
6 percent of the men and 15 percent of the women, and students say that, with such
a large student body, neither Greek life nor partying define the social scene. Students
appreciate the amenities of the surrounding area, especially in the Northgate
(continued)
Email Address: admissions @
tamu .edu
Strong Programs:
Agriculture
Engineering
Business
Oceanography
Animal Science
Psychology
Biomedical Science
Communication
Technical programs
of virtually all
kinds are heartily
supported, especially
nuclear, space, and
biotechnical research.
“[Doing undergraduate
research is] as easy as
emailing a professor and
starting that conversation.”
Roughly one- third
of undergrads study
internationally during
their four years,
mostly in short-
term programs.
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694 TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
district, which offers ample restaurants and bars. “College Station is a model college
town,” asserts a senior. When the school empties out for holidays, the town does
too. Students are actively involved in the community, and the Big Event, which
draws thousands of Aggies each year, is the nation’s largest student- run, one- day
community service event. Those seeking a getaway can drive an hour and a half to
either Houston or Austin, and the beaches of the Gulf Coast beckon.
Texas A&M is practically synonymous with tradition. Boasts one senior, “You
could write a book— and many have— about all the traditions we have here.” Favorites
include the 12th Man, in which all students stand for the entirety of every football
game as a symbol of their loyalty and readiness to take the field, and Aggie Muster,
held in more than 300 locations around the world to remember alumni who died
within the year. There’s also the 400- plus member Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the
senior “boot line” at the end of the football halftime performance. The fabled Corps
of Cadets is one of the largest uniformed leadership training programs in the country,
with about 2,100 cadets. Although this is just a fraction of the student body, the Corps
remains the single most important keeper of the spirit and traditions of Aggieland.
Athletics, whether on the varsity level or for recreation, are at the top of almost
anyone’s list here. The school’s 20 varsity teams compete in the ultracompetitive
Division I Southeastern Conference (SEC), where they line up against powerhouses such
as Alabama and LSU. Since joining the SEC in
2012, Texas A&M has won four national titles and
28 conference championships. Football fans rock
Kyle Field with cries of “Gig ’em, Aggies,” or “Hump
it, Ags,” and after every Aggie touchdown, fans kiss
their dates. Basketball, flag football, racquetball, and soccer are among the most popular
sports in the well- organized and extensive intramural program. Aggie jokes abound,
much to the irritation of A&M students, who don’t take too kindly to being the object
of ridicule. Example: “How do you get a one- armed Aggie out of a tree?” “Wave.”
Texas A&M is undeniably gargantuan, yet it is also self- consciously familial. “A
great school will challenge and nurture you to become an individual who is ready to
conquer any problem in the world— and that right there is Texas A&M,” says one
satisfied biology major. With varied educational opportunities and memorable tra-
ditions worth cheering (that is to say, “yelling”) about, it’s no wonder students here
are so devoted to their “Aggie Family.”
Aggies may be found
at Midnight Yell
before each home and
away football game.
“You could write a
book— and many
have— about all the
traditions we have here.”
Overlaps
UT Austin,
UC Berkeley,
University of
Michigan, UNC
at Chapel Hill,
UCLA, UT Dallas,
University of
Houston, Baylor
If You Apply To ›
Texas A&M: Early action (engineering only), regular decision. Does not accept the Common Application. Apply to particular
schools or programs. Primarily committed to state residents. Please consult Texas A&M’s website for the most up- to- date
information regarding standardized test requirements.
Texas Christian University
TCU Box 297013, Fort Worth, TX 76129
The personalized private alternative to Texas- sized state universities. Tuition is less,
and the student body less affluent, than that at archrival SMU. Though affiliated
with the Disciples of Christ, TCU goes lighter on religion than, say, Baylor. Strengths
include business, communication, and the fine arts. Strong sense of community and
school spirit.
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TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY 695
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
You know a school has spirit (if that’s the right word) when its students paint them-
selves purple to cheer raucously for a spiky toad. Although outsiders might be baf-
fled by such a display, Texans know these folks are TCU fans cheering for the home
team (officially known as the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs) at a Saturday
afternoon football game. There’s a true sense of school spirit and solidarity here.
And TCU may seem more accessible than rivals Southern Methodist and Baylor.
The spacious 302- acre campus is kept in almost perfect condition and features
tree- lined walkways and grassy areas. Nearby is a lovely residential neighborhood
not too far from the shops and restaurants of downtown Fort Worth. The campus,
which dates to 1873, boasts an eclectic mix of architecture, ranging from neo-
Georgian to contemporary. Notable facilities include the Hays Business Commons
and the acoustically perfect, 700- seat Van Cliburn Concert Hall, part of the recently
built $53 million TCU Music Center.
Students choose their majors from 116 disciplines, with the core curriculum
embodying the base of the liberal arts education. The core emphasizes critical think-
ing and is divided into three areas: essential competencies; human experience and
endeavors; and heritage, mission, vision, and
values. There are first- year seminar courses along
with a student orientation and Frog Camp (an
optional summer camp that emphasizes team
building and school spirit). TCU’s standout pro-
grams are business, nursing, biology, strategic
communication, education, and fine arts. The most popular majors are nursing,
finance, strategic communication, and marketing. In the Neeley School of Business,
selected upperclassmen manage a $1.75 million investment portfolio. The univer-
sity also offers an innovative dance program with a ballet major, a strong theatre
internship program, and majors in ranch management and comparative race and
ethnic studies.
“TCU is home to many students who are high achievers,” says a sophomore.
“However, it is not as competitive a climate as other universities.” Classes are often
small, with 39 percent enrolling fewer than 20 students, and many professors take
on the role of mentors, as do academic advisors. “My advisor is so eager to help,”
says a student. “I think he really enjoys giving me advice.”
Top achievers may be invited to join the honors college, living together in the
honors dorm their first year and pursuing individual research opportunities as part
of their honors thesis senior year. “Honors classes are focused more on critical think-
ing, ethics, and human connections rather than definitions and formulas,” explains
one participant. Globally minded students can travel to 20 countries to study abroad
in their pick of more than 50 programs, including faculty- led options; 38 percent do
so. Career services, which are specific to each college, get high marks, and students
also recommend getting involved with leadership opportunities offered through the
Leadership & Student Involvement office.
“Students at TCU go the extra mile to make sure each student is supported and
cared for,” cheers a business management major. The student body is fairly homo-
geneous; 47 percent are from Texas, many from affluent, conservative families. Black
students account for 4 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 17 percent,
Asian Americans 2 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent; 5 percent of students
are international. Lack of diversity is a top concern among students, but a junior
notes that TCU has been “taking a lot more interest in diversity and inclusion efforts
within everything from recruitment and admissions to first- year experience pro-
grams.” This is hardly an activist campus, and although TCU is affiliated with the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the atmosphere is not overtly religious. TCU
provides merit awards averaging $20,523 and more than 300 athletic scholarships.
Website: www .tcu .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 11,958
Undergraduates: 10,326
Male/Female: 38/62
Financial Aid: 85%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 33%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 16,197
Accepted: 56%
Enrolled: 27%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 92%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) TCU- FROG
Email Address: frogmail @
tcu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business
Nursing
Biology
Strategic Communication
Education
Dance
Theatre
Finance
“Honors classes are
focused more on critical
thinking, ethics, and human
connections rather than
definitions and formulas.”
In the Neeley School
of Business, selected
upperclassmen
manage a
$1.75 million
investment portfolio.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Fifty percent of the student body lives on campus. Dorm life offers a good experi-
ence, with up- to- date facilities. “I always say if you live communal anywhere, it has to
be at TCU!” enthuses a junior. “The housekeeping staff is amazing, and the amenities
are so nice.” Most juniors and seniors, however,
move off campus, and fraternity and sorority mem-
bers may live in their Greek houses after their first
year. Campus meals receive average reviews, except for Sunday brunch. “No one misses
Sunday brunch,” says a salivating finance major. “Lobster macaroni and cheese, choco-
late fountains, pastries, mountains of fruit, I could go on for days.” An evening safety
escort service, Froggy Five- O, takes you wherever you want to go on campus, and stu-
dents say they feel safe. The annual, weeklong It’s On Us campaign works to raise aware-
ness of sexual assault, and a senior says, “I am proud of TCU for addressing it head- on.”
Greek life is important at TCU; 44 percent of the men and 58 percent of the
women join Greek organizations. They party in the esprit de corps tradition, but
there’s plenty of fun left on campus and in Fort Worth to keep the non- Greek Frogs
hopping, such as movie nights, concerts, food trucks, and sports games. “Alcohol vio-
lations are a big deal,” says a student, and involve a three- strike system. Students look
forward to the concert each semester that brings big- name acts to campus, and the
traditional lighting of the Christmas tree (featuring carols, hot chocolate, cookies,
Santa, reindeer, and even fireworks) is always a special event. “Fort Worth is cultured
and has plenty of things to do,” says a senior. “The stockyards let you get in touch
with the inner country in you, and no one should miss a visit to Billy Bob’s, the
world’s largest honky- tonk.” Dallas is only 45 minutes to the east; other road trips
include Austin, San Antonio, the Gulf Coast, and Shreveport, Louisiana.
TCU fields 22 varsity athletic programs, which compete— and excel— in the
tough Big 12 Conference. The Horned Frog football team finished the 2022 season
as runner- up to Kansas State in the national championship. The annual grudge
match against Southern Methodist for the Iron Skillet always draws lively crowds.
Baseball, men’s tennis, and women’s soccer have claimed conference titles in recent
years. Intramural and club sports are popular with students as well.
From its student- friendly admissions process to its dedication to supporting and
developing students once they hop onto campus, TCU is an accessible university
offering a personalized educational experience. The school’s warm students have no
shortage of purple pride. As one junior says, “TCU is full of rah- rah school spirit and
a student body that never fails to say, ‘Go Frogs!’”
“Fort Worth is cultured and
has plenty of things to do.”
Students look forward
to the concert
each semester that
brings big- name
acts to campus.
Overlaps
Baylor, University
of Southern
California, Southern
Methodist, Tulane,
Vanderbilt, Texas
A&M, UT Austin,
University of
Oklahoma
If You Apply To ›
TCU: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Optional Freedom of Expression
question allows space for any information not included elsewhere in application. Please consult TCU’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX 79409
A child of the remote West Texas plains, Texas Tech is emerging from the large
shadow of Texas A&M as one of the state’s top research universities. It takes big- time
sports to be on the map in Texas, and the Red Raiders have taken up the challenge.
Bills itself as smaller and more personal than UT or A&M.
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TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY 697
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Texas Tech University has come a long way from its humble beginnings. It opened
its doors in 1925 in the West Texas city of Lubbock with fewer than 1,000 students
enrolled in four schools: agriculture, engineering, home economics, and liberal arts.
Today, Tech hosts 29,000 full- time undergraduates, hundreds of academic programs,
and schools of medicine and law, and it aspires to become a leading research univer-
sity on the national level. “We are enjoying increasing emphasis on undergraduate
research, service learning and community engagement, personal and professional
ethics, and internationalization,” administrators say.
Tech’s 1,839- acre campus features expansive lawns, impressive landscaping,
and Spanish Renaissance– style red- tile- roofed buildings. The school has com-
pleted more than $1 billion in construction projects in recent years, including
the Sports Performance Center and an honors residence hall. Tech also has a slew
of other facilities around Texas, such as a 16,000- acre agricultural facility and
research farm.
The university’s 10 undergraduate colleges and schools boast more than 150
degree programs. Tech’s comprehensive general education requirements span all of
the colleges and schools, and most majors involve a capstone course as well. The
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural
Resources “has the strongest financial foothold
on campus, with the largest endowment,” says
an economics major. “Within the College of
Human Sciences lies the department of personal
financial planning, the best of its type in the country.” Mechanical engineering,
marketing, communication studies, biology, and management are some of the most
popular majors, and the education, animal science, wind energy, and music pro-
grams are also well regarded. The university studies major, which allows students to
build their own interdisciplinary major by combining any three existing areas of
study, is a popular option.
Despite Tech’s massive size, 81 percent of classes have fewer than 50 students.
As at many large research universities, a junior reports, academic rigor and quality
of instruction “really depend on the teacher and the level of the class.” Graduate
assistants may lead discussion sections or labs, but they aren’t the main force at the
lectern. An optional one- credit freshman seminar helps with the transition from
high school to college.
The Program in Inquiry and Investigation (known as Pi Squared) is a two-
semester course that prepares interested freshmen to conduct undergraduate
research. Between 350 and 400 outstanding first- year students enroll in Tech’s
Honors College every year, where they sit on committees, help with recruiting,
make decisions about course content, and evaluate faculty. They can also work
on research projects, either independently (with a professor’s guidance) or as
part of a student/faculty team. Those yearning to leave the hardscrabble plains of
West Texas may study abroad in more than 50 countries; Tech also has its own
campuses in Spain and Costa Rica. About 20 percent of students go abroad, an
impressive figure boosted by the requirement that all undergrads enrolled in the
Whitacre College of Engineering must have an international experience lasting
at least six weeks.
“Tech students want to learn and excel and push those around them to do the
same,” says a student. The Tech student body is largely homegrown; 93 percent hail
from the Lone Star State, and 2 percent come from foreign nations. Black students
account for 6 percent of the undergraduate population, Hispanics/Latinos 29 per-
cent, Asian Americans 3 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. The university
sponsors frequent discussion series and workshops on the issues of diversity, inclu-
sion, and racial equity. According to a public relations major, “A majority of
Website: www .ttu .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 34,047
Undergraduates: 29,075
Male/Female: 51/49
Financial Aid: 66%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pub $
Student Loans: 49%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 35,400
Accepted: 67%
Enrolled: 28%
Grad in 6 Years: 64%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (806) 742- 1480
Email Address: admissions @
ttu .edu
Strong Programs:
Agriculture
Personal Financial Planning
Education
Animal Science
Wind Energy
Music
Mechanical Engineering
Marketing
“Tech students want to
learn and excel and push
those around them to do
the same.”
The Program
in Inquiry and
Investigation course
prepares interested
freshmen to conduct
undergraduate
research.
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698 TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
students identify as Republican.” Tech offers merit scholarships worth an average of
$4,300 as well as more than 250 athletic awards in 17 varsity sports. Elite chess play-
ers can vie for a handful of scholarships as well. The Red Raider Guarantee offers free
tuition and fees to qualified freshmen who are Texas residents and whose families
earn less than $65,000 per year.
Only 23 percent of the students at Tech live in the dorms, mainly freshmen
who are required to do so. “The dorms are the ultimate college experience,”
enthuses one senior. Co- ed, single- sex, and quiet study dorms are available, as are
18 living/learning communities. Dining options
are plentiful, and a junior says, “Whether you’re
a vegetarian or on a protein diet, you’ll eat well
here.” About 50 restaurants in the area also take the university’s Tech Express debit
card. A safe- ride shuttle service helps students feel safe, and the Risk Intervention
and Safety Education office is working to prevent sexual violence and support per-
sonal wellness on campus.
More than 500 student organizations offer plenty of activities to keep students
busy on campus. Twelve percent of the men pledge fraternities and 17 percent of the
women join sororities, so a sizable contingent heads to the parties at Greek Circle,
although students say Greek groups don’t dominate the social scene. Since so many
students live off campus, that’s where most of the weekend action is. “Most partying
happens at places like bars or house parties, and never on campus,” explains a junior.
The Depot District is a popular destination, as most bars and clubs admit anyone 18
and over.
Annual traditions include homecoming, complete with a bonfire and chili
cook- off; the Carol of Lights during the first weekend in December; and Arbor Day,
when hundreds of students fan out across campus to plant flowers and trees for the
spring. The city of Lubbock (population 260,000) offers numerous opportunities
to get involved with the community through work with the Boys & Girls Clubs
of America, United Way, animal shelters, or Bible study at local churches. Popular
road trips include any of the four nearby lakes (for picnicking, boating, or camping),
skiing in New Mexico (four hours away), and anywhere the Red Raiders are playing,
especially if it’s against the University of Texas Longhorns.
The Division I Red Raiders compete in the Big 12 Conference, and the men’s
basketball and baseball, men’s and women’s track and field, tennis, and golf, and
women’s soccer teams are among the school’s best. When the football team takes
the field, the Masked Rider, replete with red-and-black cape and cowboy hat, moti-
vates the crowd by galloping up and down the sidelines, and “fans throw tortillas on
the field at kickoff,” says a sophomore. The university’s livestock and meat- judging
teams have won several national championships in recent years. Intramural and
club sports, which attract about half of the undergraduates, include everything from
the typical soccer and flag football to paintball and roller hockey.
Texas Tech has come a long way over the past 98 years in carving out its own
niche. Students should come prepared for the heat, the relative isolation of the West
Texas Plains, and the effort it often takes to be more than a number at any school of
this size. Those who do, says a public relations major, will be rewarded by a strong
sense of community and school pride: “Everyone is friendly here at Texas Tech
because we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves.”
“The dorms are the ultimate
college experience.”
The university’s
10 undergraduate
colleges and schools
boast more than 150
degree programs.
Overlaps
Texas A&M,
Texas State, UT
Austin, Oklahoma
State, University
of Arkansas, UT
Dallas, UT San
Antonio, University
of Houston
If You Apply To ›
Texas Tech: Rolling admissions. Does not accept the Common Application. Please consult Texas Tech’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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TRINITY COLLEGE 699
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Toronto: See page 362.
Trinity College
300 Summit Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Long known for both its quality academics and its well- to- do students, Trinity is
shaking up its admissions practices and emerging as a national leader in efforts
to diversify its student body. Abundant community- based learning and service
opportunities take imaginative advantage of the school’s urban setting. Trinity
joins Lafayette, Smith, Swarthmore, and Union as a small liberal arts college that
offers engineering.
For students at Trinity College, the learning experience doesn’t stop at the campus
borders. At first glance, the small liberal arts college and the large city of Hartford,
Connecticut, seem like an uneasy match. But instead of insulating itself from outside
problems, Trinity takes advantage of its surroundings by using Hartford as its class-
room. At the college’s downtown Liberal Arts Action Lab, community partners team
up with students and faculty to research and propose solutions to problems facing
the city. On campus, academic standards continue to rise, and students graduate with
a strong liberal arts background. “Students are the priority here,” says one senior.
Trinity was founded in 1823 by Connecticut Episcopalians as an alternative to
Congregationalist Yale. Splendid Gothic- style stone buildings decorate Trinity’s
100- acre campus. The large, grassy quadrangle is perfect for tossing a Frisbee or
relaxing on warm spring and fall afternoons.
Along with revitalizing the neighborhood that
surrounds it, Trinity’s campus is undergoing its
own revitalization. Newer facilities include the
Gruss Music Center, the Crescent Center for Arts
and Neuroscience, and several athletic fields. Classroom facilities in some of the
college’s original buildings have recently been renovated, and the Crescent Street
Townhouses provide accommodations for 340 upperclassmen.
Trinity’s general education requirements include distribution courses across the
liberal arts and sciences, as well as demonstrated proficiency in writing, mathemat-
ics, and a foreign language. The First- Year Seminar emphasizes writing, speaking,
and critical thinking; the seminar instructor serves as students’ academic advisor. Six
Gateway programs give selected freshmen a chance to study in- depth topics from
interdisciplinary perspectives through a multi- semester sequence of courses. Offerings
include InterArts, Interdisciplinary Science, Community Action, Humanities, Global
Health Humanities, and Cities, which one student calls “phenomenal— very chal-
lenging and rewarding.” A global engagement requirement can be completed by
coursework or study abroad.
Popular majors at Trinity include economics, political science, psychology, and
public policy and law. Human rights studies is notable, and students say the school’s
small engineering program is strong. Accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree pro-
grams are available in American studies and neuroscience. Trinity’s close ties to the
community are also apparent in the curriculum; students can take courses on urban
development and the history of the city of Hartford or choose from service- learning
courses that incorporate opportunities to work with more than 80 local community
service organizations.
Website: www .trincoll .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,116
Undergraduates: 2,112
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 60%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 41%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 6,220
Accepted: 36%
Enrolled: 25%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (860) 297- 2180
Email Address: admissions
.office @ trincoll .edu
Strong Programs:
Human Rights Studies
Engineering
American Studies
Neuroscience
Economics
Political Science
Psychology
Biology
“The academic climate is
small, discussion driven,
opportunity driven, and [a]
supporting community.”
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700 TRINITY COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Faculty/student collaboration is a tradition at Trinity. Two- thirds of students
work with professors on research and scholarly papers, and many students join their
mentors to present findings at symposia. “The academic climate is small, discussion
driven, opportunity driven, and [a] supporting community,” says a junior. Sixty-
nine percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Students say that professors
have high expectations of them, and most go the extra mile to provide support.
More than half of the students seek internships in government (including the
Legislative Internship Program at the nearby state capital), nonprofit organizations,
and businesses in Hartford (the insurance capital of the world). Trinity’s study- away
program, in which 52 percent of students take part, includes the college’s own inter-
national program sites in five cities, ranging from Cape Town to Vienna to Shanghai,
as well as more than 90 approved and affiliated programs. Other enticing choices
include the Trinity/La MaMa Urban Arts program in New York City and the
Washington Semester in D.C.
Although the school has had a reputation for enrolling, in the words of a soph-
omore, “prep school students from privileged families,” it is moving away from its
traditionally heavy penchant for New England boarding school grads, seeking to
diversify the student body. Nineteen percent of
Trinity students are Connecticut natives; an
increasing number come from California, and
14 percent are international. Asian Americans
currently account for 4 percent of the student
body, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Black students 6 percent, and multiracial stu-
dents 4 percent. “For the majority, we are very liberal,” says a human rights and
political science major. Athletic scholarships are not available and merit awards are
limited, but Trinity does provide special financial packages to replace student loans
for students with the most need. The college also guarantees to meet students’ full
demonstrated need for four years.
Eighty- two percent of Trinity’s students live in the co- ed dorms. Freshmen are
grouped into “nests” of 60 to 75 students, aimed at creating a more intimate sense
of community. Students report that meals at Mather, Trinity’s dining hall, are ade-
quate, with options for those with special tastes and needs, and the à la carte and
grab- and- go items at the Bistro and the Cave provide alternatives. “Campus safety
officers are always around to make sure our students feel safe,” says a senior.
“The social life revolves around on- campus activity,” a sophomore says. Students
praise the Trinity College Activities Council, which brings in comedians and musical
performers and organizes parties, study breaks, and community service days. “The
campus dances are very popular with the entire
student body,” says a senior. The Underground
Coffeehouse and the Bistro’s weekly comedy
nights are also student favorites. But the action
on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights is mostly at the Greek houses (25 percent
of the men and 21 percent of the women join up). Students say alcohol is not hard
to come by, but “the campus policies on alcohol are fairly severe on underage drink-
ers and abusers,” says a student. Spring Weekend brings bands to campus for a three-
day party outdoors. Popular road trips include Montreal, Boston, New York City, and
the beaches and mountains of Maine.
“Hartford has a terrific assortment of restaurants, ranging from cheap but deli-
cious ethnic fare to upscale, parent- friendly places,” says a philosophy major. A
college- sponsored “culture van” takes students downtown to catch a show at the
Bushnell or visit the Wadsworth Atheneum, the nation’s oldest public art museum.
A professional soccer team and a citywide bike- share program were recently intro-
duced. “We have both a beautiful rural campus and are located in a capital city,”
Students can choose
from service-
learning courses
that incorporate
opportunities to
work with more than
80 local community
service organizations.
“[Hartford] provides endless
cultural opportunities as
well as educational access
to internships.”
Trinity is moving away
from its traditionally
heavy penchant
for New England
boarding school grads,
seeking to diversify
the student body.
“The campus dances are
very popular with the entire
student body.”
Spring Weekend
brings bands to
campus for a three-
day party outdoors.
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TRINITY UNIVERSITY 701
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
opines a senior. “Our location provides us with endless cultural opportunities and
fun things to do as well as educational access to internships.” The Office of
Community Service and Civic Engagement helps coordinate such opportunities,
and students have created and run organizations that provide housing, tutoring,
meals, and other services to youth, families, and senior citizens.
Trinity’s Bantams compete in Division III, and both men’s and women’s squash
are powerhouses (the men’s team has won 17 national titles in the last 24 years). Other
solid programs include men’s ice hockey, football, and women’s lacrosse. Homecoming
typically brings Wesleyan or Amherst to campus for a football game. About half of the
students take part in the intramural and club sports programs.
With its dual emphasis on traditional liberal arts education and civic engage-
ment, Trinity aims to prepare students to be independent thinkers ready to make a
difference both locally and globally. And students here have taken their civic respon-
sibility to heart. At Trinity, an English major says, “Students are pushed to reshape
the way they think and tackle challenges to make an impact in their community.”
Overlaps
Colby, Boston
College,
Connecticut
College, Wesleyan,
Boston University,
Brown, Tufts, Holy
Cross
If You Apply To ›
Trinity College: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
optional essay supplement that encourages applicants to write about their interest in Trinity.
Trinity College Dublin: See page 378.
Trinity University
One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212- 7200
One of the few quality Southwestern liberal arts colleges in a major city. Trinity is
twice as big as nearby rivals Austin College and Southwestern University and offers
a diverse curriculum that includes business, education, and engineering in addition
to the liberal arts. San Antonio runs neck and neck with Austin as the most desirable
city in Texas.
Trinity University is a small school with big bucks. Thanks to that liquid that gushes
out of the Texas soil, Trinity has one of the nation’s largest educational endowments
at a school its size. The wealth is used unashamedly to lure capable students with
bargain tuition rates and to entice talented professors from around the nation. The
result? A student body composed of smart, ambitious men and women and a stellar
faculty. Students here enjoy challenges but still manage a laid- back Texas attitude.
“It’s friendly, warm, personal, engaged, and academically stimulating,” a senior says.
Trinity was founded in 1869 in a small central Texas town just after the end of
the Civil War. In 1952, the school moved to its current location, a residential area
about three miles from downtown San Antonio,
one of the most beautiful cities in the Southwest.
The 125- acre campus, filled with the Southern
architecture of O’Neil Ford, is located on what
was once a rock quarry. Everything fits the school’s aesthetically pleasing and some-
what well- to- do image, from the uniform redbrick buildings to the stately pathways
Website: www .trinity .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,592
Undergraduates: 2,462
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 97%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 48%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 11,463
Accepted: 31%
Enrolled: 19%
“[Trinity] is friendly, warm,
personal, engaged, and
academically stimulating.”
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702 TRINITY UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
that wind along gorgeous green lawns and through immaculate gardens spotted
with Henry Moore sculptures. Trinity’s most dominant landmark is Murchison
Tower, which rises in the center of campus and is visible from numerous vantage
points throughout San Antonio. The newly constructed Dicke Hall houses the
English and religion departments as well as support programs for the humanities.
Trinity’s general education curriculum, called Pathways, contains five signa-
ture curricular elements: the First- Year Experience, Core Capacities, Approaches to
Creation and Analysis, Interdisciplinary Clusters, and Experiential Learning. Trinity
has a highly praised education department, with a five- year master of arts in teach-
ing program, and a good advising program for students interested in health profes-
sions. Trinity’s business- related programs are some of its best and most popular; the
engineering, neuroscience, psychology, and political science programs are strong
too. Business analytics and technology, finance, accounting, and computer science
enroll the most students. Budding journalists and advertisers can try their hand at
broadcasting through internships with the communication department’s television
and radio stations. The five- year accounting program allows students to serve an
internship with the big four accounting firms in offices around the nation while
earning a salary and receiving college credit. The Languages Across the Curriculum
program features classes such as business, history, and anthropology taught in lan-
guages that include Chinese, German, Spanish, and Russian.
“The academic climate at Trinity is both rigorous and casual,” comments a
finance and business analytics major. “The coursework is not easy, but the creativity
and autonomy that faculty give to students in class is great.” Classes at Trinity are
small: 68 percent have fewer than 20 students.
According to a junior, “Professors always hold
office hours for students to come in and talk or
ask questions.” A team of professional academic
advisors work with incoming first- year students
until they declare their majors, at which point students are assigned to a faculty
advisor within their department. Forty- five percent of students participate in
research projects with faculty mentors, while 37 percent study abroad in programs
offered in more than 50 countries.
Seventy- seven percent of Trinity undergraduates are Texans, and 5 percent are
international. The school is fairly diverse ethnically; Hispanics/Latinos account for
24 percent, Asian Americans 8 percent, Black students 4 percent, and multiracial
students 4 percent. Students report that the campus leans liberal politically, but
the atmosphere is generally accepting rather than ostracizing. “Everyone feels the
need to stay civil and calm, for the most part,” observes a senior. Merit scholarships
averaging $24,900 are available to academically gifted students; there are no athletic
scholarships.
Students are required to live on campus through their junior year. In fact,
77 percent of the students live in the residence halls, which one student describes as
“fantastic, with walk- in closets, private balconies, suite- style rooms, and a cleaning
service.” Residence halls are co- ed by suite, with one single- sex residence hall that is
off- limits to freshmen. A university- owned apartment complex is an option for
upperclassmen, but most seniors find their own places off campus. Campus dining
is “delicious,” according to a student. “I’ve been eating on campus for four years,
and I’m still not sick of the food.” A junior says students feel safe and “the university
police are constantly monitoring the campus.”
With more than 100 clubs hosting events every weekend, there is plenty of
activity to keep students busy. The university sponsors an excellent lecture series
that brings notable politicians and public figures to campus. Beer and wine may be
consumed on campus by those of legal age in upper- class residence halls. Seventeen
(continued)
Grad in 6 Years: 76%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 874- 6489
Email Address: admissions @
trinity .edu
Strong Programs:
Education
Business
Engineering
Neuroscience
Psychology
Political Science
Economics
Biology
“The creativity and
autonomy that faculty
give to students in class is
great.”
A team of professional
academic advisors
work with incoming
first- year students
until they declare
their majors.
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TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY 703
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
percent of the men and 27 percent of the women join the local fraternity and soror-
ity organizations, which hold parties in Greek houses just off campus. “The parties
are more like kick- backs rather than a rager type of vibe,” explains a sociology major.
For first- year students, the school year commences with the traditional Tower Climb,
where they climb to the top of the school’s bell tower to shake the president’s hand
and see a knockout view of San Antonio. Students look forward to the Tigerfest
dance in the fall and the Chocolate Festival, where student clubs compete to create
the best chocolate dessert. They also anticipate Fiesta, a weeklong, annual celebra-
tion of San Antonio’s mixed culture that features bands, dancing, food, and drink.
San Antonio, with its famed River Walk replete with interesting restaurants,
receives a well- deserved thumbs- up from students. It doesn’t hurt that the city is home
to several other colleges. “San Antonio is a great place to be, because there are so many
things to do. That being said, you need a car to get
almost anywhere,” says one student. Students fre-
quent the many outdoor shops and cafés in the
historic Pearl district, as well as cultural and musi-
cal attractions and touristy hangouts such as Six Flags and SeaWorld. Students get
involved in city life by contributing more than 88,000 hours of community service
every year. Residents of the HOPE Hall living/learning community spend two hours a
week volunteering with organizations that serve the city’s homeless population;
“Being part of HOPE Hall grounded and humbled me,” says one participant. The city’s
beautiful, warm weather provides plenty of activities for the students year- round, but
there are also many fun road trips. The funky state capital of Austin is 90 miles north,
and students can also road- trip to the Texas Gulf Coast and the Hill Country.
Trinity’s varsity sports teams compete in the Division III Southern Collegiate
Athletic Conference. The Tigers men’s and women’s tennis teams and the track and
field teams were all conference champions in 2023, and the baseball team is nationally
competitive. Students enjoy a variety of intramural and club sports; flag football signs
up the most athletes. Country line dancing and outdoor recreation trips are popular too.
A big state and big money give students at this small university many of the
advantages of a larger school, from strong preprofessional offerings and accom-
plished professors to plentiful research opportunities. But a senior says it’s Trinity’s
emphasis on people and the rich heritage of its location that make it a special place:
“Trinity’s strong sense of community as well as its San Antonio roots provide a great
culture.”
“The parties are more like
kick- backs rather than a
rager type of vibe.”
For the traditional
Tower Climb, first-
year students climb to
the top of the school’s
bell tower to shake
the president’s hand.
Overlaps
Austin College,
Southwestern,
Colorado College,
Furman, Lafayette,
Macalester,
Skidmore, Denison
If You Apply To ›
Trinity University: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
Please consult Trinity’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Truman State University
100 East Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501
BEST
BUY
Widely regarded as Missouri’s de facto honors college, Truman has more in common
with private institutions than with nondescript regional publics. Occupies a public ivy
niche like Miami of Ohio and William & Mary. Rural setting encourages strong focus
on academics, including lots of undergraduate research. Less than a quarter of the
students are from out of state, mainly from Illinois.
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704 TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Truman State University, Missouri’s only public liberal arts college, attracts high
achievers from across the Show- Me State. Founded in 1867 as a regional teacher
training institution, the school became a statewide university in 1985 and 11 years
later took the name of the only Missourian to serve as a president of the United States.
Indeed, since shifting to a liberal arts and sciences mission, Truman has worked to
become a “public ivy” on the order of Miami University (OH) or William & Mary.
True, the small town of Kirksville, Missouri, is no Williamsburg, Virginia— or even
Oxford, Ohio. But the school’s relative isolation makes it easier to concentrate on
academics. “Truman is a fairly inexpensive school that has an amazing reputation,”
an accounting major states. “This brings students who are extremely hardworking
but also want an affordable education.”
Truman is located in the northeastern corner of Missouri, about 200 miles from
both Kansas City and St. Louis. The flower- laden campus includes approximately
40 buildings on 210 acres, many of which are Georgian in style— in fact, the oldest
portion of the campus, dating to 1873, is modeled on Thomas Jefferson’s design for
the University of Virginia. The Robison Planetarium and Multimedia Theater is one
of the campus’s newest facilities.
Truman’s revamped general education curriculum— The Dialogues— emphasizes
practical skills and experiences alongside breadth in the liberal arts and sciences.
Highlights of the curriculum include a common experience for incoming freshmen,
consisting of a Self and Society seminar and the
Truman Symposium, as well as a requirement
that seniors take a capstone course in their major.
In addition, all students are encouraged to com-
plete at least one hands- on learning experience,
such as study abroad, an internship, or undergraduate research. First- year students
participate in Truman Week, a five- day program, designed to help them adjust to
college life.
The most popular major is business administration; biology, exercise science,
and psychology round out the list of programs with the highest enrollment. An
interdisciplinary studies major allows students to combine coursework from two
or more disciplines to create a specialized major. Nursing is a traditional strength,
and there are also solid five- year programs for students interested in education or
accounting, which culminate in the awarding of bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
New majors are available in social issues advocacy, music business, cannabis and
natural medicinals, and environmental science.
Students describe a “challenging but engaging” academic climate. Classes rarely
have more than 50 students, which makes access to top- notch professors the norm
and “allows for complex and mature discussions of course material,” explains a
sophomore. Students praise the career center, and a freshman notes, “There are tons
of seminars to talk about practical ways to improve your hirability.”
Students seeking to challenge themselves beyond the regular curriculum can
sign up for the Honors Scholar Program, which requires them to complete at least
five rigorous courses of their choosing in a range of disciplines. Study abroad oppor-
tunities are available via roughly 500 programs
in more than 65 countries around the world;
22 percent of students participate. Forty percent
of students conduct independent research or col-
laborate with faculty members on research proj-
ects, and Truman typically sends one of the largest delegations of undergraduates to
the annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research. “Most students [grad-
uate] and have already accepted an offer for either a job, research, or graduate
school,” notes an accounting major.
Website: www .truman .edu
Location: Rural
Public
Total Enrollment: 3,052
Undergraduates: 2,825
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 91%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 49%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 4,896
Accepted: 45%
Enrolled: 32%
Grad in 6 Years: 71%
Returning Freshmen: 81%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (660) 785- 4114
Email Address: admissions @
truman .edu
Strong Programs:
Nursing
Education
Accounting
Business Administration
Biology
Exercise Science
Psychology
“I would call Truman a nerd
school . . . Education and
work take priority over
almost everything else.”
“[Small class size] allows
for complex and mature
discussions of course
material.”
New majors are
available in social
issues advocacy,
music business,
cannabis and natural
medicinals, and
environmental science.
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TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY 705
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
“I would call Truman a nerd school,” says a physics and mathematics double
major. “Nearly everyone at Truman is there to learn first, so education and work
take priority over almost everything else.” Sixty- five percent of Truman students are
native to Missouri, and 7 percent hail from abroad. Hispanic/Latino students repre-
sent 4 percent of the student body, Asian Americans 1 percent, Black students 3 per-
cent, and multiracial students 3 percent. A political science major categorizes the
low- key political climate as “slightly left of center.” Merit scholarships are available
to qualified students; the average award is $6,400. The school also hands out nearly
300 athletic scholarships. Additionally, the Truman Access Grant provides funding
to a limited number of students who have unmet need after their federal financial
aid and Truman scholarship award have been packaged.
Forty- two percent of Truman students live on campus in the residence halls.
Students say it’s easy to get a room, but most move off campus after their sopho-
more year. “The meals at the dining hall are surprisingly good, and the menu is
constantly rotating,” cheers an accounting major. Students report feeling safe on
their rural campus. Mental health on campus and a culture of stress have been
concerns at Truman, but the administration has invested in counseling services
and created campuswide wellness initiatives in response. A nursing major com-
ments, “Truman has made an incredible change in how it approaches the topic of
mental health.”
Social life at Truman is robust, according to students. “Because of Truman’s semi-
isolated location, the Student Activities Board brings in various musicians, comedians,
YouTube stars, speakers, and performers to campus for free,” explains a freshman. The
Greek system plays an integral part in Truman’s
social life— 23 percent of men and 19 percent of
women sign up— but there are also 200 other stu-
dent organizations to choose from. Since the
campus is dry, says an exercise science major,
“Most parties take place off campus, where they’re
hosted by Greek organizations, athletic teams, or one of the five bars in town.”
Students also venture out on road trips to St. Louis, Kansas City, various destinations
in Iowa, and Quincy, Illinois. Everyone looks forward to homecoming and Oktoberfest
(featuring free root beer) in the fall and the Final Blowout carnival in the spring, with
wacky games, inflatables, free food, and prizes. “Two traditions that stick out to me are
giving the Harry S. Truman statue a penny for good luck on your test,” notes a senior.
“The second is kissing in the sunken garden is a sign of future marriage.”
The town of Kirksville (population 17,600) grows on you, say students. “All of
the essentials of a college town are present, including a Walmart, a bowling alley,
a good movie theater, and a beautiful state park,” a business administration major
says. Two- thirds of students take advantage of various opportunities to get involved
in volunteer work and service learning. The Big Event is a popular one- day service
event that brings more than 1,500 campus volunteers to Kirksville. Truman hosts 12
service organizations, which provide thousands of hours of service every year.
When not exercising their academic muscles, Truman’s Bulldogs, members of
the Great Lakes Valley Conference, are succeeding in the pool and on the playing
field. The men’s and women’s swim teams have won multiple Division II titles,
and the football, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s track teams are also
competitive. The success of the Forensics Team, the school’s longest- running cocur-
ricular activity and winner of several state titles, speaks for itself. Roughly a quarter
of the students participate in the 20 intramural events offered per semester, which
include everything from basketball and soccer to pickleball and baggo.
“With some of the highest admissions standards of any public university in the
state, Truman has a distinct culture of academic excellence,” says a student. Indeed,
Two- thirds of students
take advantage of
various opportunities
to get involved in
volunteer work and
service learning.
“[Among] traditions that
stick out are giving the
Harry S. Truman statue a
penny for good luck on
your test.”
Overlaps
SUNY– Geneseo,
Creighton, Bradley,
College of New
Jersey, University
of Minnesota
Morris, Miami
(OH), University
of Missouri, Saint
Louis University
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706 TUFTS UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Truman offers challenging academics, pursued within a close- knit community.
Though its rural Missouri location can feel isolating, its affordable price makes it
certainly worth considering.
If You Apply To ›
Truman State: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Truman’s website for
the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Tufts University
Bendetson Hall, Medford, MA 02155
One of the smallest and most undergraduate- focused of the major research
universities, Tufts is known for its global focus and emphasis on civic engagement.
Strengths run the gamut from classics and philosophy to engineering and
international relations. Located just outside student- friendly Boston, it has more in
common with Brown than any other Ivy. Compare to other top urban schools such as
Georgetown, Northwestern, and WashU. The Experimental College lets students take
nontraditional courses for credit.
Once considered a backup for those who couldn’t get into an Ivy, Tufts University,
founded in 1852 by Universalist businessman Charles Tufts, isn’t a safety school
anymore. Applications are up dramatically, propelling Tufts into the ranks of the
more selective schools in the country. With its strong academics, high- achieving
student body, and attractive setting, some might say that not all that much more
separates Tufts from its illustrious neighbors, Harvard and MIT, than a few stops on
the T. Says one senior, “Tufts is a school for people who aren’t afraid to speak their
mind but are also open to having someone change their mind.”
Tufts’s 150- acre, tree- lined campus on Walnut Hill overlooks the heart of nearby
Boston and is a striking scene. The main campus, with its brick and stone build-
ings, sits on the Medford/Somerville boundary. Medford, the fifth- oldest city in the
country, was a powerful shipbuilding center during the 19th century. Somerville lies
adjacent to the Tufts campus, and in 1776, the first American flag was raised on its
Prospect Hill. Notable campus facilities include the LEED Gold– certified Science and
Engineering Complex.
Undergraduate teaching is what attracts students to Tufts. They get highly per-
sonalized attention from faculty, and they enjoy wide freedom to pursue indepen-
dent study and to complete research and internships for credit. Tufts students also
get a healthy diet of traditional academic fare.
For liberal arts students, distribution require-
ments include a World Civilization course in
addition to art, English and language and cul-
ture, social sciences, humanities, natural sci-
ences, and math. Engineers must take eight
courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, with one of those fulfilling a
writing requirement. The most popular majors include biology, computer science,
international relations, and economics. Tufts also boasts strong classics and philos-
ophy departments, and there is an excellent child study and human development
program. Newer interdisciplinary programs, such as data science, civic studies, and
Website: www .tufts .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 11,980
Undergraduates: 6,613
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 37%
Pell Grant: 11%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 25%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 34,881
Accepted: 10%
Enrolled: 50%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (617) 627- 3170
Email Address:
undergraduate .admissions @
tufts .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
International Relations
Classics
Philosophy
“Tufts is a school for people
who aren’t afraid to speak
their mind but are also
open to having someone
change their mind.”
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TUFTS UNIVERSITY 707
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
human factors engineering (or engineering psychology) are growing in popularity.
With the university’s acquisition of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston,
students can earn a B.F.A. in interdisciplinary studio art or pursue a five- year pro-
gram that combines the B.F.A. with a B.A. or B.S. degree in another field within the
School of Arts and Sciences.
Tufts has two popular programs in which students who need a break from being
on the receiving end of knowledge can develop and teach courses. The first, the
Experimental College, annually offers more than 100 nontraditional, full- credit
courses on topics ranging from Pharmacology and Therapeutics to The Ethics of
Voluntourism that are taught by students, faculty, and outside lecturers. The second,
Freshman Explorations seminars, are taught by two upperclassmen and a faculty
member who doubles as an advisor; these courses are a way for freshmen to get to
know each other and ease into the college experience.
“The academics are tough but rewarding,” says one junior, and students agree
that the atmosphere is supportive. Sixty percent of classes have fewer than 20 stu-
dents, and most courses are taught by full professors. “Professors are willing to
sit with you and explain topics you don’t understand, give recommendations on
research opportunities, or give you general advice on life,” says an economics and
international relations double major.
For those looking to get off campus, Tufts offers the Washington Semester,
exchanges with Swarthmore and Spelman, and cross- registration at a number of
Boston schools. Forty- five percent of undergrads study abroad. Students may choose
to spend their summer at Tufts’s overseas campus in Talloires, France, embark on a
semester or year abroad at one of nearly 200 preapproved programs, or select one of
Tufts’s own full- immersion programs in 10 locations around the globe. The Institute
for Global Leadership includes the popular, interdisciplinary Education for Public
Inquiry and International Citizenship (EPIIC) program. The yearlong intensive
experience revolves around a theme and includes a weekly colloquium, interna-
tional symposium, and a research project or internship. Recent EPIIC themes have
been Race and International Relations and China and the World.
“Most Tufts students are excited about what they are learning and very friendly,”
says a senior. Twenty- seven percent of undergrads hail from Massachusetts; California,
New York, and New Jersey are also well represented. The university’s reputation in
international relations attracts a respectable
number of international students (13 percent)
and Americans living abroad. Asian American
students make up 16 percent of the population,
Hispanics/Latino 10 percent, Black students 6 percent, and multiracial students 7 per-
cent. The campus is largely liberal, and many students are enthusiastically engaged
in social and political issues, to the point that student activism itself has become a
hot- button topic. “The level of social activism has caused a fissure in the student
body between those who are fighting for a cause and those who channel their ener-
gies elsewhere,” remarks a senior. Only a few merit- based scholarships are available,
but there are no athletic scholarships, and while the school does meet the full demon-
strated financial need of all admits, just 10 percent of incoming freshmen qualify for
Pell Grants.
Sixty- one percent of students live on campus. Accommodations in the Uphill
and Downhill (the two quads joined by a great expanse of grass and trees) campus
dorms vary from long hallways of double rooms to apartment- like suites, old houses,
and co- ops— and a good- natured rivalry exists between the two areas. Freshmen and
sophomores must live on campus in the dorms, while upperclassmen compete in a
lottery or move to apartments just a short walk from campus. “When you’re a fresh-
man, go all- freshman housing. Nothing is more special than a community of all
(continued)
Child Study and Human
Development
Biology
Computer Science
Economics
The Experimental
College offers full-
credit courses on
topics ranging from
Pharmacology and
Therapeutics to The
Ethics of Voluntourism
that are taught by
students, faculty, and
outside lecturers.
“Professors are willing to sit
with you and explain topics
you don’t understand.”
Tufts offers
the Washington
Semester, exchanges
with Swarthmore
and Spelman, and
cross- registration
at a number of
Boston schools.
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708 TUFTS UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
freshmen where everyone’s looking for a niche to fit in,” a student advises. All first-
years are required to have the unlimited meal plan, and students give dining services
good reviews. The campus police department is said to be effective, and a chemical
engineering major reports that an ongoing dialogue is “pushing the administration
in the right direction for handling sexual assault on campus, and positive changes
have been made.”
According to a senior, “Partying at a frat is just as acceptable as staying in with
your roommate and watching Netflix.” Tufts has earned a national reputation for its
programs to promote the “responsible” use of alcohol and has revised multiple pol-
icies governing the Greek system, including
delaying rush until sophomore year. Currently,
8 percent of the men and 9 percent of the women
join fraternities and sororities. “Drinking is a sig-
nificant part of life at Tufts,” admits a sopho-
more, “but it’s not overwhelming.” University- sponsored activities include concerts,
plays (Aidekman Arts Center stages 15 to 20 productions each year), and free movies
on weekend nights. Several a cappella groups thrive at Tufts, and a favorite student
group is the Tufts Dance Collective, where “groups of students practice goofy dances
all semester” and put on two shows per year that draw big crowds. Other major
campus events include homecoming and Halloween on the Hill, the latter of which
is a carnival for children in the community, as well as Spring Fling, an outdoor con-
cert that helps students relax before final exams.
While suburban Medford may not be exciting for those of college age, the T
metro system extends to the Tufts campus, so it’s easy to make a quick jaunt to “stu-
dent city” (a.k.a. Boston) for work or play. Davis Square in Somerville is even closer
and provides plenty of restaurants, nightlife, and music stores. The largest student
organization by far, with more than 1,000 students, is the Leonard Carmichael
Society, the umbrella group for volunteer activities ranging from adult literacy and
blood drives to work with the homeless and victims of domestic violence.
Tufts fields 29 teams in the Division III New England Small College Athletic
Conference (NESCAC). The Jumbos (named after PT Barnum’s famous circus ele-
phant) men’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, women’s basketball, and softball teams are
competitive nationally. Sixteen percent of students play in intramural and club
sports. The Tufts Sabermetrics team, which grew out of the Experimental College,
is a national powerhouse in competitions that apply sophisticated statistical tech-
niques to the sport of baseball.
Tufts is experiencing a modern- day renaissance. This, along with a swelling
applicant pool, makes Tufts a much hotter school than it was just a few years ago.
And its proximity to Boston, an intellectual and educational mecca, makes it even
more attractive. “If you have something that you uncontrollably geek about and
love to be able to share that passion,” says a senior, “then Tufts is the place for you.”
“Partying at a frat is just as
acceptable as staying in
with your roommate and
watching Netflix.”
Several a cappella
groups thrive at Tufts,
and a favorite student
group is the Tufts
Dance Collective.
Overlaps
Dartmouth,
University of
Chicago, Brown,
Harvard, Wesleyan,
Georgetown,
Northwestern,
WashU in St. Louis
If You Apply To ›
Tufts: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Portfolio required for
applicants to School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Application includes optional gender identity field. Please consult Tufts’s
website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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TULANE UNIVERSITY 709
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Tulane University
6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118
The map may say that Tulane is in the South, but it has the temperament of an East
Coast institution. Similar number of undergraduates as Emory and Vanderbilt among
leading Southeastern universities. Tulane has developed a strong emphasis on
interdisciplinary research and community service, both academic and practical. High
achievers can shoot for the honors program.
Once a staid, genteel choice for students seeking a traditional education, Tulane
University has rebranded itself with a focus on interdisciplinary research, scholar-
ship, and community service. It now attracts service- minded and research- oriented
students from all 50 states who choose from more than 150 service- learning oppor-
tunities. Tulane promises a solid education to those who are ready to take up resi-
dence in the Big Easy. “Tulane students have to be adventurous,” remarks a junior.
“Prospective students should only apply if they’re looking to pursue a rigorous aca-
demic culture with a strong sense of community service.”
Tulane is unusual in that it was created as a public medical college in 1834 but
then privatized in 1884 thanks to the beneficence of businessman Paul Tulane. The
school’s 110- acre campus is located in an attractive residential area of uptown New
Orleans, about 15 minutes from the French
Quarter and the business district. Tulane’s
administration building, Gibson Hall, faces
St. Charles Avenue, where one of the nation’s
last streetcar lines still clatters past mansions. Across the street is Audubon Park, a
385- acre spread where students jog, walk, study, or watch the sun set over the
Mississippi River— a popular way to unwind on Fridays. The buildings of gray lime-
stone and pillared brick, separated by southern live oak trees, are modeled after the
neo- collegiate/Creole mixture indigenous to Louisiana institutional- type structures.
One particular point of pride is the university’s 13 Tiffany windows, one of the larg-
est collections anywhere.
Tulane remains committed to its mission as a major research university that
emphasizes undergraduate opportunities. All undergrads enroll in the Newcomb-
Tulane College, which coordinates academic experiences and support. Students
complete a rigorous set of core curriculum requirements that includes a service-
learning course as well as a public service project, which can take the form of
a research project, internship, study abroad program, or honors thesis. Several
programs help freshmen make the transition from high school to college, such as
TIDES (Tulane InterDisciplinary Experience Seminars), where students connect
with a peer mentor and take a small- group course on topics as varied as yoga,
J. R. R. Tolkien, and New Orleans cemetery architecture. Some TIDES courses
have associated residential learning communities that encourage closer bonding
with classmates.
Together, five schools— architecture, business, liberal arts, public health and
tropical medicine, and science and engineering— offer more than 75 undergrad-
uate majors. The most popular include business, psychology, social sciences, and
biological sciences. Tulane’s strength lies in the natural sciences, environmental
sciences, architecture, and the humanities; international programs in general and
Latin American studies in particular are especially strong. The Stone Center for Latin
American studies offers more than 150 courses taught by 70 faculty members. An
Website: www .tulane .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 12,592
Undergraduates: 7,350
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 69%
Pell Grant: 8%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 27%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 31,615
Accepted: 12%
Enrolled: 51%
Grad in 6 Years: 87%
Returning Freshmen: 93%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 873- 9283
Email Address: undergrad
.admission @ tulane .edu
Strong Programs:
Natural Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Architecture
International Studies
Latin American Studies
Political Economy
Business
Public Health
“Students can really tailor
their curriculum to their
interests.”
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710 TULANE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
interdisciplinary program in political economy (economics, political science, and
philosophy) stands out among the social sciences and is very popular with prelaw
students. Environmental studies majors benefit from the ByWater Institute, where
faculty members and students work together to study and preserve Louisiana’s
waterways and coast.
“Since students can really tailor their curriculum to their interests, people are
usually pretty diligent about their studies,” observes a mathematics and sociol-
ogy double major. Sixty percent of classes have fewer than 20 students; graduate
instructors teach some beginning- level classes in English, foreign languages, and
math. “Professors here work hard to ensure that all of their students feel sup-
ported and are learning the material,” says a political science major. Each year,
the university’s highly acclaimed honors program invites about 700 outstanding
students to partake in accelerated courses taught by top professors. Tulane offers
more than 100 study abroad programs in 40 nations, including one- semester
programs in locations such as Thailand to study community public health and
Senegal to study international development. In addition, Tulane’s Junior Year
Abroad program in the UK is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious
programs. One- third of undergrads study internationally during their time at
Tulane.
Tulane manifests a somewhat Southern feel in a sophisticated and cosmopolitan
institution. “Tulane students are willing to try new things, experiment, and work
toward the betterment of their community,” says an anthropology major. Ten per-
cent of undergraduates are Louisiana residents, and 5 percent come from outside the
U.S. Despite the diversity of its host city, Tulane’s student body is fairly homoge-
neous: 6 percent are Black, 9 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 6 percent are Asian
American, 5 percent are multiracial, and a mere 8 percent of freshmen qualify for
Pell Grants. A senior reports that Tulane “is working to improve diversity, but there’s
a lot left to be done.” The university awards hundreds of merit scholarships, averag-
ing $19,000, and over 100 athletic scholarships.
Fifty- four percent of students live on campus; nonlocal freshmen and sopho-
mores must do so. Many upperclassmen opt to move off campus, and one confides
that some of the dorms “are in rough shape.” The recently opened Dining Room at
the Commons is the university’s main dining
facility, offering 10 meal stations with rotating
menus. A monthly farmers market and food
trucks that accept the school’s meal plan
enhance students’ options. Tulane has beefed up
its counseling staff and programming to combat sexual assault, and a late- night
shuttle service transports students safely to and from campus. “We are situated in a
quite safe and residential area of New Orleans,” notes an international relations
major.
Social life at Tulane goes almost without saying. Fraternities and sororities are a
presence— 26 percent of the men and 54 percent of the women join— but do not
dominate the social life, and there are more than 200 student organizations on
campus. “My absolute favorite Tulane tradition is Crawfest, our student- run music
festival that has over 10 tons of crawfish, several musical performances, and so much
more,” cheers a junior. Though you’re supposed to be 21 to enjoy the bar scene in
the cafés and clubs that dot the French Quarter, a sophomore explains that “alcohol
is accessible.” Playing host to about 130 festivals every year, “New Orleans itself
never stops partying!” boasts a student. Mardi Gras is such a celebration that classes
are suspended for two days and students from all over the country pour in to cele-
brate. Road- trip destinations include the Gulf Coast, Austin, Houston, and the
Florida panhandle.
The Tulane
InterDisciplinary
Experience Seminars
offer students a
small- group course
on topics as varied as
yoga, J. R. R. Tolkien,
and New Orleans
cemetery architecture.
“Tulane is a mixture of New
Orleans soul, Southern
hospitality, and college
student swagger.”
Tulane’s Junior Year
Abroad program
in the UK is one
of the country’s
oldest and most
prestigious programs.
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UNIVERSITY OF TULSA 711
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
While schoolwork is taken seriously at Tulane, so are sports. Football, men’s and
women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s tennis are solid, and the baseball team
has a big following. The university fields 16 Green Wave teams that compete in the
Division I American Athletic Conference. Club and intramural sports are big, and
students can also opt for weight work, squash, or swimming, among other options,
at the Reily Student Recreation Center.
Rich in tradition, Tulane is a forward- looking school where the possibilities
seem endless. And like its hometown, it is an energetic melting pot of interests and
activity. As one senior puts it, “Tulane is a mixture of New Orleans soul, Southern
hospitality, and college student swagger.” Those seeking a dynamic, service- oriented
education in a vibrant city need look no further. C’est si bon!
Overlaps
Brown, Duke, Emory,
George Washington,
Northwestern,
Vanderbilt,
University of
Michigan, Louisiana
State
If You Apply To ›
Tulane: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please
consult Tulane’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104
Tulsa is a modestly priced private university in an area of the country dominated
by large and less expensive public universities. Blessed by a substantial oil- fueled
endowment, TU combines the academics of a small liberal arts college with the
resources of a private research university. Engineering and computer science are
strong; music and English literatures are also unlikely strengths. New Great Books
curriculum for honors students is special.
The University of Tulsa is a small, private university with a technical bent and a
strong international reputation. Known for its engineering and science programs,
including petroleum engineering and geosciences, TU argues that quality education
in all fields should be firmly grounded in the arts and sciences. The university offers
a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and hands- on work experience, and
a strong peer tutoring program works to assure that no one gets lost. “TU is a small
university with big- school opportunities,” says a junior nursing student.
Founded in 1894 under Presbyterian auspices in what was then Indian Territory,
TU occupies a 210- acre campus three miles from downtown Tulsa with a striking
view of the city’s skyline from the steps of the
neo- Gothic McFarlin Library. The university’s
more than 90 buildings run the architectural
gamut from 1930s- vintage Collegiate Gothic to
contemporary, all variations on a theme of yellow Tennessee limestone dubbed
“TU stone.” The Lorton Performance Center is TU’s showcase facility for the perfor-
mance arts.
Several years ago, the university embarked on an ill- conceived effort to de-
emphasize the arts and sciences in favor of its professional schools, including its
well- regarded college of engineering and business and a new college of health sci-
ence. The changes met with strong criticism, including from the media, and, begin-
ning in 2021, a new administration moved aggressively to restore TU’s traditional
balance of the arts and humanities with professional and technical studies. Majors
Website: www .utulsa .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,247
Undergraduates: 2,413
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 33%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 38%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 12,042
Accepted: 69%
Enrolled: 7%
Grad in 6 Years: 72%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (918) 631- 2307
Email Address: admission @
utulsa .edu
“TU is a small university
with big- school
opportunities.”
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712 UNIVERSITY OF TULSA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
in music, philosophy, and religion (but not theater and some other arts programs)
have been rescued from the chopping block, nursing has been strengthened, and
there is a new center for entrepreneurship and innovation. A junior reported, “We
just updated our energy management program to include more economic and
policy aspects, making it a highly valuable major for anyone interested in the energy
sector.” An unusual four- year Great Books curriculum for honors students is slated
to be available in 2025.
General education requirements, known as the Tulsa Curriculum, include a
series of Core courses that foster skills in math, language, and critical thinking, as
well as 25 hours of Block courses, which are introductory courses in the humanities,
fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Most students take six hours of formal writing
instruction and at least three hours of math. All
TU students are encouraged to study a foreign
language, but the number of credits required
varies by type of degree. In addition to its well- established and internationally rec-
ognized petroleum engineering and geosciences programs, TU offers solid majors in
computer science, nursing, biochemistry, psychology, accounting, and exercise and
sports sciences. Tulsa is one of 77 schools in the nation that trains America’s Cyber
Corps, the first line of defense against computer hackers and terrorists, and the uni-
versity has added a B.S. degree in cybersecurity. The English department has some
impressive resources at its disposal in McFarlin Library’s special collections, which
boast letters, manuscripts, and other materials by 19th- and 20th- century authors.
Students in the international engineering/science and language program earn both
a B.S. in engineering or science and a B.A. in a foreign language in five years.
Mechanical engineering, finance, computer science, and management are the most
popular majors.
Courses are rigorous, and students say the workload can be heavy, but class-
mates are always willing to help one another out. Sixty- one percent of classes
enroll fewer than 20 students, and professors are praised for being approach-
able and accommodating of student needs. “I rarely feel intimidated to ask
questions, and the professors usually know students by name,” praises a biol-
ogy major. Students also give high ratings to the university’s academic support
resources, including workshops, subsidized tutoring sessions, and grad students
who serve as academic counselors, helping with goal setting, study tips, and
time- management skills. The CaneCareers Job Placement Guarantee promises
that if students who complete a professional development program are not sub-
sequently employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of gradua-
tion, the university will cover the cost of tuition for one semester in one of TU’s
master’s degree programs.
The Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge offers outstanding opportunities to
conduct cutting- edge research with faculty mentors and has produced dozens of
national scholarship winners. Nine percent of students study abroad for a semester,
short term, or summer; short- term programs include a nursing and technology course
in Scotland, an athletic training course in Ireland, and a tropical biology course in
Costa Rica. “Tulsa puts high emphasis on the vital role summer internships can play
in one’s academic career,” says an enthusiastic senior. “I have had a high- paying
internship ever since my freshman year.”
“TU has that Midwestern charm to it,” says a junior. “It is a culture of high
achieving but kind people who push you to be your best.” Fifty- six percent of Tulsa’s
students are from Oklahoma; most others are from the Midwest and Southwest,
with many hailing from Texas and Missouri. Six percent are international. The stu-
dent body is 8 percent Black, 13 percent Hispanic/Latino, 7 percent Asian American,
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Petroleum Engineering
Geosciences
Computer Science
Nursing
Biochemistry
Psychology
Accounting
Mechanical Engineering
“Tulsa puts high emphasis
on the vital role summer
internships can play in
one’s academic career.”
Tulsa is one of 77
schools in the nation
that trains America’s
Cyber Corps, the
first line of defense
against computer
hackers and terrorists.
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UNIVERSITY OF TULSA 713
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
3 percent American Indian, and 10 percent multiracial. Students describe the campus
as “moderately liberal,” and a junior says TU is “not a hotbed for political activism.”
A bevy of merit and athletic scholarships are available for qualified students.
Seventy percent of students reside in campus housing; most freshmen and
sophomores are required to do so, and while some upperclassmen move off campus,
many choose to stay because of the school’s six luxury apartment villages. A mar-
keting major says, “Our worst dorms are nicer than the newest dorms on many
state school campuses.” The Student Union food court was recently renovated,
and students can also choose from cafeteria and bar- and- grill options, but many
students describe the cafeteria food as, simply, “bad.” Students give administra-
tors credit for adopting a more transparent approach to the issue of sexual assault.
“We are always informed when an assault is reported,” notes a media studies
major.
The social life at TU is surprisingly robust, if not raucous, thanks to hundreds
of student organizations and a healthy Greek life. The university sponsors regular
social events, and students enjoy simply hanging with friends at small gatherings
too. The Greek organizations claim 22 percent
of TU men and 19 percent of the women, and
the frats host registered parties that are limited
to a preauthorized guest list. Student- initiated
policies govern drinking on campus and are
well enforced. Campus traditions include the
ringing of the college’s cupola bell by each senior after his or her last final exam.
Other big events include the homecoming bonfire and football game and the
Lights On concert.
Nearby parks and lakes please outdoor enthusiasts. Downtown Tulsa offers sym-
phony, ballet, opera, museums, and an annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. “Tulsa
is such a vibrant city and is booming every day,” says a senior, who recommends the
Brookside and Cherry Street districts and concerts at Cain’s Ballroom. Sixty- two per-
cent of students volunteer with groups like Habitat for Humanity, Reading Partners,
and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. The Bricktown section of
Oklahoma City and nearby casinos, along with more distant Dallas, St. Louis, and
Kansas City, are popular road trips.
In Oklahoma, sports are important, to say the least. The Division I Golden
Hurricane compete in the American Athletic Conference in 17 intercollegiate sports.
Students get riled up when the football team is pitted against rivals Oklahoma and
Oklahoma State and when the basketball team suits up against Memphis and SMU.
Men’s and women’s tennis, track and field, and cross- country are also competitive,
as is the softball team. Many students take advantage of TU’s club sports and intra-
mural offerings; the most popular by far is flag football.
With its recent academic identity crisis in the rearview mirror, TU has settled on
once again becoming a private research university that allows students to pursue the
kind of education they would get at a small liberal arts college while pursuing
options in professional fields such as engineering, business, and the health sciences.
And it is doing so with an explicit focus on its students. As one speech pathology
major puts it, “The university is always doing things to improve student life and to
make all students feel like they are seen and that they belong.”
“The university is always
doing things to improve
student life and to make
all students feel like . . .
they belong.”
An unusual four-
year Great Books
curriculum for honors
students is slated to
be available in 2025.
Overlaps
Rice, WashU in
St. Louis, Southern
Methodist, Saint
Louis University,
Baylor, Texas
Christian,
University of
Richmond,
Creighton
If You Apply To ›
Tulsa: Early action, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Tulsa’s website
for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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714 UNION COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Union College
807 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308
Union is split down the middle between liberal arts and engineering. That means
its center of gravity is more toward the technical side than places like Lafayette,
Trinity, and Tufts, but less so than Clarkson and Rensselaer. Big commitment to
undergraduate research. Schenectady is less than exciting, but there are outdoor
getaways in all directions. Relatively anonymous because it does not fit into
conventional categories.
Founded in 1795, Union College is one of the oldest nondenominational liberal arts
colleges in the country. Its name reflects the founders’ desire to create a welcoming,
unifying academic community open to the region’s diverse religious and national
groups. More than 225 years later, Union is known for its interdisciplinary studies
and its study abroad programs. Engineering and the liberal arts go hand in hand
here. Undergraduate research has deep roots at Union, starting in the mid- 20th cen-
tury when a chemistry professor began involving students in his colloid chemistry
investigations. Today, “Union is constantly thinking of ways to better the students’
experience,” says one satisfied student.
Union’s 100- acre campus sits on a hill overlooking Schenectady, which played
a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution as a transportation and manufacturing
center. The campus was designed in 1813 by French architect and landscaper Joseph
Jacques Ramée, whose vision took shape in
brownstone and red brick, with plenty of white
arches, pilasters, and lacy green trees. The campus
plan also includes eight acres of formal gardens
and woodlands. The eye- catching, 16- sided Nott Memorial, a National Historic
Landmark described as “a feat of high Victorian Gothic,” is a meeting, study, and
exhibition center. After a two- year expansion and renovation, the interdisciplinary
Science and Engineering Center has been transformed into a state- of- the- art, fully
integrated complex; the $100 million project was the largest in the school’s
history.
To fulfill Union’s general education requirements, students take core courses
in their first and second years that promote reading, writing, and analytical skills,
including a required interdisciplinary First- Year Preceptorial. They also take courses
spread among social science, humanities, linguistic and cultural competency, quan-
titative and mathematical reasoning, and natural and applied science or engineer-
ing. All students must complete a senior thesis or senior seminar paper in order to
graduate.
Among Union’s most popular majors are economics, mechanical engineering,
biology, and neuroscience. Students also flock to strong programs in geology, com-
puter science, English, and history; the latter department is home to Union’s most
esteemed lecturer, Stephen Berk, whose course on the Holocaust and Twentieth-
Century Europe is a hot ticket. Each year, about 50 incoming freshmen are named
Union Scholars. The designation extends the First- Year Preceptorial to two terms
and gives students access to independent study projects, departmental honors pro-
grams, and expanded study abroad options. Eighty percent of all Union students
conduct undergraduate research en route to their degrees, and each spring Union
cancels classes one afternoon for the Steinmetz Symposium so that students can
present scholarly projects to their peers and professors in a professional conference
atmosphere.
Website: www .union .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,077
Undergraduates: 2,077
Male/Female: 56/44
Financial Aid: 77%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 57%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 8,458
Accepted: 47%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 85%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (518) 388- 6112
Email Address: admissions @
union .edu
Strong Programs:
Geology
Computer Science
English
History
Economics
Mechanical Engineering
Biology
Neuroscience
“Union is constantly
thinking of ways to better
the students’ experience.”
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UNION COLLEGE 715
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Interdisciplinary study is the norm at Union, with established programs in bio-
engineering, Latin American and Caribbean studies, law and public policy, and
Russian and Eastern European studies, to name a few. The college’s Kelly Adirondack
Center, 10 minutes from campus, features the 15,000- item Adirondack Research
Library and is a boon to students interested in environmental research and steward-
ship. The educational studies program allows aspiring teachers to complete courses
and fieldwork required for secondary school certification in a variety of subjects,
along with a strong liberal arts grounding. The Leadership in Medicine program, a
joint program with Clarkson University’s Union Graduate College and Albany
Medical College, gives students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree, an M.S.
in health management or an M.B.A. in health systems administration, and a medical
degree in eight years.
“Union’s culture is built around the relationships between students and fac-
ulty,” says a sophomore. “We are very lucky to have stellar professors who are always
looking to be active in the lives of their pupils.” Sixty- nine percent of classes have
fewer than 20 students, and students can expect to see full professors at the lecterns
rather than teaching assistants. Union operates on a trimester system, which means
thrice- a- year exams and a late start to summer jobs— but also the opportunity to con-
centrate on just three courses a term. More terms also means more opportunities for
independent study and internships, either in the state capital of Albany, 20 minutes
away, or in Washington, D.C. By the time graduation rolls around, nearly 60 per-
cent of students have studied abroad, many of them in faculty- led, three- week “mini
terms” during winter or summer break.
Thirty- three percent of Union students are New Yorkers, and 10 percent are
international. Four percent of students are Black, 9 percent are Hispanic/Latino,
6 percent are Asian American, and 3 percent are multiracial, but the school has been
working to boost these numbers. A senior
describes the political climate as “rather bal-
anced,” and a sophomore says, “I find that there
is a great amount of privilege at our school.”
Union awards hundreds of merit scholarships
averaging $16,800, and it meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted
students, but it does not offer athletic scholarships.
Ninety- two percent of Union students live on campus. The Minerva house
system (named after the Roman goddess of wisdom) is aimed at getting students and
faculty members to contribute to Union’s social, residential, and intellectual
life— and, students say, at decreasing the influence of the Greek system, which draws
20 percent of the men and 37 percent of the women. “The dorms are fine, pretty
typical, but the apartments for seniors and all the theme houses are very nice,”
reports a student. Students recommend West, which is co- ed by room and thus very
social, as well as Fox and Davidson, where freshmen and sophomores live in suites.
Dining options consist of four main eating areas, and the quality of meals “really
depends on the day,” says a freshman. “Campus police watch out very closely for
the safety of students,” says a sociology major.
“The majority of social life is on campus,” says a student. “There are Minerva
events and on- campus movies as well as typical fraternity parties.” Campus events
also include comedians, concerts, and speakers.
Despite these alternatives and strictly enforced
alcohol policies, most students agree that “Greek
life dominates,” as one student asserts. Favorite
annual traditions include the lobster bake (each
student gets their own crustacean) and Springfest, an outdoor concert. An unofficial
student tradition is to do a lap around the Nott Memorial— sans clothing.
Students take core
courses in their
first and second
years that promote
reading, writing, and
analytical skills.
“Union’s culture is built
around the relationships
between students and
faculty.”
An unofficial student
tradition is to do a
lap around the Nott
Memorial— sans
clothing.
“[On campus], there are
Minerva events and on-
campus movies as well as
typical fraternity parties.”
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716 URSINUS COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Off campus, Schenectady, whose name derives from the Mohawk word for
“the place beyond the pines,” is an old- line industrial city that a freshman says
is a decent— if not great— college town. A sophomore adds, “There are essentially
no college- town amenities— like bookstores— in walking distance. You need a car.”
What Schenectady lacks can be found in Saratoga Springs, which boasts restaurants,
jazz clubs, horse racing, and Skidmore College, or in the nearby Adirondacks and
Catskills. Popular road trips include Boston, Montreal, New York, and the ski slopes
of nearby Vermont. Students are trying to help Schenectady rebound through on-
campus tutoring programs for local schoolchildren and work with groups like the
YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs. There’s also a service project during freshman
orientation.
Union’s athletic teams (the Garnet Chargers) compete in Division III, aside from
men’s and women’s ice hockey, both of which are Division I. Baseball and men’s
basketball are recent Liberty League conference champions, and women’s basket-
ball, lacrosse, and soccer are also solid. Intramural and club sports include teams in
everything from volleyball and broomball to ultimate Frisbee and fly- fishing.
Union’s mission has been constantly evolving for more than two centuries, and
it continues to adapt to meet the needs and interests of students and faculty. It
retains its commitment to a strong core liberal arts curriculum while acknowledging
the increasing effects of globalization and technology. Union College has plenty to
offer— a small, friendly place full of eager intellectual exchange.
Overlaps
Bates, Lafayette,
Hamilton,
Skidmore, Trinity
College (CT),
Colgate, University
of Vermont,
Rensselaer
If You Apply To ›
Union: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Ursinus College
Box 1000, Collegeville, PA 19426
Ursinus is the smallest of the cohort of eastern Pennsylvania liberal arts colleges
that includes Franklin & Marshall, Lafayette, and Muhlenberg. The plus side is more
attention from faculty and more emphasis on independent and outside- the- box
learning. The setting is small town, but Philly is within arm’s reach.
Although it is a secular institution, Ursinus College, founded in 1869, takes its name
from a 16th- century German Calvinist, Zacharias Ursinus, who directed that students
should “examine all things and keep what is good.” In recent years, Ursinus has
reinvigorated its liberal arts roots— expanding its offerings and restructuring its core
curriculum to emphasize questions of human existence and to prepare students “not
simply to make a living, but to make a life of purpose.” What hasn’t changed is the
close- knit feel of the school. “Ursinus’s culture is one of inquisitive learning through
experimentation and discussion with peers that brings students together in a small
campus atmosphere,” muses a senior.
Ursinus is located in Collegeville, about 25 miles west of Philadelphia and 10
miles from the green, rolling hills of Valley Forge National Park. Buildings on the 170-
acre campus are mostly constructed of Pennsylvania fieldstone; many have had their
interiors upgraded and their exteriors preserved and restored. Actors and dancers ben-
efit from rehearsal and exhibition space in the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center.
Newer additions include the 42,500- square- foot Innovation and Discovery Center.
Website: www .ursinus .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,530
Undergraduates: 1,530
Male/Female: 52/48
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 78%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 3,818
Accepted: 83%
Enrolled: 14%
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URSINUS COLLEGE 717
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Ursinus’s core curriculum, called Quest: Open Questions Open Minds, is
intended to engage students in deep inquiry and reflection on four central themes:
identifying personal values, living in communities, understanding the world, and
making life- shaping decisions. The core begins
with the Common Intellectual Experience— a
two- semester course taken in the first year that
explores works ranging from Plato to Hindu
scripture to Ta- Nehisi Coates. Additional compo-
nents include interdisciplinary coursework, an experiential learning project (an
independent research or creative project, an internship, study abroad, student teach-
ing, or civic engagement), and a Core Capstone course in the senior year.
Students choose among more than 30 majors, with the most popular being
biology, applied economics, health and exercise physiology, psychology, and neu-
roscience. Environmental studies is strong, providing students access to the col-
lege’s organic farm and the Whittaker Environmental Research Station. Ursinus also
offers solid programs in English, politics, and international relations. Classes are
small— 64 percent have fewer than 20 students— and students are mostly pleased
with the quality of teaching, especially since there are no teaching assistants.
According to a psychology and international relations double major, the academic
climate is “rigorous in some disciplines and very laid- back in others, but mostly the
professors expect a high level of work and motivation from the students.”
Each year, 70 to 80 rising juniors and seniors get fellowships from the school to
fund full- time summer research projects with a faculty member. “Many Summer Fellows
end up extending their research into honors research senior year,” explains a senior.
The Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good aims to help students under-
stand and explain the ethical, political, and cultural impacts of their scientific work,
offering a speaker series, a student fellows program, internships, and summer research
opportunities. The U-Imagine Center for Integrative and Entrepreneurial Studies and
the Melrose Center for Global Civic Engagement offer similar programming. Eighteen
percent of Ursinus students study abroad, both in programs designed and run by the
college and in affiliate programs. The Philadelphia Experience places selected students
in a residence hall in Philadelphia for a semester to take courses with Ursinus faculty,
along with their choice of an internship or independent research project.
“Our students have many different interests,” says an applied economics major. “A
football player may also be in the men’s a cappella group. A theater star may also do
honors biology research.” Fifty- eight percent of students are from Pennsylvania, and
less than 1 percent are from foreign countries,
with most others hailing from New York, New
Jersey, and other Mid- Atlantic and New England
states. Black students make up 8 percent of the stu-
dent body, Asian Americans 4 percent, Hispanics/
Latinos 8 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. Both sides of the political aisle
are represented on campus, and a freshman describes the atmosphere as “calm,” with
students “discussing their opinions together.” Non- need- based scholarships and grants
averaging $31,800 are available each year, but no athletic scholarships are offered.
Ninety- one percent of students at Ursinus live in college housing, which adds
to the feeling of community. Upperclassmen quickly grab the Main Street houses, a
string of Victorian- era homes comprising the Residential Village across the street from
campus, while freshmen are clustered in BPS and BWC (short for Beardwood- Paisley-
Stauffer and Brodbeck- Wilkinson- Curtis, respectively), which have generously sized
rooms. Reimert Hall is the party dorm. Student- run special interest housing is
available, too, for those who share social or academic interests. At the main dining
hall, Wismer, “the meals are actually good ninety- nine percent of the time,” says
“Ursinus’s culture is one of
inquisitive learning through
experimentation and
discussion with peers.”
(continued)
Grad in 6 Years: 72%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (610) 409- 3200
Email Address: admission @
ursinus .edu
Strong Programs:
Environmental Studies
English
Politics
International Relations
Biology
Applied Economics
Health and Exercise Physiology
Psychology
The Parlee Center
for Science and the
Common Good aims
to help students
understand and
explain the ethical,
political, and cultural
impacts of their
scientific work.
“Many Summer Fellows end
up extending their research
into honors research senior
year.”
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718 UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
a freshman, and “they have options that are vegan and vegetarian and food that is
free of seven main allergens as well.” A junior reports, “Campus Safety is always seen
around campus mingling with students and gaining their respect and trust.”
Much of the social life occurs on campus, including performances, themed cui-
sine nights, and craft nights organized by the student activities board. Greek life
draws 4 percent of the men and 8 percent of the women, and parties hosted by fra-
ternities and sports teams are a popular weekend diversion. Registered on- campus
parties are monitored by student “social hosts” who check IDs and make sure things
don’t get out of hand. “A lot of drinking goes on,” reports a junior. Homecoming is
a favorite tradition in the fall, and in the spring, students look forward to the annual
Bear Bash concert and Airband, “a big charity lip- synching and performing event,”
says an English major. Sixty- five percent of students perform regular volunteer work.
The town of Collegeville is just 10 blocks long— and Ursinus takes up five of
those— but a politics major says it offers “a few good bars and restaurants to enter-
tain students.” Frequent school- sponsored shuttles take students to the shops,
restaurants, sporting events, and festivals of Philadelphia, less than an hour away.
Many students with cars escape to the Jersey Shore during warmer months.
Ursinus students love their Division III sports. For those seeking postcollegiate careers
in coaching, Ursinus is a well- known stepping stone to those positions, thanks in part
to a tight network of loyal alumni who tap each other for opportunities. The Bears field
strong teams in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s lacrosse, women’s swimming, and
field hockey. Intramural and club sports draw 40 percent of students, and the annual
women’s Prom Dress Rugby encounter with Swarthmore is always a big hit.
Ursinus may not be in the center of a big metropolitan area, and it doesn’t
offer big- time sports, but the college compensates for its lack of size with the feel-
ing that students, faculty, and staff are one big family. “The special thing about
Ursinus is the people,” says a biology major. “Everyone— the students, professors,
and staff— is so friendly and open and just wants you to succeed.” Good old
Zacharias would be proud.
In the spring, students
look forward to
the annual Bear
Bash concert.
Overlaps
Muhlenberg,
Washington
College, Allegheny,
Washington and
Jefferson, Wheaton
(MA), Gettysburg,
Temple, Drexel
If You Apply To ›
Ursinus: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
BEST
BUY
One of the oldest universities west of the Mississippi, the University of Utah sits in
the region’s only major city. Science and professional programs such as business
and engineering are traditional strengths. Has positioned itself as a more accessible
alternative to California’s public higher education system— with plenty of academic
opportunities and school spirit to go around. Applications have doubled in the last
decade, and out- of- state enrollment is on the rise.
In addition to being the flagship institution of the state’s higher education system,
the University of Utah is a major national scientific research center. Founded in
1850, the university is unusual in its ability to offer students the advantages of living
in a city while at the same time maintaining a connection with nature. Utah has
recently increased its focus on the undergraduate experience by beefing up academic
Website: www .utah .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 27,968
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UNIVERSITY OF UTAH 719
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
programs and building new residential facilities, including a $51 million student life
center. Applications have surged as a result, and students say enthusiasm for their
school is higher than ever. “We have the school spirit, the drive to transform the
world, and the resources and connections needed for students to succeed,” cheers
one senior.
Set in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains near the shores of the Great Salt
Lake, the university enjoys a picturesque location a half- hour drive from “the
greatest snow on earth.” Occupying 1,500 well-
landscaped acres with nearly as many different
kinds of trees as undergraduates, the campus
doubles as the state’s arboretum. The universi-
ty’s structures range from historic 19th- century
buildings to state- of- the- art modern facilities. A spate of new construction contin-
ues, including Kahlert Village, a 992- bed freshman residential complex.
Utah students choose from a comprehensive academic menu, including more
than 100 undergraduate majors, and the U does not skimp on general education
requirements. Students must take classes in writing, American institutions, math,
statistics, and intellectual explorations, which include two courses in the human-
ities, sciences, social sciences, or fine arts, as well as fulfill international and diversity
course requirements. Utah is renowned for its research in biomedical engineering, and
majors in business administration, entrepreneurship, international studies, and social
work are strong. The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute offers training to budding entre-
preneurs, 400 of whom get to reside in the $45 million Lassonde Studios, featuring
the sort of pods and shared spaces characteristic of high- tech workplaces. An unusual
major in quantitative analysis of markets and organizations was developed jointly by
the business school and the department of economics. Programs in ballet and modern
dance are also well regarded. Students interested in video game development or digital
animation may pursue a major in computer science with an entertainment arts and
engineering emphasis or a major in games. The most popular majors include psy-
chology, communication, computer science, and nursing, and new majors have been
added in software development and world languages and cultures.
The academic climate can be challenging, but in general “the workload is fairly
manageable,” according to one sophomore. Introductory courses often enroll hun-
dreds of students, with smaller discussion sections led by graduate student teaching
assistants. Overall, 43 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Students report
that the quality of teaching varies by department, but for the most part, says a busi-
ness major, “professors care about what they teach their students and want them to
learn.” The LEAP (Learning Engagement Achievement Progress) learning commu-
nity involves a two- semester sequence of courses led by faculty and peer advisors;
10 percent of freshmen participate. Those seeking a more challenging curriculum
and the chance to write a thesis may apply to the Honors College.
The MUSE (My Utah Signature Experience) Project is an advising program that
helps coordinate unique learning experiences that range from lunchtime lectures
with distinguished professors to internships and service projects for any interested
undergraduate. The Office of Undergraduate Research funds, advises, and connects
aspiring student researchers with local, state, and nationwide opportunities. Students
can study abroad via some 500 programs offered in more than 50 countries around
the globe.
Utah’s students are a mostly middle- class, fairly homogeneous lot; 73 percent of
undergraduates are Utah residents, and nearly all attended public schools. A grow-
ing number of students are arriving from out of state, especially Californians who
feel shut out by the higher education system in their home state; 8 percent come
from abroad. Black students make up just 2 percent of the student population, Asian
(continued)
Undergraduates: 21,189
Male/Female: 52/48
Financial Aid: 65%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 33%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 21,063
Accepted: 89%
Enrolled: 26%
Grad in 6 Years: 65%
Returning Freshmen: 85%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (801) 581- 8761
Email Address: admissions @
utah .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Business
Entrepreneurship
International Studies
Social Work
Dance
Computer Science
Psychology
“People are here to learn,
and there is a strong
focus on research and
advancement.”
The Office of
Undergraduate
Research funds,
advises, and connects
aspiring student
researchers with local,
state, and nationwide
opportunities.
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720 UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Americans 10 percent, Hispanics/Latino 17 percent, and multiracial students 7 per-
cent. Students describe their fellow Utes as “friendly” and “supportive” and say the
political climate is diverse and sometimes polarized. A substantial percentage of Utah
students are Mormon, and according to a junior, “the influence of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter- day Saints in Utah” is a hot- button issue on campus. Utah offers merit
scholarships averaging $7,300 and more than 400 athletic scholarships in 20 sports.
Only 16 percent of students live on campus, but those who do seem to be pleased
with the housing facilities, many of which were built to accommodate visitors
during the 2002 Olympics. Off- campus apartments within walking distance of the
campus are plentiful. Students are also generally satisfied with the food, though
edibility varies based on which campus eatery you choose. At lunchtime, local food
trucks usually line up around the Marriott Library plaza, a popular gathering place.
Students report feeling safe on campus, and the university has increased the number
of staff dedicated to Title IX issues.
Utah has had a reputation as a commuter school, but students say that is chang-
ing, and the on- campus social scene is becoming livelier with the influx of out- of-
state students. Participation in Greek life is an
increasingly popular option; currently, 7 percent
of the men and 8 percent of the women join fra-
ternities and sororities. “From lectures, concerts,
dance performances, and late- night Crimson
Nights parties, there is something for everyone,”
a student says. Students also look forward to the Grand Kerfuffle, which brings major
musical acts to campus every spring.
Utah’s proximity to the mountains means that “much of the social life is recre-
ational,” according to one junior. Favorite road trips take students to Las Vegas, Lake
Powell, and nearby ski resorts (with slopeside bus service available from the school). Salt
Lake City isn’t exactly a college town, but a junior says, “The nightlife in SLC down-
town is great if you are over 21.” Adjacent to campus, the Latter- day Saints Institute of
Religion sponsors dances and other social activities with a decidedly conservative bent.
There are also centers for other faiths, notably Jewish and Roman Catholic. Cultural
activities include the respected Utah Symphony, several dance companies, opera, and,
of course, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
As of 2024, Utah’s teams compete in the Division I Big 12 Conference, and
football and basketball bring students together in the MUSS— Mighty Utah Student
Section— where cheers are loudest during the “Holy War” rivalry football game against
Brigham Young. The co- ed skiing team has won the national championship five times
since 2017. Men’s basketball and women’s gymnastics, softball, and volleyball also
make regular NCAA Tournament appearances. In addition to the university’s dozens
of club sports and intramurals (canoe battleship, anyone?), the Outdoor Adventure
Program offers backpacking, river running, mountain biking, and skiing trips.
Students say that academic quality, diversity, and the residential experience are
all on the rise at Utah. “People are here to learn, and there is a strong focus on
research and advancement,” says a family, community, and human development
major. It’s also one of the few places where you can find nationally recognized pro-
fessional programs within easy reach of nationally recognized skiing.
Students look
forward to the
Grand Kerfuffle,
which brings major
musical acts to
campus every spring.
“From lectures, concerts,
dance performances, and
late- night Crimson Nights
parties, there is something
for everyone.”
Overlaps
Arizona State,
University of
Arizona, CU
Boulder, University
of Washington,
University of Illinois
Chicago, Brigham
Young, Utah State,
University of Iowa
If You Apply To ›
University of Utah: Early action, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Application
includes optional fields for gender identity and sexual orientation. Please consult Utah’s website for the most up- to- date
information regarding standardized test requirements.
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VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY 721
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Vanderbilt University
2305 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37240
Strongest and most selective of schools that still find a way to blend Southern
hospitality with modern, cutting- edge academics in an urban setting. Vandy has
become more diverse in recent years, geographically and otherwise. More selective
than Emory and now comparable to Duke and Rice among leading schools south of
the Mason– Dixon line. One of the few major universities where both academics and
athletics are top- notch.
Once a quiet, conservative school in the heart of the South known as a preferred
choice for Atlanta and Birmingham elites, Vanderbilt University has diversified its
student body and brought a more cosmopolitan atmosphere to campus. Coats, ties,
and pearls may be giving way to Commodore fan gear at football games these days,
but the university continues to succeed in marrying Old South gentility with modern
attitudes. The result is a relaxed, friendly culture that makes the rigorous academic
environment easier to handle. “Students looking for a balance between great aca-
demics and a solid social life need to look at Vandy,” counsels a history major.
Established in 1873 by railroad and shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, the
university’s 340- acre tract in Nashville is an arboretum and includes Peabody
College, the central section of which is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places. On the
main campus, art and sculptures dot the land-
scape, and architectural styles range from Gothic
to modern glass and brick. The Sarratt Student
Center serves as a social hub, with a movie the-
ater, Rand Dining Hall, a pub, and offices for student organizations. Two new resi-
dential colleges have opened in the last two years, and a third is slated for completion
in 2024.
Undergraduates choose one of four schools— College of Arts and Science, School
of Engineering, Blair School of Music, or Peabody College of Education and Human
Development— but everyone takes their core liberal arts courses in the College of Arts
and Science, where the writing program is a standout. Immersion Vanderbilt, a gradu-
ation requirement, calls for every undergraduate to undertake an immersive learning
experience (such as internships, fieldwork, or performances) culminating in a final
project. Optional first- year Commons Seminars allow students to explore various
topics in small groups with close faculty interaction; recent offerings have included
everything from Alzheimer’s Disease for the Next Generation to Adaptive Fashion
Design and Production.
Engineering, education, and music are particular strengths at Vandy. Popular
majors include economics; medicine, health, and society; human and organiza-
tional development; computer science; engineering (especially mechanical); and
biological sciences. Education majors who enroll at Peabody College are required
to double major, usually in a liberal arts field. Many students interested in financial
careers declare an economics major and pursue a business minor. The university has
added an interdisciplinary major in climate studies.
“The academic climate of Vanderbilt is absolutely collaborative,” an elementary
education major says. “It provides the academic rigor I was hoping for without any
of the cutthroat aspect I was afraid would accompany such an academically chal-
lenging school.” Sixty- one percent of courses have fewer than 20 students, and in
the classroom, Vanderbilt students abide by the school’s honor system, which dates
Website: www .vanderbilt .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 12,466
Undergraduates: 7,078
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 65%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 18%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 46,377
Accepted: 7%
Enrolled: 52%
Grad in 6 Years: 93%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 288- 0432
Email Address: admissions @
vanderbilt .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Education
Music
Economics
Medicine, Health, and Society
Human and Organizational
Development
Computer Science
Biological Sciences
“Students looking for a
balance between great
academics and a solid
social life need to look
at Vandy.”
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722 VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
from 1875. The system governs all aspects of academic conduct and makes it possi-
ble for professors to give unproctored exams. Students rave about the faculty. “Many
professors go out of their way to encourage students to get involved with research
and internship opportunities,” comments a junior.
Internship opportunities abound in Nashville, particularly in state government,
healthcare management, the tech sector, and, of course, the music industry. Sixty-
three percent of students, from all four undergraduate schools, participate in research,
and many copublish articles. The campus is home to more than 100 interdisciplinary
centers and institutes. Vanderbilt’s study abroad program typically attracts about
40 percent of students and offers the chance to spend a summer, a semester, or a year
on one of seven continents via more than 120 programs. The optional “Maymester”
allows students to spend four weeks on a single project, helpful for double majors or
those who’d like to embark on a short- term internship or overseas trip.
Ten percent of undergraduates are in- state residents, and 10 percent are interna-
tional, coming from more than 50 countries. Asian Americans account for 17 per-
cent of the student body, Black students 10 percent, Hispanics/Latino 11 percent,
and multiracial students 6 percent. Students
report that a diverse mix of political views are
represented on campus. “I would not describe
Vanderbilt as an activist campus per se, but in
my two years, there have been several rallies and
protests,” observes an English major. Vanderbilt employs a need- blind admissions
process, meets full demonstrated need for all admitted students, and offers loan- free
financial aid packages for students with demonstrated need. In addition to need-
based aid, the university awards approximately 250 full- tuition merit scholarships,
complete with summer stipends, to top admitted students through three signature
merit scholarship programs. It also awards over 200 athletic scholarships.
Eighty- four percent of Vanderbilt undergraduates live in campus housing. All
first- year students live together in 10 Commons houses and take part in Vanderbilt
Visions, a living/learning initiative designed to foster a sense of community among
new students. Each first- year is assigned to a Visions group, which has about 18
students, a faculty advisor, and an upper- class peer mentor. In addition to meeting
with their group once a week during the fall semester, students have opportunities
to get to know the faculty who live in the various Commons houses. Students also
compete in the Commons Cup. A junior explains, “You and your house compete
in intramurals, sustainability, community service, and academics over the course of
the whole year.” Six residential colleges for upper- class students are available as well.
Other options for older students include 10- person townhouses, six- room suites,
theme dorms, and school- owned apartments.
Vanderbilt has more than 20 dining facilities that “always provide a delicious
array of options,” according to a junior, and all campus residents are required to buy
a meal plan. Dining services include special facilities and an app serving students
with food allergies. The Taste of Nashville program allows students to use their meal
money at two dozen local restaurants. Students report feeling safe on campus, thanks
to an active security department that “watches out for Vanderbilt students and keeps
us safe.” As for sexual assault awareness and prevention, one student says Vanderbilt
“is facing this issue head- on,” especially through the efforts of the Project Safe Center.
Thirty- four percent of the women and 28 percent of the men join the Greek system;
while many Greek parties are open to the entire campus, the effort to encourage mixing
between the groups is not always successful. “Fraternities and sororities start the social
scene,” a senior says, “but certainly don’t encompass all aspects of Vanderbilt’s social
life.” The first- year Commons campus is dry, but of- age students are allowed to have
alcohol elsewhere on campus, although open containers are banned in public and
Optional first- year
Commons Seminars
allow students to
explore various
topics in small
groups with close
faculty interaction.
“Professors go out of their
way to encourage students
to get involved with
research.”
All first- year students
live together in 10
Commons houses and
take part in Vanderbilt
Visions, a living/
learning initiative.
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VASSAR COLLEGE 723
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
kegs are also taboo. As at many colleges, one student says, “underage students can find
loopholes.” Students get involved in more than 475 student organizations. Favorite
Vanderbilt traditions are the Commodore Quake and Rites of Spring music festivals, as
well as Founders Walk at the end of move- in weekend, where new incoming students
walk through campus while upperclassmen welcome them with cheers.
Vanderbilt’s proximity to Music City USA provides plenty of diversions.
“Nashville is so much fun,” cheers one senior. “The list of excellent restaurants,
bars, shopping, and live music venues is endless.” Country music fans won’t want to
miss the Hall of Fame. Beyond Nashville’s borders are the Great Smoky Mountains
and state parks with picnic facilities, beautiful lakes, and skiing in the winter. The
best road trips are to Memphis (home of Elvis), New Orleans (for Mardi Gras), and
Louisville (for the Kentucky Derby). Students also engage in the local community
through a variety of service- oriented programs. Alternative Spring Break, which
takes students to more than 30 service sites across the country for volunteer work
during spring break, is Vandy’s largest student- run organization.
Vanderbilt may be the smallest— and the only private— institution in the com-
petitive and football- crazy Division I Southeastern Conference, but there is no short-
age of enthusiasm among Commodore fans. Vandy reconfigured its athletic program
some years ago in an effort to cut costs. Instead
of losing ground (as many feared), the programs
have thrived. The baseball team is a perennial
contender for the national title, while the men’s
golf and women’s soccer teams are recent confer-
ence champs. The Vanderbilt Aerospace Club has won NASA’s annual Student
Launch Challenge, an eight- month- long rocketry competition, several times in
recent years. There are 30- plus club sports for weekend jocks, as well as more than
40 intramural sports leagues.
Vanderbilt sits squarely among the top universities in the nation and has capi-
talized on its unique blend of Southern charm and scholarly achievement to attract
students from around the country and beyond. Four years here do carry a steep
before- financial- aid sticker price; witness a tongue- in- cheek campus slogan,
“Vanderbilt: It Even Sounds Expensive.” But for many, investing in a Vanderbilt
education is money well spent.
The Taste of
Nashville program
allows students
to use their meal
money at two dozen
local restaurants.
“Fraternities and sororities
don’t encompass all
aspects of Vanderbilt’s
social life.”
Overlaps
Duke,
Northwestern,
Rice, University of
Pennsylvania, Yale,
Harvard, Emory,
WashU in St. Louis
If You Apply To ›
Vanderbilt: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to particular
school or program. Audition required for music applicants. Please consult Vanderbilt’s website for the most up- to- date
information regarding standardized test requirements.
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
It is hard to imagine that Vassar once considered picking up and moving to Yale in
the 1960s rather than become a co- ed institution. Half a century after admitting men,
still on its ancient and picturesque campus, Vassar is a thriving, highly selective,
avant- garde institution where traditional strengths in the fine arts and humanities
are matched by robust offerings in the natural and social sciences. At the forefront of
national efforts to promote socioeconomic diversity in elite schools.
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724 VASSAR COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Are you a scientist who composes music in your spare time? Or perhaps an actor
who enjoys dissecting Plato and Aristotle? If so, you may feel at home at Vassar, a
distinguished liberal arts college just 70 miles north of New York City. Once known
as the most liberal of the Seven Sisters and still a bastion of the left, Vassar prides
itself on curricular flexibility, tolerance, and diversity. “Vassar could be categorized
as a liberal and artsy school,” says a junior. “Students here are smart but not neces-
sarily rule- abiding.”
Founded in 1861 by a brewer named Matthew Vassar, the college sits just
outside Poughkeepsie, New York. Its 1,000- acre campus includes two lakes and
plenty of trees. Daffodils bloom in the spring, and foliage is omnipresent in the
fall. Encircled by a fieldstone wall, the campus
also boasts an astronomical observatory with
one of the largest telescopes in the Northeast, a
state- of- the- art physics building, a farm with an
ecological field station, and an art center with 21,000 works, from ancient
Egyptian to modern times. The architecture is predominantly neo- Gothic, with
buildings also designed by notables such as Marcel Breuer, Eero Saarinen, and
James Renwick.
Vassar has no core curriculum and no distribution requirements. Indeed, aca-
demic flexibility is paramount. That said, all students must choose one first- year
writing seminar from nearly 50 courses taught across the curriculum, as well as one
course that requires significant quantitative analysis. Students must also demonstrate
intermediate- level proficiency in a foreign language and can opt to study one of
the 20 languages taught at Vassar.
The most popular majors include political science, psychology, economics,
and biology. The biology building houses two electron microscopes, while music
students are spoiled by a grand collection of Steinway pianos sprinkled across the
campus. Drama, film, art, neuroscience, English, and international studies are also
traditional strengths. Regardless of their course of study, students find the aca-
demic climate rigorous. “Vassar students are always trying to do their personal
best— they’re seeking to engage more deeply with each subsequent assignment and
each subsequent semester,” says a senior. Small classes and tutorials are the norm,
and exams are given under an honor system. Since Vassar has no graduate students
or research- only faculty, all classes are taught by professors. “I’m really happy with
the balance Vassar professors strike between research and teaching because of how
well they know both their fields and how to teach them,” muses an environmental
studies major.
Each year, 45 percent of students study abroad via 200 programs offered in
more than 60 countries. Vassar allows students to use their financial aid pack-
ages to support study away from campus. Also highly regarded is the college’s
Undergraduate Research Summer Institute, which offers stipends for students to
work one- on- one with faculty members on scientific projects, either on or off
campus. The Ford Scholars program offers opportunities for student/faculty collab-
oration in the humanities and social sciences. Most students participate in some
sort of off- campus internship or community- based fieldwork for credit during the
academic year. “Vassar’s Career Development Office is deft at leveraging the tre-
mendous alumni network to find students opportunities at all grade levels,” says
a media studies major.
According to an economics major, Vassar attracts “curious, creative, and
socially conscious people” who generally share progressive points of view. Vassar’s
LGBTQ community is visible and active, and a biology major notes, “People usu-
ally introduce themselves with their gender pronouns.” Twenty- seven percent of
students are native New Yorkers, and 7 percent are international. Asian Americans
Website: www .vassar .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,420
Undergraduates: 2,420
Male/Female: 38/62
Financial Aid: 60%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 45%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 11,412
Accepted: 19%
Enrolled: 32%
Grad in 6 Years: 92%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (845) 437- 7300
Email Address: admissions @
vassar .edu
Strong Programs:
Drama
Film
Art
Neuroscience
English
International Studies
Political Science
Biology
“Students here are smart
but not necessarily rule-
abiding.”
Also close by are
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s
Hyde Park (for history)
and the Culinary
Institute of America
(for gourmet meals
prepared by students).
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VASSAR COLLEGE 725
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
make up 12 percent of the student body, Black students 4 percent, Hispanics/
Latino 12 percent, and multiracial students 8 percent. The school’s ALANA Center
supports students of color and other ethnic and cultural groups. Vassar has been a
leader among elite private schools in promoting socioeconomic diversity on
campus; despite this, one senior comments, “The vibe can still feel pretty rich/
entitled at times.” Although the college does not award merit or athletic scholar-
ships, it does offer need- blind admissions for first- year applicants who are U.S.
citizens or permanent residents and guarantees to meet the full demonstrated
financial need of admits; it also eliminates or reduces loans for students from low-
income households.
Housing is guaranteed for four years, and 97 percent of students live on campus,
where there’s an eclectic mix of nine dorms. All but one are co- ed. “Some dorms are
really modern and sparkling,” says a junior. “Others have a vintage college feel, with
traditional wood paneling, trim, and floors.” The
word is that Lathrop is the best dorm for fresh-
men, but no halls are reserved strictly for first-
year students. Seniors favor the college- owned
townhouses (five- person suites) and the four-
person Terrace Apartments, both with kitchens and living rooms. Campus dining
has improved considerably, students say, with recent renovations, expanded
options, and late- night hours. Students report that their open campus feels safe, and
a psychology major says, “Conversations about consent in all realms of college life
are common, and there are multiple systems in place to report sexual assault and
help survivors.”
Absent a Greek system, social life revolves around campus films, lectures, con-
certs, and small parties hosted in senior apartments or townhouses. “We are not a
dry campus, as our founder did brew beer,” quips a biology major; parties must be
registered with campus security. Performing arts groups provide an important
social outlet too. “Between student theater, a cappella, comedy troupes, slam
poetry, dance groups, and more, students can go see high- quality performances
multiple times every weekend,” says an economics major. The city of Poughkeepsie
has undergone a renaissance in recent years and
features the world’s longest elevated pedestrian
bridge (212 feet tall and 1.28 miles long, in case
you’re wondering), which offers stunning views
of the Hudson Valley. Restaurants and shops are within walking distance of
campus, and malls and movie theaters aren’t much farther away, but a junior says,
“Poughkeepsie is not explored by students as much as it should be.” In warmer
weather, Mohonk State Park offers hiking and other outdoor diversions. Also close
by are Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Hyde Park (for history) and the Culinary Institute of
America (for gourmet meals prepared by students). For those feeling more adven-
turous, New York City is easily reached by train.
True to its heritage as one of the Seven Sisters, traditions are big at Vassar. “The
year starts with Serenading— a time when the freshmen pay tribute to the seniors
by singing them songs,” one student explains. On Founder’s Day in May, the entire
community celebrates Matthew Vassar’s birthday with music, carnival rides, food,
and a day out on the grass. Fireworks and a movie cap off the festivities. “Founder’s
Day is easily the most highly anticipated day of the year,” says a senior. And stu-
dents can still unwind after a hard day of classes with afternoon tea in the Rose
Parlor of historic Main Building.
Vassar’s Division III varsity squads (the Brewers) compete in the Liberty League.
Competitive teams include men’s volleyball and women’s basketball, field hockey,
soccer, and rugby. Intramural sports are offered at two levels, competitive and
“I’m really happy with the
balance Vassar professors
strike between research
and teaching.”
“We are not a dry campus,
as our founder did brew
beer.”
The campus boasts
an astronomical
observatory with
one of the largest
telescopes in the
Northeast.
Vassar has no core
curriculum and
no distribution
requirements.
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recreational, and there are also club sports; 45 percent of students participate. Teams
face off in everything from basketball and soccer to ultimate Frisbee, sailing, and
spikeball.
While Vassar continues to offer a menu of high- quality liberal arts courses
emphasizing interdisciplinary connections, the college has also embraced technol-
ogy and diversity, helping to create an atmosphere where individual passions shine.
Says one contented Brewer, “We take the time to enjoy college for what it is— a
serious, but not too serious, time of life for learning and development.”
Overlaps
Brown, Wesleyan,
Pomona, Amherst,
Tufts, Swarthmore,
Bowdoin, Yale
If You Apply To ›
Vassar: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. “Your Space” section
of application allows candidates room to show something else about themselves. Please consult Vassar’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Vermont
194 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401
For an out- of- stater sizing up public universities, there could hardly be a more
appealing place than UVM. The size is manageable, Burlington is a fabulous college
town, and Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains are on your doorstep. UVM
feels like a private university, but, alas, it is also priced like one. Attracts a mix of
party animals and serious scholars.
With its beautiful setting, wide academic offerings, and abundance of clubs and cocur-
ricular pursuits, the University of Vermont draws students from across the state and
around the country. And, says a math major, they’re not all granola types with a pen-
chant for soy milk and snowboarding. While it’s a public school, UVM’s academics,
research opportunities, and price tag are more akin to those of a private institution.
Generous financial aid packages, investment in infrastructure, and a growing empha-
sis on hands- on learning experiences are helping to ensure that Vermont remains
both affordable and relevant amid increasing competition from schools of both types.
Chartered in 1791, UVM was the fifth college to be established in New England.
UVM’s picturesque campus sits on the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington, vir-
tually a stone’s throw from the Canadian border.
Architectural styles range from colonial to high
Victorian Gothic and functional modern; the
oldest structures, in the center of the campus, are
recognized on the National Registry of Historic
Places. Newer additions to the campus include a
state- of- the- art, $104 million STEM complex, a residential complex, and an inte-
grated arts center.
UVM began as a private university but attained quasi- public status in 1862 with
the passage of the Morrill Land- Grant College Act and a merger with a public agri-
cultural college. Today, UVM’s seven undergraduate colleges and schools set their
own curricula grounded in the liberal arts. All students across the university must
take general education courses in quantitative reasoning, sustainability, and diver-
sity, and all first- year students must fulfill a three- credit foundational writing and
information literacy requirement.
Website: www .uvm .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 12,742
Undergraduates: 11,061
Male/Female: 36/64
Financial Aid: 89%
Pell Grant: 15%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 59%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 30,231
Accepted: 60%
Enrolled: 17%
Grad in 6 Years: 76%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (802) 656- 3370
Email Address: admissions @
uvm .edu
Strong Programs:
Animal Science
“There are lots of
opportunities for
undergraduates to get
involved in professors’
research.”
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Some of the most popular majors include business administration, psychology,
environmental studies, and political science. Animal science, biology, biomedical
engineering, data science, and food systems are also strengths. Premed, nursing, and
prevet students benefit from the research and teaching capabilities of Vermont’s fine
medical school in the heart of campus, as well as from a seven- year program with
the vet school at Tufts. Nearly 40 accelerated master’s programs allow undergrads to
begin working toward advanced degrees. How tough is the academic environment?
“It really depends on the course of study that you choose,” says one student. Forty-
one percent of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, and professors are said to be
accessible and supportive. A junior says, “Professors do an excellent job of combin-
ing curricula with a sense of purpose. Everything we do here is worthwhile.”
Special programs for first- years include four- day TREK programs, in which stu-
dents, led by upper- class mentors, go hiking or biking, do community service, or
take a leadership skills development course before classes start. In the College of Arts
& Sciences, students are enthusiastic about the
First- Year Seminar program, which places first-
years together in groups of 10 to 15 in a writing-
intensive, discussion- oriented seminar taught by
a professor who is also each student’s advisor. Students in the Honors College write
a senior thesis, and an environmental studies major notes, “There are lots of oppor-
tunities for undergraduates to get involved in professors’ research because we have a
relatively small population of grad students.” Through the Vermont Legislative
Research Service, undergraduate public policy students provide state legislators with
policy briefs on current issues. Eighteen percent of all undergrads go abroad; UVM
offers 500 options in nearly 70 countries.
“Many UVM students like to be outdoors in all seasons,” reports a public com-
munication major, and they tend to be highly involved in extracurriculars. Twenty-
three percent of UVM undergraduates are native Vermonters, and 1 percent are
international. Hispanics/Latino make up 5 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans 3 percent, Black students 1 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent.
The lack of racial and other diversity is a common complaint, and social justice and
environmental issues also receive attention on campus. “Student activism is very
frequent here, and there are constantly conversations about how we can make the
university a better place,” observes a community and international development
major. The university offers merit scholarships averaging $16,400 and nearly 200
athletic awards in 20 sports. The Catamount Commitment covers tuition and fees
for qualifying in- state students from low- income families.
Sixty- three percent of UVM undergrads live in campus housing; they are required
to do so for their first two years. All students living on campus are affiliated with a
residential learning community, with options ranging from Outdoor Experience to
Leadership and Social Change to the popular
Wellness Environment. “Living in the res hall is
a ton of fun, and it’s an awesome environment
to meet new people,” says an animal science
major. Students express appreciation for the uni-
versity’s efforts to serve local, organic, and sus-
tainable options at four dining halls and several
retail and café locations. A political science and history major notes, “At UVM, we
talk about sexual assault, and because of that, we have a high level of reporting
when compared to other schools.”
Just 2 percent of UVM men and 3 percent of women join Greek groups, so when
the weekend comes, college- sponsored movies, dances, craft nights, and coffeehouses
help keep things lively. Students enjoy the Fallfest, Winterfest, and Springfest concerts
(continued)
Biology
Biomedical Engineering
Data Science
Food Systems
Business Administration
Psychology
Environmental Studies
“Professors do an excellent
job of combining curricula
with a sense of purpose.”
All students across the
university must take
general education
courses in quantitative
reasoning,
sustainability,
and diversity.
“You can spend your
Friday night at a
gourmet restaurant, an
off- Broadway theater
production, or barhopping
around town.”
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every year, and the Naked Bike Ride is a notable biannual tradition, according to a
senior: “On the last day of classes each semester, hundreds of people gather at mid-
night to run or bike naked around a campus green.”
Much of the fun also happens on nearby ski slopes, mountain trails, and water-
ways and in Burlington itself, especially the Church Street pedestrian mall, where
the music scene draws top talent and is always bustling. “You can spend your Friday
night at a gourmet restaurant, an off- Broadway theater production, or barhopping
around town and still be atop a mountain skiing the very next morning,” says a
junior. Indeed, the energetic downtown boasts symphonies, art galleries, chic shop-
ping, and lively bars and restaurants, and Lake Champlain is only five minutes away.
Forty- four percent of students volunteer in the local community, often through
service- learning courses. As much as they love their little city, students do look for-
ward to getting out of town. A favorite road trip is Montreal— 90 minutes away— with
its even bigger music scene and a drinking age of 18. The Outing Club is one of
UVM’s most popular student organizations, as the nearby Green Mountains, White
Mountains, and Adirondacks offer prime hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing.
UVM fields a number of highly competitive Division I Catamount (“cat of the
mountains”) teams. The men’s ice hockey team is the school’s pride and joy, having
ranked as high as second nationally. Students get access to tickets before the gen-
eral public, a nice perk, since games are always sold out. There is no football team,
but men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse and men’s basketball are competitive.
The ski team is a perennial powerhouse, winning 37 Eastern Intercollegiate Ski
Association titles. Thirty percent of students participate in dozens of intramural and
club sports, with broomball, ice hockey, and soccer proving to be popular, along
with less traditional options like canoe battleship and eSports.
Students at UVM may be laid- back, but they’re also curious, caring, open-
minded, active, and willing to work hard. They view extracurricular involvement as
critical to the undergraduate experience, and at UVM, they find abundant opportu-
nities to engage both inside and outside the classroom. Says one junior, “It’s hard to
describe the energy that ignites everything we do.”
Students enjoy the
Fallfest, Winterfest,
and Springfest
concerts every year,
and the Naked Bike
Ride is a notable
biannual tradition.
Overlaps
University
of Colorado
Boulder, UConn,
UMass Amherst,
University of
New Hampshire,
St. Lawrence,
SUNY– Binghamton,
Syracuse,
Northeastern
If You Apply To ›
UVM: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to individual schools
or programs. Please consult UVM’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085
Set in an upscale suburb, Villanova is becoming increasingly popular as Philadelphia’s
answer to Boston College. As at BC, about 70 percent of the students are Roman
Catholic (compared with about half at Georgetown). The troika of business, engineering,
and nursing are popular at ’Nova. Downtown Philadelphia is a quick hop away by train.
Villanova University takes pride in its Augustinian heritage, emphasizing intel-
lectual, professional, and spiritual growth as a path to “transforming hearts and
minds.” The school has all the trappings of a vintage Roman Catholic university,
from strong academics to deeply rooted traditions and rivalries, and students firmly
dedicated to their faith and service to others. Says one junior, “There are times I
Website: www .villanova .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 8,047
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walk out of a class at Villanova and just have to stop for a second to take it all in and
appreciate what an amazing opportunity I’ve been afforded.”
Founded in 1842 by the community- focused Order of Saint Augustine, Villanova’s
lush campus of more than 260 acres is situated along Philadelphia’s suburban Main
Line. Old stone buildings, well- kept lawns, and secluded, tree- lined walkways are a
reminder of the campus’s historical roots, while several newer buildings are LEED
certified. Recent construction includes a major project that has transformed 14 acres
of parking lots and asphalt into a bustling area featuring new residence halls, eateries,
and a performing arts center, all linked to the campus core by a pedestrian bridge.
Undergraduates may enroll in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the
Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, or the Fitzpatrick College of
Nursing. All students follow a liberal arts core curriculum. First- year students take the
yearlong Augustine and Culture Seminar (ACS)
and are housed with their ACS classmates or in
optional themed learning communities in the res-
idence halls. In the first semester, they read works
from the ancient, medieval, and Renaissance
periods— ranging from the Greeks and Saint Augustine to the Middle Ages and
Shakespeare. In the second semester, students explore works from the Early Modern,
Enlightenment, Romantic, Modernist, and Contemporary eras.
Finance, engineering, nursing, and economics are all strong and popular at
Villanova, as are the social sciences, biology, and communication programs. Additional
undergraduate programs include majors in gender and women’s studies and Arab and
Islamic studies, as well as minors in global health, counseling, and business law and
corporate governance. Forty- three percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20
students. “The courses are rigorous and are often discussion- oriented and reading- and
writing- intensive,” says one communication major. Another student says, “Villanova
professors go the extra mile for their students through office hours, research, and
personal conversations.” An honors program is available to about 300 students. Forty
percent of students study abroad each year; communication and computer science
students can apply for semester- long internships at the Vatican in Rome.
“The students who attend Villanova are passionate and devoted,” says a soph-
omore. “They care about their work, but, more importantly, they care about their
community.” Many are from the East Coast, and 20 percent hail from Pennsylvania;
2 percent come from foreign countries. Black students account for 6 percent of the
student body, Hispanics/Latino 11 percent, Asian Americans 7 percent, and multi-
racial students 4 percent. “We’re not an extremely political campus,” one student
muses, “although social justice issues like poverty, hunger, and homelessness are all
big issues.” Merit scholarships are available, averaging $27,000, as are more than 200
athletic scholarships in 24 sports.
Housing on campus is guaranteed for three years, and 83 percent of undergradu-
ates call the residence halls home. “Rooms are great at Villanova,” says one senior. “My
first and second year, I had a sink in my room so I didn’t have to walk down the hall
to wash my face or brush my teeth.” Freshmen live primarily on the South Campus
Circle, while upperclassmen choose residence halls on the main campus or apartment-
style housing on West Campus via lottery system. Most seniors move to houses and
apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods. The university offers more than a
dozen campus eateries, which serve everything from pizza to Chinese food, wraps, and
vegetarian and vegan menus. “Food at Villanova is delicious,” says a student. “Tons of
variety with so many options I sometimes don’t know which one to choose.”
“I have never had a dull weekend at Villanova because there is always some-
thing going on. If you are looking to party, you can. If you are looking to just chill,
you can do that too,” a student explains. Weekend social life centers around campus
(continued)
Undergraduates: 6,752
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 45%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 37%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 23,835
Accepted: 23%
Enrolled: 32%
Grad in 6 Years: 90%
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (610) 519- 4000
Email Address: gotovu @
villanova .edu
Strong Programs:
Finance
Engineering
Nursing
Economics
Social Sciences
Biology
Communication
“The courses are rigorous
and are often discussion-
oriented and reading- and
writing- intensive.”
First- year students
take the yearlong
Augustine and Culture
Seminar and are
housed with their
ACS classmates.
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events and parties, some sponsored by Greek groups, which claim 17 percent of the
men and 19 percent of the women. Students get together with friends at the student
center on Fridays and Saturdays for Late Night at Villanova events, such as comedi-
ans, bands, open- mic nights, and dance parties. Juniors and seniors tend to spend
evenings at bars along the local Main Line or in Philadelphia, just 12 minutes away
by train. The city’s entertainment and cultural opportunities include museums and
pro sports, as well as events at numerous other colleges and universities, from La
Salle and Temple to Drexel, Penn, and St. Joseph’s.
Despite the tough courses, a senior says, “Everyone works hard, plays hard, and
still finds time to give back to the community.” Indeed, Villanova students volunteer
roughly 250,000 hours of service each year. About
400 students participate in service trips over the
fall and spring breaks, volunteering for projects
like building houses and assisting victims of nat-
ural disasters. Each fall, Villanova hosts the larg-
est annual student- run Special Olympics event in the world, drawing thousands of
athletes, coaches, and volunteers from across campus and the local community.
When they are not out socializing or serving their community, Villanova stu-
dents are cheering for the men’s basketball team, which has brought home two
Division I national championships in recent years. Men’s and women’s cross-
country, women’s swimming and diving, and softball are competitive in the Big
East Conference. Club sports and intramurals are a big draw, and popular activities
include basketball, flag football, soccer, and men’s ice hockey.
Despite the changes in the world around it, Villanova continues its devotion to its
students, community, and strong traditions, both academic and spiritual. The admin-
istration has set its sights on making Villanova one of the premier Roman Catholic
institutions, up there with Notre Dame, Georgetown, and Boston College. While
taking pride in tradition, it recognizes that its continuing improvements to campus
facilities and ongoing development of educational and cocurricular programs will
help its students remain competitive in the workplace and the world beyond.
Villanova hosts
the largest annual
student- run Special
Olympics event
in the world.
“Everyone works hard,
plays hard, and still finds
time to give back to the
community.”
Overlaps
Boston College,
Fordham,
Georgetown,
Lehigh,
Notre Dame,
Northeastern,
University of
Pennsylvania,
University of
Virginia
If You Apply To ›
Villanova: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Apply to a particular school
or program. Please consult Villanova’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400160, Charlottesville, VA 22904
Is it Thomas Jefferson? The Romanesque architecture? The Charlottesville air?
Whatever it is, students nationwide go gaga for UVA, where competition for out-
of- state admission has hit Ivy League levels. Relatively small for a top- notch public
flagship, UVA combines old- line conservatism with high- quality academics and a
social scene that is spirited in multiple senses of the word. Charlottesville is a big
small town with plenty of culture, just over two hours from D.C.
Easily one of the most prestigious public schools in the nation, the University of
Virginia is known to all in Charlottesville as Mr. Jefferson’s University. Not just
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any Mr. Jefferson, mind you, but the Mr. Jefferson, author of the Declaration of
Independence. Of all his accomplishments, Jefferson was arguably proudest of
UVA— he even asked that his epitaph speak to his role in creating the university in
1819 rather than his presidency of the United States. This legacy has come under
increasing scrutiny in light of growing public awareness of some of Jefferson’s racist
views and ownership of hundreds of slaves. In response, the university has sought
to “contextualize” its Jeffersonian legacy and remove the names of persons who
supported the Confederate cause from places of honor on campus.
Located just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, UVA’s campus
(the “Grounds”) is dotted with historic buildings designed by Jefferson himself and
still in use today. At the core is Jefferson’s “aca-
demical village,” with majestic white pillars and
extensive brickwork. The village rises around a
rectangular terraced green, known as the Lawn, which is flanked by two rows of
identical one- story rooms reserved for undergraduate student leaders. Ten pavilions,
five on either side of the Lawn, each feature a different style; all of them open onto
a colonnaded walkway. Behind the buildings are public gardens, while the Rotunda,
a half- scale model of the Roman Pantheon, overlooks the Lawn and stands as a
symbol of the Enlightenment belief in secularism and freedom. Countering all this
Jeffersonian stateliness is the abstract Memorial to Enslaved Laborers, created in
2020 to honor the 4,000 enslaved people who built and sustained UVA.
UVA isn’t just an elite public school; it holds its own against the best private schools
as well, especially in the areas of business, engineering, and global studies. Sociology
and the life sciences draw praise as well. The most popular majors are commerce, eco-
nomics, biology, computer science, and psychology. The vast majority of incoming
freshmen enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences, but undergraduates may also
enroll in the schools of Engineering, Nursing, or Education and Human Development.
After their second year, about 350 students are accepted into the McIntire School of
Commerce, UVA’s undergraduate business school. Not surprisingly, competition for
these spots is tough. A five- year program for aspiring teachers yields a B.A. from the
College of Arts and Sciences and a Master of Teaching degree from UVA’s Curry School
of Education and Human Development. The Batten School of Leadership and Public
Policy trains students for public service careers in both domestic and international
arenas and offers a five- year bachelor/master of public policy. Students who qualify for
the Distinguished Majors program may pursue independent study during their third
and fourth years.
Students agree that the workload at UVA is “intense but manageable,” in the
words of a commerce major. Virginia requires students in arts and sciences to com-
plete the College Curriculum, which features three categories of coursework:
Engagements (a yearlong sequence of small first- year seminars), Literacies (language,
rhetoric, computation, and data analysis), and Disciplines (21 credits in a range of
liberal arts areas). Although 48 percent of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, lower-
level classes can be huge, with as many as 500 people. A senior explains that, espe-
cially in upper- level courses, “Most professors are willing to schedule appointments as
you might need and are excited to connect with their students.” Special programs for
freshmen include University Seminars, which are taught by some of the university’s
best faculty and limited to 18 students in order to encourage interactive learning and
intensive discussion.
Highly capable students may win admission to the Echols Scholars program,
which allows about 200 top- entering freshmen the chance to pursue academic
exploration without the constraints of distribution or major- field requirements.
Echols students also live together for their first year. The Rodman Scholars program
in the School of Engineering and Applied Science selects its members based on top
Website: www .virginia .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 22,629
Undergraduates: 16,359
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 45%
Pell Grant: 12%
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 32%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 50,926
Accepted: 19%
Enrolled: 42%
Grad in 6 Years: 95%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H H H H H
Admissions: (434) 982- 3200
Email Address:
undergradadmission @
virginia .edu
Strong Programs:
Commerce
Engineering
Global Studies
Sociology
Economics
Biology
Computer Science
Psychology
“Almost everything here is a
tradition.”
After their second
year, about 350
students are accepted
into the McIntire
School of Commerce,
UVA’s undergraduate
business school.
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academic performance and leadership. An intensive two- week January term provides
additional opportunities for research seminars, interdisciplinary coursework, and
study abroad. Thirty percent of undergrads go abroad to study, conduct research, or
intern in their choice of more than 65 countries. UVA boasts the highest four- year
graduation rate of any public university, at 95 percent.
Students instituted Virginia’s notable honor system in 1842 after no one
owned up to shooting a professor on the Lawn. The residence halls, student coun-
cil, and Judiciary Committee remain student-
run to this day— and they really put the brakes
on lying, cheating, or stealing. And don’t take
the policies lightly— breaching the codes means
a swift dismissal from campus. (An “informed retraction” process offers the possi-
bility for such students to take responsibility for their offense and make amends
with a two- semester Honor Leave of Absence.) After a number of controversial
cases recently, discussions continue about the appropriateness of the single-
sanction system. But rest assured, some form of the honor code will remain inte-
gral to the culture here. A classics major says, “Our honor code is more than just
some words scribbled on paper— it’s a way of life and a bond of trust between you,
your peers, and faculty.”
Seventy percent of undergraduates are Virginians, and 5 percent are international.
Admission for out- of- staters gets tougher every year, and many of those students come
from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Seven percent of UVA stu-
dents are Black, 18 percent are Asian American, 7 percent are Hispanic/Latino, and 6
percent are multiracial. “Students at UVA generally are fairly serious about academics,
competitive, and very motivated,” says a junior, who adds that due to the underrep-
resentation of various groups, “the culture can sometimes feel exclusive.” Students
describe a mix of political views on campus but say the student body leans liberal.
Race and systemic racism are perennial hot- button issues “because of our historical
origins,” explains a student of color. “Founded by
a slave owner, built by slaves, serviced by slaves,
closed to women and people of color until the
20th century.” A training program on implicit
bias is required of all incoming freshmen. UVA is
one of only two public universities in the nation that practices need- blind admissions
and meets 100 percent of all admitted students’ demonstrated financial need (see also
UNC at Chapel Hill), although achieving socioeconomic diversity remains a chal-
lenge. The school hands out hundreds of athletic scholarships each year, along with
merit awards worth an average of $5,400 each. In- state students from families with
incomes of less than $100,000 attend tuition- free.
Thirty- eight percent of students at Virginia live on campus, including about
800 who bunk in the three residential colleges: Brown College at Monroe Hill,
Hereford College, and International Residential College. Hereford’s contemporary
architecture has been described by the New York Times as “proudly, almost defiantly
modern,” in contrast to most of the other campus buildings. First- year residence
halls are said to be the nicest on campus, and freshmen get first pick for housing.
Fifty- four top seniors win the honor of living in spartan rooms along the Lawn, and
among the outer set of rooms, called the range, students can visit room #13, which
was occupied for a semester by Edgar Allen Poe in 1826 before he was suspended for
nonpayment of tuition. “Most upperclassmen live off Grounds, and there is a cha-
otic rush to get good housing beginning as early as September of the year prior,”
complains a junior. Meal plans are required for first- years and campus fare receives
decent reviews.
After being at the center of a broad national debate about the extent of drinking
“Most professors are willing
to schedule appointments
as you might need.”
The residence halls,
student council, and
Judiciary Committee
remain student-
run to this day.
“Most upperclassmen live
off Grounds, and there is
a chaotic rush to get good
housing.”
Students can visit
room #13, which
was occupied for a
semester by Edgar
Allen Poe in 1826.
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and sexual violence on college campuses, especially at fraternities, UVA has in recent
years initiated and updated several programs aimed at education and prevention.
“Our administration is increasing the normalcy of talking about sexual assault, and I
do think it is helping,” reflects a junior. As for general safety, a student reports, “We
have campus police, Charlottesville police, and an Ambassadors watch program all
looking out for the safety of students.”
Students say the UVA social scene is dynamic and varied. Fraternities draw 31
percent of Virginia’s men, and sororities sign up 31 percent of women; Greek parties
happen off campus. Mr. Jefferson founded UVA
as a place where students could come together to
“drink from the cup of knowledge,” and now
that fraternity rush is dry and parties must have
guest lists, there’s less quaffing of other brews going on. Still, determined Virginians
haven’t stopped metamorphosing into Rowdy Wahoos when the sun goes down—
the nickname comes from a school cheer about a fish that can drink twice its weight.
One senior observes that “the drinking culture extends to many organizations out-
side of Greek life as well.” For nondrinkers and those under 21, the student- run
University Programs Council and nearly 900 clubs and other organizations offer
movies, concerts, social hours, and other booze- free options. Most students are
“highly involved” in multiple extracurriculars.
“Almost everything here is a tradition,” remarks one student. Favorites include
Lighting of the Lawn, featuring a cappella performances and an orchestrated light
show on the Rotunda that kicks off the holiday season, and Foxfield, in which stu-
dents dress up and host catered parties prior to attending a steeplechase horse race
each April. Jackets and ties also come out for football games, a relic of when UVA
was all male and gridiron contests were an opportunity to meet women. Streaking
the Lawn is a rite of passage, students say. We would like to tell you more about
the various secret societies, but we can’t— for one thing, they’re secret!
As for Charlottesville (population 46,000), it’s “the perfect college town,” says
an anthropology major, and often a pleasant surprise for those coming from larger
urban areas. There are restaurants and bars; gorgeous vineyards and wineries; and
plenty of shops, theaters, and other cultural
attractions. Students congregate at the Corner, a
commercial strip adjacent to campus boasting
several popular bars. They also immerse themselves in community service in the
area; UVA’s nationally recognized Madison House coordinates the activities of a
host of volunteer groups. Outdoorsy folks can hike, bike, ski, and sightsee in the
nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, or simply daydream while strolling Skyline Drive.
Popular road trips include Washington, D.C., Richmond, and anywhere the Cavaliers
are playing football, basketball, or soccer.
Big- time Atlantic Coast Conference basketball has long been an integral part
of UVA life, and the men’s team has previously claimed the national champion-
ship title. The Cavaliers field a number of other competitive Division I teams as
well: women’s swimming and diving, women’s rowing, men’s lacrosse, and men’s
tennis are all recent national champions. Competitions get especially heated
when Virginia Tech’s Hokies come to town. A junior comments, “Our rivalry with
Virginia Tech is hilarious and an excellent way to bond two very different people
together as peers.” There are also dozens of intramural sports leagues or tourna-
ments, in everything from flag football to inner- tube water polo, and more than
65 club sports.
“UVA is an institution that has always been known for its academic excellence
and quirky traditions,” comments a government major. “To be a Wahoo is some-
thing that is unique and to be treasured.” The social life is as vigorous as the
“To be a Wahoo is
something that is unique
and to be treasured.”
Competition for
out- of- state
admission has hit
Ivy League levels.
“Our rivalry with Virginia
Tech is hilarious.”
Overlaps
UCLA, UC
Berkeley,
University of
Michigan, UC Santa
Barbara, University
of Florida, Virginia
Tech, UPenn,
William & Mary
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734 VIRGINIA TECH
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academics are rigorous, and the friendships that are formed here last far beyond the
college years— much as Mr. Jefferson’s legacy, complicated as it is, continues to be
felt on campus long after his death.
If You Apply To ›
UVA: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult UVA’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Offers a unique blend of high tech and Southern hospitality. Engineering has always
been its calling card, but business and architecture are popular. Admission is
competitive for out- of- state applicants. Blacksburg is a nice college town but far
from the population centers near the coast. Hokie Nation loves its football team.
Compare to Clemson, Georgia Tech, and Purdue.
Officially known as the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia
Tech is a land grant university that offers a slate of solid academic programs, com-
petitive Division I athletics, and storied traditions. Engineering, business, and archi-
tecture attract top students from around the country who are proud to be part of the
“Hokie Nation.” A senior says, “Even in a school with [over] 30,000 students, I feel
like I’m in a small town with 200 people. Everyone here is so friendly.”
Its campus, set on a plateau in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, occupies 3,000
acres and comes complete with a duck pond, hiking trails, and a 250- year- old plan-
tation that operates as a museum. Students enjoy
unlimited outdoor recreation thanks to the prox-
imity of the Jefferson National Forest, the
Appalachian Trail, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway,
and the majestic old New River. The campus
buildings are an attractive mix of gray limestone structures, colonial- style brick, and
modern cement buildings, and the campus continues to undergo renovations and
additions.
Virginia Tech is best known for its first- rate technical and professional training.
For undergrads with an appetite for engineering, Tech has programs for every taste,
including aerospace, chemical, computer, mining, ocean, and more. The Pamplin
College of Business, which offers a notable major in hospitality and tourism manage-
ment, is also prominent. The five- year architecture program is considered one of the
nation’s best, and the industrial design major is strong too. The most popular majors
include engineering (especially mechanical), biology, business information technol-
ogy, and finance. Though no longer Tech’s centerpiece, the College of Agriculture and
Life Sciences remains strong, especially in animal science. Students in the College of
Natural Resources and Environment can choose from solid majors in forestry, meteo-
rology, sustainable biomaterials, and wildlife conservation. The humanities tend not
to fare as well in the university’s high- tech environment, although internationally
known poet Nikki Giovanni, who teaches creative writing and advanced poetry, is a
bright spot. The university also has a tradition of excellence in the performing arts,
and the school’s theater group has won numerous awards.
Website: www .vt .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 35,217
Undergraduates: 29,504
Male/Female: 57/43
Financial Aid: 58%
Pell Grant: 16%
Expense: Pub $ $ $
Student Loans: 46%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 45,321
Accepted: 57%
Enrolled: 28%
Grad in 6 Years: 87%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (540) 231- 6267
Email Address: admissions @
vt .edu
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Business
Hospitality and Tourism
Management
Architecture
Industrial Design
Animal Science
“My professors seemed
to really care about what
I was pursuing and how I
was learning.”
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VIRGINIA TECH 735
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A junior describes the academic climate as “rigorous but very encouraging.” The
general education program, known as Pathways, requires students to take course-
work in several liberal arts areas and gives students the option of pursuing interdis-
ciplinary Pathways minors or hands- on learning experiences, like research or study
abroad, to fulfill their gen- eds. Introductory class size tends to be large— sometimes
well into the hundreds. Most of the big lecture classes are taught by full- time fac-
ulty, though discussions and grading are generally handled by teaching assistants.
A senior says, “For the most part, my professors seemed to really care about what
I was pursuing and how I was learning, not just performing.” The roughly 1,700
students who participate in the Honors College are guaranteed access to top faculty
and research opportunities.
The nationally acclaimed Small Business Institute enables faculty- led groups of
business majors to work with local merchants, analyze their problems, and make
suggestions on how to increase profits. Each year, about 500 students (mostly engi-
neers) take advantage of Tech’s co- op program, getting paid for real- world work
experience. The Corps of Cadets, a tradition since the university’s founding in 1872,
offers a unique opportunity for students who wish to combine leadership training
with an academic major. The 1,100 Cadets who enroll follow a structured military
lifestyle, living together in the Corps’s dedicated residence halls and wearing uni-
forms to class. In addition to choosing between a military/ROTC track and a citizen-
leader track, Cadets can earn a minor in leadership. Sixty- nine percent of undergrads
conduct research, and for the 28 percent who aspire to study abroad, Tech offers
more than 200 programs in 60 nations around the globe.
According to a senior, Virginia Tech students are “down- to- earth, reasonable,
and fun people.” Seventy- one percent of undergraduates call Virginia home, and
4 percent arrive from abroad. Not surprisingly, the admissions office is inundated
with out- of- state applicants, which means stiff
competition for the slots available to non-
Virginians. Tech’s relative isolation from major
cities is a drag on minority recruitment: Black
students represent 6 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 10 percent, Asian Americans 12 per-
cent, and multiracial students 5 percent. “For a school in southwest Virginia, the
political climate on campus is refreshingly balanced,” says a sophomore. Students
looking at pricey Northeastern technical schools will find Tech a real bargain. The
university hands out more than 400 athletic scholarships in addition to thousands
of merit awards averaging $3,300. The Funds for the Future program aims to offset
tuition increases for low- income undergraduates.
Freshmen and the Corps of Cadets are required to live on campus, but over-
crowding has been an issue in recent years as enrollment continues to increase. “You
need to look for housing early,” warns a student. Currently, 33 percent of all under-
grads reside on campus. After their first year, most students move into nearby off-
campus apartment complexes. Dining services receive enthusiastic reviews for
variety, taste, and options for special diets. “Virginia Tech offers many classes to
learn how to protect yourself and make yourself knowledgeable about the issue of
sexual assault,” notes a sophomore.
Leisure- time favorites include bowling and billiards in the student center, club
activities, and school- sponsored plays, concerts, arts and crafts fairs, and dances.
Thirteen percent of the men and 19 percent of the women join fraternities and
sororities, and students say Greek groups do not dominate social life. Some of the
most important annual events include the Ring Dance (when juniors receive their
school rings) and the Corps of Cadets military ball. Service is a big emphasis, and
many students get involved in the local community. “Blacksburg has many great
restaurants within walking distance of campus, as well as a discount movie theater
(continued)
Forestry
Meteorology
For engineering
undergrads, Tech
has programs for
every taste, including
aerospace, chemical,
computer, mining,
ocean, and more.
“Blacksburg has many great
restaurants within walking
distance of campus.”
The annual big
football game pits
the Hokies against
the Cavaliers of the
University of Virginia.
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736 WABASH COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and the farmers market every weekend,” says a neuroscience major. For real big- city
action, Washington, D.C., and Richmond are four and three hours away by car,
respectively. Given that the school is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking,
biking, caving, and water sports are popular pastimes too.
Virginia Tech competes in the Division I Atlantic Coast Conference, and the
football team’s multiple appearances in postseason bowl games have cheered alumni
and hiked applications. The annual big game pits the Hokies against the Cavaliers
of the University of Virginia. Men’s wrestling and men’s and women’s basketball
and track and field have also performed well in recent years. Tech’s extensive recre-
ational program boasts more than 40 intramural and 30 club sports, with everything
from football to horseshoes and underwater hockey— a recent rage.
Virginia Tech encourages students to “invent the future,” and that’s just what
today’s citizens of the Hokie Nation aim to do. By taking advantage of Tech’s partic-
ular blend of high- tech learning and Southern hospitality, students have countless
opportunities to gain industry experience, travel abroad, and spend four years with
like- minded peers.
Overlaps
Clemson, Georgia
Tech, Purdue,
University of
Virginia, University
of Colorado
Boulder, Texas
A&M, James
Madison, Penn
State
If You Apply To ›
Tech: Early decision, early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Music applicants
must audition. Please consult Virginia Tech’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test
requirements.
Wabash College
301 West Wabash, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Wabash and Hampden– Sydney in Virginia are the last of the all- male breed. With
steady enrollment, lots of tradition, and plenty of money in the bank, Wabash sees no
reason to change. Intense bonding is an important part of the Wabash experience,
and few co- ed schools can match the loyalty of Wabash alumni. The Gentleman’s
Rule says it all.
Wabash College was founded in Indiana in 1832 by transplanted Ivy Leaguers who
shared the Enlightenment’s optimistic view of human nature and envisioned a
“classical and English high school rising into a college as soon as the wants of the
country demand.” Their vision proved to be 20/20. All- male Wabash has not only
prospered but also remained true to its academic and social traditions, including the
Gentleman’s Rule of self- responsibility that students continue to live by. “Wabash
College has a culture that has not changed for 50 years. It can be a hard school to fit
into if you do not meet the status quo, but it also is a brotherhood,” says a junior.
The 94- acre Wabash campus is characterized by redbrick, white- columned,
Georgian- style buildings (three are originals from the 1830s). Located in the heart of
Crawfordsville, a small town of about 16,000,
Wabash is surrounded by grass and tall trees that
are part of the gorgeous Fuller Arboretum. Recent
campus projects include the 3,400- seat Little Giant Stadium, completed in 2021 to
accommodate football games, track meets, and other large events.
The Wabash educational program has certainly proved itself over the years.
This small college has amassed an impressive list of alumni: executives of major
Website: www .wabash .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 834
Undergraduates: 834
Male/Female: 100/0
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 25%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 73%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 1,914
Accepted: 61%
Enrolled: 22%
Grad in 6 Years: 75%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
“Wabash is a brotherhood
through and through.”
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corporations, doctors, lawyers, and a large number of Ph.D.s. Wabash alumni are
typically faithful to their school in the form of generous donations. On a per- capita
basis, the school’s $385 million endowment makes it one of the wealthiest in the
nation. General education requirements include courses from a wide variety of
fields— natural and behavioral sciences, literature and fine arts, mathematics, and
language studies. All freshmen participate in a community service project during
orientation and take a tutorial in the fall that is designed to focus them on reading,
writing, and class participation, followed by a colloquium titled Enduring Questions
in the spring. All seniors must complete comprehensive examinations in their final
semester, consisting of two days of written exams in their major and an hour- long
oral exam on their overall liberal arts experience.
Economics, rhetoric, political science, and history draw the most majors at
Wabash, and high accolades go to the chemistry, biology, and English departments.
Religion, rhetoric, and theater are traditional
strengths, and newer majors include environ-
mental studies and the popular philosophy, pol-
itics, and economics (PPE). Those who can’t
satisfy their high- tech interests at Wabash can
opt for a 3– 2 program in engineering with Columbia, Washington University in
St. Louis, or Purdue.
“Wabash prides itself on being very competitive; the classroom atmosphere
can be intense at times, and the workload is pretty heavy,” says a religion major.
Seventy- six percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and a financial eco-
nomics major explains, “Students have the ability to form professional relation-
ships with their professors and often obtain help outside of the classroom when
needed.” Students roundly praise the Quantitative Skills Center and the Writing
Center for their assistance with classwork, as well as career services for connecting
them with internships, jobs, and influential alumni. A peer educator program called
Supplemental Instruction offers further support with coursework. Seventy- four per-
cent of students participate in at least one internship during their time at Wabash.
Paid, full- time research positions with faculty are a popular summertime pursuit
at Wabash, particularly among students in the sciences. About half of the students
study abroad via semester- long programs offered by third- party providers as well as
cross- cultural immersion- learning courses at Wabash that include short- term travel
components— at no extra cost to students. WabashX initiatives provide hands- on expe-
rience in three interdisciplinary fields: democracy and public discourse; global health;
and innovation, business, and entrepreneurship. Participating students engage in such
opportunities as academic summits, internships, consulting projects, volunteer work,
and travel abroad. They also enjoy access to dedicated coworking space in the Fusion 54
center in downtown Crawfordsville, where they can interact with local business leaders.
“Most guys at Wabash are just your everyday kind of dude,” muses a classics and
religion double major. “We tend to mostly like sports and hanging out with friends.”
Most come from public high schools in Indiana, but 23 percent come from other states,
and 5 percent hail from foreign countries. Black
students represent 4 percent of the student body,
Hispanics/Latino 11 percent, Asian Americans
2 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. A biology major reports that “the student
body tends to lean right” but politics generally don’t play a large role in student life.
Merit awards averaging $32,200 are available to qualified students. Applicants who
enroll under Wabash’s early decision plan are guaranteed an internship after their
sophomore year and may qualify for a scholarship covering future tuition increases if
they maintain a certain GPA.
For housing, the college offers five residence halls, two lodges, two duplex- style
(continued)
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 345- 5385
Email Address: admissions @
wabash .edu
Strong Programs:
Chemistry
Biology
English
Religion
Rhetoric
Theater
Economics
Political Science
“The classroom atmosphere
can be intense at times,
and the workload is pretty
heavy.”
“Greek organizations are
the social life on campus.”
WabashX initiatives
provide hands-
on experience in
democracy and
public discourse;
global health; and
innovation, business,
and entrepreneurship.
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738 WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
townhomes, and 10 fraternity houses; all students are required to live on campus all
four years. Dorm residents must eat in the dining hall. “Nine times out of 10, the
food is good, but that one time can really stand out,” says a sophomore. Wabash
addresses the topics of sexual assault and gender- based violence during new student
orientation and leadership development activities throughout the year. The college
has beefed up counseling and mental health services in recent years, and a senior says
students “demonstrate a strong desire to fight the stigma around mental health.”
The surrounding town of Crawfordsville leaves much to be desired. With few
options off campus, the school’s 10 fraternities tend to dominate the social scene:
58 percent of the students join up. “Greek organizations are the social life on campus.
No one else throws parties,” says a sophomore. Many students say there is a noticeable
divide between fraternity brothers and “independents.” As for drinking on campus,
students say that policies are generally loose, as long as students are behaving respon-
sibly, which is to say in a gentlemanly fashion. Weekend trips to Purdue and Indiana
University are also popular. Traditions are taken seriously at Wabash, from homecom-
ing to not passing beneath certain archways on campus. Chapel Sing, where freshmen
compete to see who can best sing the lengthy school song, is a favorite ritual, but
undoubtedly the biggest is the school’s long- standing rivalry with DePauw, which
dates to 1890 and is capped off every year by the football game that decides who gets
to keep the prized Monon Bell. Wabash has won 10 of the last 13 rivalry games.
That competitive spirit extends to all of the Little Giants (so named because the
1904 football team was said to be performing above its weight) Division III athletic
programs. The wrestling team is a perennial contender for the national title and was
the national runner- up in 2022, while the basketball and track and field teams were
the 2023 North Coast Athletic Conference champions. Baseball and soccer are also
competitive. About half of the students participate in intramural and club sports,
including basketball, dodgeball, football, soccer, and softball.
Traditions have not changed much since the school’s founding back in the
1830s and still play an important part in the lives of the men at Wabash. Some stu-
dents complain about the lack of women and culture in the surrounding area, but
many are happy with the college’s intensive, rigorous programs and expanding
opportunities for interdisciplinary study and hands- on experiences. “Wabash is a
brotherhood through and through,” says a satisfied junior. “Every day is for the
boys, and it’s fantastic to be a part of.”
Chapel Sing, where
freshmen compete
to see who can best
sing the lengthy
school song, is a
favorite ritual.
Overlaps
Hampden– Sydney,
DePauw, Denison,
Kalamazoo, College
of Wooster, Ohio
Wesleyan, Indiana
University, Purdue
If You Apply To ›
Wabash: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
Wake Forest University
Winston- Salem, NC 27106
Wake Forest’s Baptist heritage and Winston- Salem location give it a more down-
home flavor than Duke or Emory. But take out your magnifying glass and you’ll also
find one of the nation’s most innovative institutions. It was Wake, not Brown or Tufts,
that became the first leading private university to go test- optional for the SAT and
ACT back in 2008. Holds its own in big- time Atlantic Coast Conference sports with
schools five times its size. The strong Greek system dominates the social scene.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Long one of the top private schools in the Southeast, Wake Forest has transformed
its regional recognition into a national reputation. The university is best known for
basketball, but its solid academics are its real strength. Students work hard, hence
the nickname “Work Forest,” but the university’s size and strong Greek system mean
it’s also easy to establish close friendships. “Wake Forest is the best of both worlds,”
says a political science major. “Academics are challenging, and you’re surrounded
by motivated and intelligent peers. At the same time, students pride themselves on
being social.”
Located in the Central Piedmont region of North Carolina, Wake Forest was
founded in 1834 by the North Carolina Baptist Convention in Wake Forest, near
Raleigh. It moved to Winston- Salem in 1956 and in 1986 replaced formal ties to the
Baptists with a “fraternal” relationship. The uni-
versity’s 340- acre campus features flowers,
wooded trails, and stately magnolias. There are
more than 40 Georgian- style buildings con-
structed of old Virginia brick with granite trim. The campus is bordered by the lush,
148- acre Reynolda Gardens annex, which features a formal garden, greenhouses,
and one of the first collections of Japanese cherry trees in the U.S. Wake Downtown
is a 115,000- square- foot, STEM- focused space adjacent to Wake’s School of Medicine
in downtown Winston- Salem. Newer additions include the 180,000- square- foot
Wake Forest Wellbeing Center, housing fitness and recreation facilities as well as
offices for student health services.
To graduate from Wake Forest, students must complete a standard distribution
of liberal arts courses in addition to taking an introductory first- year seminar and
satisfying a cultural diversity requirement. The most popular programs include
finance, communication, economics, psychology, and politics and international
affairs; the School of Business is highly regarded. Wake has an unusual number of
interdisciplinary centers and programs for an institution of its size. The innovative
Center for Entrepreneurship sponsors programs such as Startup Lab, which allows
students to develop business concepts into commercial ventures with the help of
seed capital. The Interdisciplinary Arts Center brings together students, faculty,
and staff for arts collaborations with subject matter ranging from romance lan-
guages to neuroscience.
Students agree that courses at Wake Forest are rigorous, but a history and psy-
chology double major says, “I have been impressed by how collaborative Wake
students are.” Fifty- nine percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 stu-
dents. Faculty members get high marks; graduate assistants teach some labs and
health classes, but otherwise professors are at the lectern. “I’ve been told by profes-
sors, department heads, and academic advisors that their first goal for me is that I
learn the material and have enriching experiences while at school,” says a physics
major. “It’s very refreshing to have faculty who put the emphasis on this rather than
grades.” The Office of Personal and Career Development takes a four- year approach
to helping students prepare for future careers.
Undergraduates at Wake Forest have plenty of opportunities to participate in
faculty- mentored research, and Richter Scholarships fund select independent study
or research projects that involve travel away from campus. The Pro Humanitate
Institute allows students to put their skills and knowledge to work helping the com-
munity; the center takes its name from the school’s motto, which means “In Service
to Humanity.” Exceptionally able students may qualify for the Honors in Arts and
Sciences distinction by taking three or more honors seminars during their first three
years. The Wake Washington Center gives selected undergraduates the chance to
live, study, intern, and network in the nation’s capital for a semester. And for those
who wish to spread their wings internationally, Wake Forest’s residential study
Website: www .wfu .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 7,949
Undergraduates: 5,388
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 56%
Pell Grant: 10%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 25%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 16,857
Accepted: 21%
Enrolled: 38%
Grad in 6 Years: 90%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (336) 758- 5201
Email Address: admissions @
wfu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business and Enterprise
Management
Finance
Communication
Economics
Psychology
Politics and International
Affairs
“I have been impressed by
how collaborative Wake
students are.”
The Office of
Personal and Career
Development
takes a four- year
approach to helping
students prepare
for future careers.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
centers in Copenhagen, London, Vienna, and on the Grand Canal in Venice beckon.
Wake Forest offers more than 400 semester, summer, and yearlong study abroad
programs in more than 70 countries worldwide.
“Students at Wake Forest are highly driven,” says a senior. Eighty- two percent of
undergraduates hail from outside North Carolina, including 9 percent who come
from foreign countries. “Students tend to be very conservative,” says a sophomore,
and a senior adds, “We are not a politically active
school.” The university’s move to de- emphasize
the SAT and ACT was one of its many efforts to
boost lagging diversity, but success has been lim-
ited. Currently, Black students make up 6 percent
of the undergraduate population, Asian Americans add 4 percent, Hispanics/Latino
contribute 9 percent, and multiracial students represent 5 percent. Although the uni-
versity meets 100 percent of admitted students’ demonstrated financial need, it is
weak on socioeconomic diversity, with a mere 8 percent of freshmen qualifying for
Pell Grants. Still, Wake Forest offers an early action option specifically designed for
first- generation college students. Merit scholarships averaging $11,300 are awarded
to eligible students, in addition to around 200 athletic scholarships.
Seventy- five percent of students live on campus, as they are required to do for
their first three years. In addition to all- gender restrooms across campus, the univer-
sity now offers gender- neutral housing options and has increased the size and visibil-
ity of its LGBTQ Center. Dining options have improved recently, students say: “There
are two standard cafeterias, as well as a Starbucks, Chick- fil- A, Moe’s, Subway, and
other options.” One student complains, “Campus security could be better. There is a
fair amount of crime in certain areas of campus.” Students say sexual assault is not a
prevalent issue, but the Safe Office is an effective resource for those who need it.
Thirty- six percent of men and 64 percent of women go Greek, and Greek life
dominates the social scene. Fraternities and sororities do not have houses on campus,
but they throw open parties in dorm lounges or in off- campus houses. “Other orga-
nizations, such as Student Union, make a huge
effort to bring other social options, such as con-
certs, movies, and events, to campus,” says a stu-
dent. The school’s honor code helps to keep rowdy behavior in check; as one student
cautions, “If you are caught with alcohol and you are under 21, there are strict con-
sequences.” Everyone enjoys the annual homecoming festivities, and after the
Demon Deacons score big athletic victories, students roll the quad in toilet paper to
celebrate. Other favorite events include a midnight concert by the school orchestra
every Halloween, with members in full costume, and Lilting Banshees comedy
troupe shows. Another Wake Forest tradition is Hit the Bricks, an eight- hour relay
race benefitting cancer research that runs along the brick pathways of Hearn Plaza.
Popular road trips are to the beach or the mountains; Chapel Hill, Durham, and
Raleigh are each 100 miles away, and Atlanta and the Washington/Baltimore areas
are about a five- hour drive.
The city of Winston- Salem is rich in culture, with a symphony, a Christmastime
“Moravian love feast,” film festivals, multiple art museums, a thriving arts district,
and the well- known University of North Carolina School of the Arts. It’s also home
to the corporate headquarters of another Southern specialty: Krispy Kreme
Doughnuts. “Winston is a very suburban town with a lot of young families and a
Southern feel,” a student says. The town also has a strong music scene, with live
bands playing regularly at downtown venues. Popular volunteer activities include
Project Pumpkin, a trick- or- treat night on campus for underprivileged children.
Wake Forest sports teams became known as the oxymoronic Demon Deacons
after a major victory over Duke in 1922 when, in the words of the editor of the
“Winston is a very suburban
town with a lot of young
families and a Southern
feel.”
After the Demon
Deacons score big
athletic victories,
students roll the
quad in toilet paper
to celebrate.
“We are a small school with
big school spirit.”
Wake Downtown is
a 115,000- square-
foot, STEM- focused
space in downtown
Winston- Salem.
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WARREN WILSON COLLEGE 741
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
school newspaper, they “fought like demons.” Basketball is the undisputed king at
Wake Forest— think Chris Paul and Tim Duncan— and is perennially strong in the
rough- and- tumble Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. Other solid teams include
men’s and women’s soccer, men’s tennis, baseball, and women’s golf. Of course,
virtually any contest against in- state rival UNC at Chapel Hill is guaranteed to get
students excited. Intramural and club sports are also offered— soccer, basketball, and
floor hockey are some of the most popular— and according to a senior, “Fun super-
sedes talent.”
A spirit of engagement pervades the Wake Forest experience, as well as an under-
dog mentality when compared with competitors that are bigger, slightly more
famous, or located in places like Chapel Hill or Atlanta instead of Winston- Salem.
The Deacs always punch above their weight. As one student puts it, “We are a small
school with big school spirit.”
Overlaps
Duke, Emory,
UNC at Chapel
Hill, University
of Virginia, North
Carolina State,
William & Mary,
University of
Richmond, Boston
College
If You Apply To ›
Wake Forest: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
Warren Wilson College
P.O. Box 9000, Asheville, NC 28815
BEST
BUY
Among a handful of schools where students combine academics, community engagement,
and on- campus work that helps keep tuition down. Roots in the culture of Appalachia
combine with a strong international and social justice orientation to give Warren Wilson
its distinctive flavor. Setting in the mountains of western North Carolina is tough to beat.
Campus atmosphere ranges from liberal to far- out alternative.
Warren Wilson is a small liberal arts college flush with engaging little quirks. It pro-
motes global perspectives while maintaining its roots in Appalachian culture. It puts
students to work (including on the campus farm) and makes service learning a cen-
tral part of the educational experience. The school is also at the forefront of the
“green” movement and has fully divested its endowment from fossil fuels. “My
school is wild,” says a senior. “It is a big old ‘take that’ to the status quo. It is a group
of people who are going to change the world.”
Founded by the Presbyterian Church in 1894 as the Asheville Farm School,
Warren Wilson College initially provided formal schooling for “mountain boys.” In
1967, it transformed into a four- year, co- ed liberal arts college that, while still main-
taining its Presbyterian heritage, welcomes stu-
dents of all backgrounds. WWC is located
15 minutes from downtown Asheville in the lush
Swannanoa Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Its 1,132- acre campus features formal gardens, fruit and vegetable gardens, a 300-
acre farm, and approximately 25 miles of hiking trails. Consistent with campus cul-
ture, the wood- and- stone buildings are small in scale and built in an architectural
style that emphasizes natural earth tones accented by extensive stonework by tradi-
tional Appalachian stonemasons. The campus is home to one of the most important
Cherokee archaeological sites in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, dating from
as early as 5000 B.C.
Website: www .warren -wilson
.edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 775
Undergraduates: 720
Male/Female: 34/66
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 32%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 67%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 943
Accepted: 78%
Enrolled: 27%
Grad in 6 Years: 45%
Returning Freshmen: 69%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
H
“My school is wild. It is a
big old ‘take that’ to the
status quo.”
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742 WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
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The signature feature of the WWC curriculum is its unique three- part education
program, which combines liberal arts coursework, community engagement, and
campus work. To graduate, students must perform significant community service;
they volunteer with more than 100 community organizations tackling issues like food
security, homelessness, education, and the environment. Warren Wilson is also one of
10 four-year Federal Work Colleges in the nation that require all residential students
to work on campus— a practice that helps keep tuition down. To fulfill their work
requirement, students choose to spend either eight or 16 hours every week working in
crews that range from blacksmithing, carpentry, and recycling projects to IT services,
tutoring, and photography, as well as keeping the college farm going. To meet gen-
eral education requirements, WWC students take a broad range of liberal arts courses
aimed at developing four core competencies: foundational knowledge and skills, crit-
ical inquiry, effective communication, and “civic identity values.” All first- year stu-
dents enroll in the writing- intensive First- Year Seminar, which includes introductory
service- learning experiences that take students and faculty off campus weekly. In addi-
tion, every undergraduate major requires a culminating capstone project.
Students may choose from more than 20 majors, 30- plus minors, and more than 20
concentrations. Some of the most popular majors are environmental studies, psychol-
ogy, creative writing, sociology/anthropology, and art. New majors have been added in
communications, data science, and outdoor busi-
ness. Students give high marks to the social work
major and the natural sciences, especially biology
and conservation biology. Accelerated 3– 2 and 3– 3
programs are available in pre- environmental man-
agement, preforestry, prelaw, and pre- M.B.A., and the integrative studies major allows
students to develop and complete individually designed majors. The popular outdoor
leadership major prepares students to lead outdoor adventure education programs,
focusing on both technical skills like backpacking and rock climbing and interpersonal
skills like leadership and counseling. Appalachian studies, a minor within the global
studies program, serves as a catalyst for local cultural activities, including numerous
musical groups. And where else does the music department offer you the choice of
“finger- picking” or “flat- picking” guitar?
A biology major says Warren Wilson’s study- serve- work program is “challenging
and fulfilling, but it requires commitment from the student in order to get the most
out of it.” Classes are small, and a freshman says, “Our faculty members are highly
accessible, and many of them live on campus.” An honors track is open to high-
achieving students in several majors. Internship opportunities are available in all
programs, and 47 percent of students study abroad during their time at WWC.
Faculty- led programs involve a semester- long course on campus, followed by two to
three weeks on an international “field experience.” Qualified students may also
study for a semester or two in countries such as China, Finland, Germany, Japan,
and South Korea. The Center for Integrated Advising and Careers provides every
incoming student with an Integrated Advising Coach, which one senior calls “an
integral addition to student success.”
Warren Wilson students are “laid- back and at the same time buzzing with excite-
ment and passion,” explains a biology major. “We all care deeply about something,
which makes for a chill but intense culture.” Thirty- nine percent of students hail
from North Carolina, and 5 percent are international. Black students account for
5 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans 1 percent, and multiracial
students 4 percent. Progressive political views and social justice concerns are big on
campus, and hot- button issues include hiring more diverse faculty and staff mem-
bers and “embedding racial equity curriculum into every academic department,”
reports a student. Upon graduation, most students go into service professions, such
(continued)
Admissions: (800) 934- 3536
Email Address: admit @
warren -wilson .edu
Strong Programs:
Social Work
Biology
Environmental Studies
Psychology
Creative Writing
Sociology/Anthropology
Art
Outdoor Leadership
“[Students] all care deeply
about something, which
makes for a chill but
intense culture.”
Warren Wilson
promotes global
perspectives while
maintaining its roots
in Appalachian
culture.
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WARREN WILSON COLLEGE 743
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
as teaching or working for environmental or other nongovernmental organizations.
The first step for some is into the Peace Corps, for which the school offers a spe-
cial advising program. Thirty- two percent of freshmen are Pell- eligible, and merit
scholarships averaging $18,500 are available. Under the school’s North Carolina Free
Tuition Plan, all North Carolina residents who qualify for federal or state need- based
financial aid will have the rest of their tuition covered by the college for all four years.
Eighty- nine percent of students live in the dorms, which an environmental
studies major describes as “adequate.” The 36- bed, LEED Platinum– certified EcoDorm
incorporates solar heating and natural ventilation and is made of hardwoods milled
on campus. Other theme housing options are also available. Students have one main
dining hall and three cafés to choose from; the vegetarian and vegan fare at Cowpie
is said to be particularly tasty. Students say they feel safe on campus, and the Center
for Gender and Relationships provides advocacy, support, and education regarding
diverse gender identities and campus sexual assault.
In the absence of Greek organizations, students create plenty of ways to have fun
and blow off steam on campus. The outdoor program is the largest on campus and
sponsors weekly hiking, camping, skiing, or other excursions. “Party culture on
campus is minimal and primarily consists of
gatherings of friends around a campfire, in a
dorm, or in one of the pastures on campus,”
explains a senior. Students 21 and over who wish
to imbibe must bring their own beer to parties.
Popular events include the student- run Warren
Wilson Circus and homecoming, which features live bluegrass music, a barbecue,
and dancing. On Work Day, classes are canceled so students and faculty can work
together on campus projects and enjoy a pig roast, courtesy of the campus farm crew.
“[Asheville’s] downtown scene is amazing for the relatively small size of the
town,” says a student. Museums, cafés, theaters, music clubs, and the symphony are
only 15 minutes away. A transportation crew provides rides into town for grocery
runs and special events. Thanks to the college’s service requirement, students take
an active role in the community through volunteer work. WWC sponsors short-
term service projects during vacation breaks, and popular road trips include Atlanta
and the beaches of South Carolina.
In a state famed for its rabid sports fans, many Warren Wilson students are
decidedly nonchalant about athletics, and sports have not been a big emphasis
here. Nevertheless, the college is joining NCAA’s Division III in 2024 and has added
volleyball and track and field programs. Currently competing in the U.S. College
Athletic Association, the Fighting Owls boast strong men’s and women’s basketball,
soccer, and cross- country teams. The varsity cycling and mountain biking teams are
nationally competitive. Intramural and club sports are options as well.
Success at Warren Wilson is measured not only by grades but also by commu-
nity service and a sense of stewardship. “One of the most beautiful things about
Wilson is that it is a college where I can help pull a calf during a winter calving
season in a beautiful valley, then head up to my Latin American Cinema class,” says
a global studies major. Those who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty will see this
small liberal arts college as a valuable place that combines the notion of thinking
globally with acting locally.
The school is one of
10 four-year Federal
Work Colleges in the
nation that require all
residential students
to work on campus.
“Party culture . . . consists
of gatherings of friends
around a campfire, in a
dorm, or in one of the
pastures on campus.”
On Work Day, classes
are canceled so
students and faculty
can work together on
campus projects and
enjoy a pig roast.
Overlaps
Evergreen State,
Guilford, College of
the Atlantic, Bard,
Bennington, Eckerd,
Reed, Brevard
If You Apply To ›
Warren Wilson: Early decision, early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application
with supplement. Application includes fields to indicate preferred name, gender, and gender pronouns.
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744 UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
University of Washington
1410 N.E. Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA 98195
BEST
BUY
The UW wows visitors with its sprawling parklike campus in hugely popular Seattle.
Washington is tougher than University of Oregon for out- of- state admission but
not as hard as UC heavyweights Berkeley or UCLA. In addition to breathtaking
views, location near both the coast and mountains makes for strong marine and
environmental studies programs.
The University of Washington, referred to affectionately as “the Udub,” has cemented
its reputation as a solid research institution, and its 30,000 full- time undergraduates
benefit from traditional strengths in business, health, and natural sciences. Students
here understand that size and its consequent anonymity are the prices that must be
paid for the wealth of opportunities that await them, although First- Year Interest
Groups and a four- year honors program help make the university feel smaller. Those
looking for an extra- personal touch might want to investigate the UW’s campuses in
Tacoma and Bothell, where average class sizes are smaller. But if the Seattle campus
is your focus, one senior hints, just “learn to work the system.”
The UW’s Seattle campus blends Gothic architecture and the lush, green landscape
of the Pacific Northwest. It features a number of distinctive landmarks. Red Square sits
atop the Central Plaza parking garage and features
the Broken Obelisk, a 26- foot- high steel sculpture
gifted to the university by the Virginia Wright
Fund. All of the university’s energy comes from
renewable resources (including, of course, hydropower), and, despite campus growth,
the UW has reduced its overall energy use. New facilities include the $100 million,
state- of- the- art Health Sciences Building and the $79 million, sustainably constructed
Founder’s Hall.
Undergraduates in both professional and liberal arts programs must fulfill stan-
dard, university- wide distribution requirements in order to graduate. Individual
schools and colleges also have their own requirements. Freshmen are given special
attention via the First- Year Interest Group (FIG) program, which offers a chance to
meet, discuss, and study with other first- years who have similar interests. Each FIG
consists of 20 to 25 students who share a cluster of classes (which fulfill graduation
requirements) and includes a weekly seminar led by a junior or senior peer advisor.
Many of UW’s diverse undergraduate strengths correspond with its excellent
graduate programs. The competitive business major, for example, benefits from
the university’s highly regarded business school and is one of the most popular
undergraduate majors, along with psychology, biology, computer science (which is
tops in the country in producing female graduates), and political science. Students
majoring in public health, pharmacy, and nursing profit from access to facilities and
faculty at the medical school, an international leader in cancer and heart research,
cell biology, and organ transplants. English and drama are traditional strengths in
the humanities. Also recommended for undergraduates are marine biology, envi-
ronmental studies, architecture, and most engineering programs, especially human
centered design and engineering, and bioengineering. Reflecting the focus on natu-
ral resources in Washington’s economy, the program in fisheries is excellent, as are
earth and atmospheric sciences, including oceanography.
The UW follows a quarter system, which means academics are challenging and
fast- paced. A common complaint about the university is “having to apply to a major.
It is already hard to get into UW, but then once you do, you might not even get into
Website: www .washington
.edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 42,899
Undergraduates: 29,614
Male/Female: 43/57
Financial Aid: 69%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 28%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 52,488
Accepted: 48%
Enrolled: 30%
Grad in 6 Years: 84%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (206) 543- 9686
Email Address: apply @ uw
.edu
Strong Programs:
Business
English
Drama
Marine Biology
Environmental Studies
Architecture
Engineering
Computer Science
“[UW] gives you the
guidance and tools to be
successful.”
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UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON 745
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
your desired major,” explains a senior— and this tends to create a hypercompetitive
atmosphere. Entry into preprofessional and STEM- related programs is particularly
difficult, and students say you might want to have a backup plan. Twenty- five per-
cent of undergraduate classes have more than 50 students. “Faculty members often
compensate for large class sizes by making themselves extremely accessible,” says a
public health major, and many professors are tops in their field.
For those interested in skirting the masses, UW’s Honors Program offers small
classes on interesting subjects taught by fine professors. “All of my best experiences
and opportunities have been through the Honors Program: from scholarships, to the
Honors Living Learning Community in the residence halls, to Honors- specific study
abroad courses,” cheers a sophomore. Undergraduates can study abroad via more than
90 faculty- led programs as well as options at more than 70 partner institutions across
the globe. A program in experiential learning encourages students to find internships,
and a variety of classes give students the opportunity to volunteer as part of their
coursework. In addition, 30 percent of undergrads conduct faculty- mentored research.
Sixty- six percent of undergraduates are state residents, and although the univer-
sity has traditionally preferred to keep its focus on the home folks, it now has a
notably large proportion of international students, at 14 percent. It also has an
unusually large population of students over the
age of 25. The student body is 27 percent Asian
American, 10 percent Hispanic/Latino, 4 percent
Black, and 8 percent multiracial. The campus,
like its host city, is politically liberal. Students,
says a senior, “are go- getters and active in the
world around them.” Merit- based scholarships averaging $4,100 per year are avail-
able to high- achieving students, and the university also doles out more than 400
athletic scholarships. The Washington College Grant provides free or reduced tui-
tion for in- state students from low- and middle- income families who meet certain
requirements. The grant is funded in part by a statewide tax on Washington- based
businesses like Amazon and Microsoft that depend on highly skilled workers.
Thirty percent of students live in the school’s 12 co- ed dorms, including 63 per-
cent of freshmen. “The residence halls are really new and nice facilities for the most
part. The main drawback is that they are pretty expensive,” says a junior. Most
students live off campus in Seattle or other parts of King County. Each dorm has
its own cafeteria and fast- food line based on a debit card system. The Husky Union
Building also offers a dining hall, espresso bar (don’t forget, this is Seattle!), writing
center, sun deck, and lounges. Regarding campus safety, a freshman cautions, “Since
campus is in an urban area, you really have to be careful at night.”
“The social life at UW is disconnected,” says a senior, due to the large commuter
population and the diverse social options that draw students into the city every
weekend. On campus, the social scene tends to be defined by the Greeks and the
1,000- plus student organizations that sponsor various activities. Thirteen percent of
the men and 12 percent of the women join a combined total of 65 fraternities and
sororities. Alcohol is allowed on campus for students 21 and over, but marijuana is
not (despite being legal in the state of Washington), and students report that poli-
cies are strictly enforced. One tradition everyone looks forward to is Dawg Daze in
the fall, which “consists of 200- plus events to welcome first- year students and
returning students from their summer vacations,” explains a communication major.
Sooner or later most students hit “the Ave,” University Way, where shops and
restaurants await them. Two new light- rail stations, one at either side of campus, or
a 10- minute bus ride connect students to a full array of urban offerings in Seattle.
The Seattle Center and other venues host outstanding operas, symphonies, touring
shows, and major league sports.
The Washington College
Grant provides free
or reduced tuition
for in- state students
from low- and middle-
income families.
“Faculty members often
compensate for large
class sizes by making
themselves extremely
accessible.”
The Husky Union
Building offers a
dining hall, espresso
bar, writing center,
sun deck, and lounges.
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746 WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
But who needs pro sports with UW’s Division I Huskies around? Husky Fever
breaks out on every football weekend, and the stands are always packed for UW’s
team, especially when Washington State comes to town to vie for the coveted Apple
Cup. Women’s rowing won a national champi-
onship in recent years, while men’s soccer, men’s
rowing, and men’s golf have claimed Pac- 12 con-
ference titles. As of 2024, the UW has moved into
the Big Ten Conference. The UW offers more
than 35 club sports and 30 intramural leagues in
which 30 percent of students compete. More
than anything else, the great outdoors defines the University of Washington. The
campus offers breathtaking views of Lake Washington and the Cascade and Olympic
mountains. Outdoor pastimes for students include boating, hiking, camping, and
skiing, all found nearby, and Canada is close enough for road trips to Vancouver. The
weather is consistently temperate, and natives insist that the city’s reputation for rain
is undeserved. Then again, the sports stadium has an overhang to protect spectators
from showers.
“UW gives you a reality check that you’re not as smart or as special as you think
you are and then shows you all the potential that you still have and gives you the
guidance and tools to be successful,” says a junior. While some students will not
appreciate the occasionally impersonal academics, many students can overlook these
obstacles for the big picture of the up- and- coming University of Washington— one
that takes in more than just the beautiful scenery.
“[Dawg Daze] consists
of 200- plus events to
welcome first- year
students and returning
students from their summer
vacations.”
Overlaps
UC Berkeley,
UCLA, UT
Austin, U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
University
of Michigan,
University of
Oregon, UC San
Diego, UC Santa
Barbara
If You Apply To ›
Washington: Regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Washington and Jefferson College
60 South Lincoln Street, Washington, PA 15301
Premed Central would be as accurate a name as any for W&J, which has one of the
nation’s highest proportions of students who go on to medical school. Law school
and business school are also popular destinations, and undergraduates in all fields
pack their bags to conduct independent research in far- flung locales through the
innovative Magellan Project. The Greek system dominates social life.
Wannabe doctors and lawyers would be well- advised to give Washington and
Jefferson College a look. This small Pennsylvania college, founded in 1781 by
Presbyterian ministers, is renowned for its preprofessional programs, and gradu-
ates are almost guaranteed acceptance into medical or health- related graduate pro-
grams. At the same time, the college’s curriculum is growing more interdisciplinary
and international in scope and putting more emphasis on independent student
work. Classes remain small here, and despite the somewhat rural location, students
enjoy an active social life thanks to a hearty Greek scene and the nearby city of
Pittsburgh.
The campus, like the student body, is tight- knit: more than 50 buildings sit on
65 acres in a small town about 30 miles outside of Pittsburgh. W&J is the 11th- oldest
college in the country and houses the eighth- oldest college building, which was
Website: www .washjeff .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,130
Undergraduates: 1,130
Male/Female: 53/47
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 31%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 83%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
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WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON COLLEGE 747
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
built in 1793. The school got its name following the merger shortly after the Civil
War of two colleges whose names you can probably discern. The prevailing archi-
tectural style is traditional colonial/Georgian, though modern structures have been
added at a rapid pace during the past two decades.
Graduation requirements call for students to take a range of liberal arts and
sciences courses and demonstrate proficiency in writing, speaking, reading, quan-
titative reasoning, foreign language, and use of
information technology. Every first- year stu-
dent enrolls in a first- year seminar selecting
from 25 options, many of which involve college-
sponsored trips to major East Coast cities and
some of which are linked to living/learning communities. All graduating seniors
take part in a capstone experience.
Given that W&J is a magnet for students who plan to pursue M.D.s, J.D.s, and
M.B.A.s, some of the school’s most popular majors are business administration,
accounting, psychology, political science, and biology. Chemistry, English, commu-
nication arts, economics, and biological physics are also strong. An entrepreneurship
minor gives students the chance to interact with founders of Fortune 500 com-
panies, and the interdisciplinary computing and information studies major offers
five concentrations: big data, computer science, digital media, interaction design,
and web and mobile technologies. A thematic major allows students to design their
own course of study. Rare among liberal arts colleges are the 3– 4 programs with the
Pennsylvania Colleges of Optometry and Podiatry. More technically minded stu-
dents can take advantage of 3– 2 engineering programs with Case Western Reserve,
Columbia, and WashU in St. Louis.
W&J’s formula for success starts with individual attention in small classes;
80 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and a sophomore says,
“Professors don’t just read off a slide, they actually teach and engage in discus-
sion.” Students agree that the academic climate is tough, especially for those on
the premed and prelaw tracks, but as a business major points out, “Because it is
such a small campus, you know everyone in your academic field very well. This
makes it very easy to work with others on a problem you have or on a project.”
In addition to faculty advisors and peer mentors, a Student Success Consultant
meets with students one- on- one to guide them through their first year. More than
70 percent of students do internships, and a robust alumni mentorship program
ensures that every W&J student who wants an alumni mentor and career coach
will have one.
The Magellan Project provides funding for approximately 100 freshmen,
sophomores, and juniors to put their liberal arts education to work each year
through self- designed summer research projects or internships that involve
domestic or international travel. Past projects have studied sea turtle rehabilita-
tion in Australia and early childhood education in Denmark. “The Magellan
Project is by far the best opportunity that W&J offers,” enthuses one participant.
The Washington Fellows Program is an honors program that provides participat-
ing students a bevy of special opportunities to interact with distinguished faculty,
alumni, and guests. During the January intersession, students find brief appren-
ticeships in prospective career areas, take a short- term tour abroad, or engage in
nontraditional coursework. Twelve percent of students study abroad, and the
Office of Study Abroad offers about 40 approved semester- and year- abroad
options in more than 20 countries.
W&J students describe their classmates as “goal- oriented” and “willing to help
others.” Seventy- three percent of students hail from Pennsylvania, and many are
from neighboring states in the Northeast; 1 percent are international. Eight percent
(continued)
Applicants: 3,414
Accepted: 88%
Enrolled: 12%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 83%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
Admissions: (724) 223- 6025
Email Address: admission @
washjeff .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Chemistry
English
Communication Arts
Economics
Biological Physics
Accounting
Psychology
“Because it is such a
small campus, you know
everyone in your academic
field.”
Every first- year
student enrolls in a
first- year seminar
selecting from 25
options, many of
which involve college-
sponsored trips.
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748 WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON COLLEGE
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of students are Black, 5 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 2 percent are Asian American,
and 6 percent are multiracial. Students report an even split between liberals and
conservatives on campus and a “respectful atmosphere regarding political issues.”
Students get something of a bargain if they win an academic scholarship, which
averages $31,600. The college does not award athletic scholarships.
Students can live in either co- ed or single- sex dorms, and 89 percent of students
live on campus. Housing is guaranteed for four years, and students say the freshman
dorms are “adequate,” but the choices get better
with academic rank and include suite- style and
apartment options for upperclassmen. Campus
meals get mostly positive reviews. “The dining
facilities have become healthier and offer more
options for students with dietary needs,” comments a biology major. W&J has
launched bystander awareness training and a student group of peer advocates to
help educate the community on preventing sexual violence.
The active Greek scene draws 22 percent of the men and 27 percent of the
women, and chapter parties are said to be “very inclusive and welcoming” of non-
Greeks. The Student Activity Board has worked to offer more on- campus events,
such as free movies, cultural events, and Big Bingo, “a huge bingo event with epic
prizes,” explains a senior. At the HUB, students enjoy big- screen televisions, Netflix,
pool tables, and a student- run café that gives away free food and milkshakes every
weekend. George & Tom’s snack bar has become a favorite hangout with a stage for
comedy and musical acts. There are also numerous student organizations to join,
from the equestrian club to the student theater company. During the course of the
year, Democracy Day, the Spring Street Fair, and Spring Concert are the most popu-
lar events.
Not all students share the administration’s appreciation for “the unique
characteristics of the western Pennsylvania milieu.” Many complain that there
is nothing to do in Washington, a former steel/mining town of 13,000, now hit
by hard times. While relations with the locals can be a bit strained, students try
to assuage this by actively volunteering in the community. One student says,
“Most people just make the drive to Pittsburgh,” which is 30 minutes away;
the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State are popular destinations for more
diverse social opportunities.
Just about anyone has a shot at the Division III varsity sports at W&J, where
the teams are known, naturally, as the Presidents. Recent Presidents’ Athletic
Conference champions include baseball and women’s lacrosse. Twenty- four per-
cent of students participate in intramural and recreational sports, with flag football,
basketball, and softball attracting the most interest.
With expanding academic options and the freedom to self- design experiences
abroad, W&J is opening more and more doors for students. Students praise the edu-
cation they receive and the school’s close- knit environment. As one sophomore
sums up, “If you want to get into med school, law school, or grad school, W&J is a
great launching pad.”
“If you want to get into
med school, law school, or
grad school, W&J is a great
launching pad.”
George & Tom’s snack
bar has become a
favorite hangout with
a stage for comedy
and musical acts.
Overlaps
Allegheny, College
of Wooster, Juniata,
Knox, Ursinus, Penn
State, University
of Pittsburgh,
Duquesne
If You Apply To ›
W&J: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
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WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY 749
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA 24450
The ninth oldest university in the U.S., tradition- bound W&L is one of the most
selective small colleges in the South, rivaled only by Davidson. W&L supplements
the liberal arts with strong programs in business and journalism. Picture- postcard
campus is three hours from Washington, D.C. Honor System thrives, but diversity has
a long way to go. Greeks dominate the social scene.
Washington and Lee University, which shares the town of Lexington, Virginia, with
the Virginia Military Institute, has always epitomized Southern gentility. The Fancy
Dress Ball is a highlight of each year, the Honor System is revered, and the long-
standing “Speaking Tradition” ensures at least casual communication between mem-
bers of the W&L community when they pass one another on the well- manicured
grounds. But this is not your grandfather’s W&L. Nearly four decades after women
were first admitted, today’s atmosphere is a little less 19th century and a little more
21st century— as befits one of the South’s leading liberal arts colleges. Says a senior,
“Each individual walks away with a unique sense of what it means to be an honor-
able, thoughtful, civilized participant in a global society.”
Founded in 1749, W&L is named after George Washington, whose donation to
the school in 1796 saved it from dire financial straits, and Robert E. Lee, who was
president of the college from 1865 until his death in 1870. After an agonizing year-
long discussion, university trustees voted in 2021
to retain Lee as part of the school’s name. In
doing so, they issued a statement deploring “the
university’s past veneration of the Confederacy”
and the fact that it once owned slaves. They also stripped Lee’s name from the
campus chapel (his burial site), canceled the annual Founder’s Day celebration on
his birthday, and announced a number of steps designed to “expand diversity and
inclusion.” W&L’s wooded campus sits atop a hill of lush green lawns, sweeping
from one national landmark to another. The Colonnade is the school’s most iconic
group of buildings— stately redbrick structures with white Doric columns— and the
prevailing architectural style is Greek Revival, although the physical face of the
campus is changing. The school also boasts the $13.5 million Ruscio Center for
Global Learning and the Elrod University Commons, which contains a dining hall,
movie theater, and bookstore.
General education requirements account for one- third of a student’s coursework
and include a first- year writing seminar and courses in literature, fine arts, history,
philosophy, religion, science and math, social sci-
ence, foreign language, and physical education.
The Spring Term is a single, four- week experience
intended to offer students and faculty more inno-
vative approaches to teaching and learning. Many
use the term to study abroad; 51 percent of students spend time overseas at some
point, traveling to destinations in more than 40 countries.
Although a standard liberal arts program remains the foundation of W&L’s cur-
riculum, the university offers excellent preprofessional programs, particularly in
business and accounting, through the Williams School of Commerce, Economics,
and Politics, as well as in journalism and engineering. Economics, politics, history,
biochemistry, and neuroscience are popular choices as well. The Shepherd Program
for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability offers a minor in
Website: www .wlu .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,230
Undergraduates: 1,856
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 54%
Pell Grant: 10%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 32%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 7,224
Accepted: 17%
Enrolled: 39%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (540) 458- 8710
Email Address: admissions @
wlu .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Accounting
Journalism
Economics
Politics
History
Biochemistry
Neuroscience
“[Students] work very hard
to improve themselves and
their grades.”
“There are department
heads teaching intro-
level classes and senior
seminars.”
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750 WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY
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poverty studies that requires students to complete an eight- week summer internship
with an organization focused on poverty- related issues.
“Students don’t compete much with each other, but they work very hard to
improve themselves and their grades,” explains a business and sociology double
major. “Everyone here has succeeded in the past, and everyone wants to keep doing
it.” Classes are small— 81 percent have fewer than 20 students— and there are no
teaching assistants. Says one student, “There are department heads teaching intro-
level classes and senior seminars, and since these classes are small all the way
through, the quality of teaching is excellent.” Well- qualified students can apply for
the Summer Research Scholars Program, which offers students paid fellowships for
assisting professors in research or doing their own; nearly half of undergrads con-
duct research. The famous Honor System lends a relaxed feeling to the otherwise
rigorous academic climate. Tests and final exams are taken without faculty supervi-
sion; doors remain unlocked, laptops stay on desks, and library stacks are open
24 hours a day. Counseling and career services are highly praised. “The career coun-
selors make an effort to get to know each student on an individual basis to position
students for success,” says a junior.
Nineteen percent of W&L students are native Virginians, and students from
northeast of D.C. are well represented; international students make up 6 percent of
the population. Amid ongoing and uphill efforts to increase diversity of all types,
Black students currently account for 4 percent of the student body, Hispanics/
Latinos 8 percent, Asian Americans 4 percent, and multiracial students 5 percent.
Though the atmosphere is still more traditional than at most leading liberal arts col-
leges, the days of rock- ribbed conservatism are gone. Middle- of- the- road is perhaps
the best way to describe the political leanings of today’s student body. A sophomore
notes, “Students are generally civil in discussing their various opinions.”
W&L’s Johnson Scholarship Program awards merit scholarships covering tuition,
room, and board to approximately 10 percent of each entering class. Johnson Scholars
also receive funding of up to $7,000 to support summer experiences like intern-
ships and research projects. As a Division III
school, W&L does not offer athletic scholarships.
The university guarantees to meet the full dem-
onstrated financial need— without loans— of all
admitted students, and for those whose families
earn less than $125,000 annually, the W&L
Promise program provides full- tuition grants. With these initiatives, socioeconomic
diversity is slowly increasing, but only 9 percent of first- years are Pell- eligible, and
the majority of students still come from wealthy backgrounds. A senior observes,
“There are challenges for lower- income students due to implicit expectations, such
as appearances and social expenses.” Despite such challenges, a first- generation stu-
dent urges, “We need diverse students at Washington and Lee, and the support
system from the university is in place to welcome them.”
Seventy- seven percent of students reside on campus, as they are required to do
for their first three years. Students spend their first year in renovated, co- ed dorms.
Many sophomores move into Greek houses or theme houses, while upperclassmen
opt for apartment- and townhouse- style accommodations. First- year students must
purchase a meal plan, and dining options get good reviews. Students say the Honor
System, campus security personnel, and thorough training programs on preventing
and responding to sexual assault contribute to their feelings of safety on campus.
“We have the largest percentage of Greek students in the nation, so Greek life
definitely sets the tone for the social scene,” explains a junior. “Our parties are very
inclusive: anyone is allowed to walk into any house on campus when there is a party
happening.” Seventy- five percent of the men and 71 percent of the women take part
W&L’s Johnson
Scholarship
Program awards
merit scholarships
covering tuition,
room, and board
to approximately
10 percent of each
entering class.
“We need diverse students
at Washington and Lee, and
the support system from
the university is in place to
welcome them.”
The Summer Research
Scholars Program
offers students
paid fellowships for
assisting professors
in research or
doing their own.
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WASHINGTON COLLEGE 751
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
in Greek life. A lot of creative energy goes into fraternity bashes, which often feature
live bands, although the formal Fancy Dress Ball (a.k.a. “$100,000 prom”) and the
Black Ball, sponsored by the Student Association for Black Unity, also draw raves.
While underage drinking is banned in the dorms, students insist that their peers
“like to party and drink.” Friday Underground, a weekly coffeehouse with free food,
coffee, and student performances, has proven to be a popular social alternative.
W&L’s mock political convention for the party out of power, held every four years,
has predicted past presidential nominees with uncanny accuracy.
The school’s scenic location in the midst of the Appalachian Mountains means an
abundance of activities for nature lovers, including hunting, fishing, camping, moun-
tain biking, skiing, and tubing on the rivers. The Outing Club, the largest student orga-
nization on campus, organizes day trips throughout the year and lengthier excursions
during school breaks. Lexington, a “quiet, friendly town that has much history to offer,”
also offers a few bars, two movie theaters, and several restaurants. Washington, D.C.,
Richmond, Charlottesville, and Roanoke are easily reached by car for weekend trips.
W&L offers 24 varsity sports at the Division III level, and most teams participate
in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. In recent years, the Generals have taken
home conference championships in football, men’s and women’s swimming and
tennis, and women’s field hockey, golf, lacrosse, riding, and volleyball. The univer-
sity sponsors approximately 25 club and intramural sports, ranging from a nation-
ally competitive club rugby team to skiing and fly- fishing.
“Washington and Lee is an institution with a lot of history, but per our motto [non
incautus future], we are ‘not unmindful of the future,’” says an English major. A sense of
history and tradition does indeed pervade the campus, from the liberal arts curriculum
to the time- tested Honor System, even as the university attempts to minimize the
legacy of Robert E. Lee. W&L continues to focus on preparing students to succeed in a
more globally interconnected world. According to a biology major, one thing remains
constant: “W&L is a tight- knit community with trust and honor at the forefront.”
The school’s scenic
location in the midst
of the Appalachian
Mountains means
an abundance
of activities for
nature lovers.
Overlaps
Williams, Amherst,
Swarthmore,
Pomona, Wellesley,
Davidson,
Middlebury,
William & Mary
If You Apply To ›
W&L: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult W&L’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Washington College
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620
A small liberal arts college with strengths in creative writing, American history,
and environmental science, Washington College is one of the oldest schools in the
country. The college has George Washington rather than Thomas Jefferson as its
éminence grise. Chestertown is small and quaint, so students make their own fun.
Best known for its Center for Environment & Society as well as the annual Sophie
Kerr Prize— worth more than $80,000 to a graduating senior.
Chartered in 1782 in the closing days of the American Revolution, Washington
College was the first college to be established in the newly independent United
States and the first to adopt a thoroughly secular mission: educating citizens, patri-
ots, and leaders for the new democracy. It takes its name from George Washington,
who never slept in any of its dorms but who did make a modest founding grant of
Website: www .washcoll .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 928
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752 WASHINGTON COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
50 guineas and served as a trustee. His spirit looms over the campus as strongly as
that of “Mr. Jefferson” at UVA. One of the first things freshmen do upon arrival
is sign the Honor Code (Washington students cannot tell lies). The college is now
focused on increasing the number of experiential learning opportunities available
in its academic programs.
Washington College sits on 112 acres adjacent to downtown Chestertown, a quiet
community of 5,100 on the Chester River on the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay.
Most buildings are redbrick, Georgian- style structures connected by old brick walk-
ways and enhanced by large shade trees. The his-
toric heart of the campus is the green where
commencement is held and where a bronze statue
of you-know-who keeps watch. The Gibson
Center of the Arts, the Toll Science Center, and
the Hodson Commons mix large expanses of glass with traditional red brick. The col-
lege has invested millions in renovations and new facilities in recent years; updates to
the 11 residence halls known as the Western Shore were completed in 2023.
First- year students begin their studies with a required First- Year Seminar course
in which they develop their reading, writing, research, discussion, and presentation
skills. In addition to standard distribution requirements, students must also com-
plete a senior capstone experience that, depending on their major field, can take the
form of a comprehensive exam, thesis, scientific research project, theatrical produc-
tion, or portfolio of writing or artwork.
The most popular majors are also among the strongest and include business
management, biology/premed, psychology, environmental science and studies, and
pre- engineering. The college’s notable writing program is embedded in all disci-
plines, and the Rose O’Neill Literary House is a cultural hub where students can
discuss poetry and literature over a cup of tea and freshly baked cookies; it has a
long- standing tradition of bringing writers such as Alice McDermott, Mark Doty,
and Tim O’Brien to campus. Seniors from all disciplines may submit writing port-
folios to vie for the Sophie Kerr Prize. Named after a popular American writer of the
early 20th century, it is the largest undergraduate literary prize in the country and
inevitably gives the school its annual 15 minutes of fame in the national media. The
2023 winner took home a check for $79,826.
Not surprisingly, Washington College is also a wonderful place to study history
and American studies. The Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience,
located in the old Custom House on the Chester
River, helps students study the culture of the
Native Americans who once populated the area,
trace the Revolutionary War campaigns in the
Chesapeake region, and explore the area’s maritime heritage from aboard Sultana, a
reproduction 18th- century schooner. What’s more, notes a senior, the Center offers
“internships that pay well and give [students] hands- on work in the humanities.”
Washington also takes advantage of its rural setting and nearby waterways to offer a
strong program in environmental science and studies. The Center for Environment
& Society promotes stewardship of the area’s natural resources, including a
Chesapeake Semester that offers hands- on experience in the watershed and a trip to
Costa Rica for comparative study. The River and Field Campus, located 10 minutes
from the college’s main campus, is a 5,000- acre living laboratory for avian, environ-
mental, and archaeological research and has a number of dual- degree programs
including 3– 2 programs in environmental studies with Duke University, engineer-
ing with Columbia, and nursing with the University of Maryland.
With the exception of a few introductory classes, students report that all their
instruction comes from full professors who are easily accessible, and 91 percent of
(continued)
Undergraduates: 928
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 21%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 67%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 2,554
Accepted: 75%
Enrolled: 12%
Grad in 6 Years: 72%
Returning Freshmen: 83%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (410) 778- 7700
Email Address: wc
_admissions @ washcoll .edu
Strong Programs:
English and Creative Writing
History
American Studies
Environmental Science and
Studies
Business Management
Biology
Psychology
Political Science
“The college has made
efforts to foster a more
diverse and inclusive
community.”
“Professors make an effort
to explain material from
several perspectives.”
By far the biggest
social event of the
year is the formal
Birthday Ball in
February in honor
of you- know-
who’s birthday.
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WASHINGTON COLLEGE 753
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
classes have fewer than 20 students. “Professors make an effort to explain material
from several perspectives so that all students understand and can engage in it,” says
a biology major. Washington College operates on a four- credits- per- course basis,
with three hours of classes and students expected to work on their own for the
fourth. “Classes are challenging and require a high level of work in order to excel,”
comments an environmental science major. Every freshman is assigned to a Peer
Mentor, an older student who is trained to help them adjust to the academic and
other sides of college life.
The Presidential Fellows program offers special academic opportunities to the
top 20 percent of entering freshmen. Washington students can study abroad in pro-
grams offered in more than 30 countries. Short- term, faculty- led study- abroad
options are available during summer and winter breaks. The school’s location 75
miles east of Washington, D.C., affords excellent access to internships. In recent
years, Washington students have interned at the National Archives, the U.S.
Congress, and the Smithsonian. A political science major notes, “The Center for
Career Development helps students connect with alumni in the workforce, find
jobs, and even prepare for interviews.”
“Students at Washington College are warm and welcoming,” states an English
and sociology major. Forty- three percent of students at Washington are from
Maryland, and 3 percent hail from other countries. “The college has made efforts to
foster a more diverse and inclusive community,”
says a political science major, “including hiring
more diverse faculty and staff, offering scholar-
ships to students from underrepresented back-
grounds, and implementing programs to
promote cultural awareness.” Black students rep-
resent 12 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, and Asian
Americans 3 percent. Students describe the campus as left- leaning, and according to
an English and history major, a prominent issue of late has been “working to make
the campus more inclusive” for students of color and LGBTQ+ students. Merit schol-
arships averaging $27,500 annually are available; there are no athletic scholarships.
The Washington Scholars program awards full scholarship funding to high-
achieving, high- need students.
All students are guaranteed on- campus housing for all four years, and 83 percent
take up the offer. Rooms are assigned through a lottery with numbers based on class
year. A sophomore reports that “not all dorms are created equal, but none of them
are completely unacceptable.” The newest dorm, Corsica, is among the choicest in
a cluster of dorms located on what students call the “Western Shore,” overlooking
the athletic fields. Meals at the dining hall are all- you- can- eat, and a senior claims,
“The dining hall has greatly improved during my time here,” in terms of quality and
options for vegans and vegetarians. Students give decent ratings to campus safety
and efforts to raise awareness about sexual assault.
According to a senior, Washington’s social life is “focused on community
involvement and academic pursuits rather than partying.” There are occasional off-
campus house parties, but the sleepy nature of Chestertown means that most social
life takes place on campus, much of it coordinated by the school’s 90- plus student
organizations. The Student Events Board sponsors concerts, film series, open- mic
nights, silent discos, bonfires, and other entertainment. Seven percent of the men
belong to fraternities and 12 percent of the women to sororities. The Crab Feast, put
on by the frères of Phi Delta Theta, is popular, as is the all- campus picnic. By far the
biggest social event of the year is the formal Birthday Ball in February in honor of
you- know- who’s birthday. “We love our namesake!” cheers an English major.
Students 21 and over are allowed to imbibe on campus, and students say alcohol
One of the first
things freshmen do
upon arrival is sign
the Honor Code
(Washington students
cannot tell lies).
“[Washington’s social life
is] focused on community
involvement and academic
pursuits rather than
partying.”
In recent years,
Washington students
have interned at the
National Archives,
the U.S. Congress,
and the Smithsonian.
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754 WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
policies are focused on student safety. A junior says, “Chestertown is quirky and
charming, with historic buildings, music, food, art, and boutique shopping,” but
students seeking more active nightlife head for Annapolis, Baltimore, Philadelphia,
or Washington, D.C.
Washington’s Shoremen and Shorewomen compete in the Division III
Centennial Conference. Men’s and women’s rowing and the co- ed sailing team are
nationally competitive, while men’s soccer won a recent conference title. Students
turn out in huge numbers for the annual War on the Shore, when the men’s lacrosse
team takes on its biggest rival, Salisbury University. Thirty- five percent of students
participate in intramural and club sports; equestrian, eSports, dance, and soccer are
popular offerings. Held once a month, Outdoor Adventure trips, like rock climbing,
cycling, and crabbing and fishing charters, are widely anticipated.
After managing to be around for more than 240 years without making much of
a splash beyond Chesapeake Bay, Washington College now seems bent on making a
name for itself in academic areas where it has a comparative advantage, especially
business, the sciences, and the environment. Students describe Washington as a
“small, tight- knit community” bound by the classic values of a small liberal arts
college. George would probably approve.
Overlaps
Allegheny,
Muhlenberg,
Ursinus, Goucher,
Transylvania,
St. Mary’s College
of Maryland,
University
of Delaware,
University of
Maryland
If You Apply To ›
Washington College: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common
Application.
Washington University in St. Louis
Campus Box 1089, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130- 4899
Washington University in St. Louis has secured a place among the country’s
outside- the- Ivy- walls elite schools, half a step behind Northwestern, on the shoulder
of Vanderbilt, and a half step ahead of Emory. Core strength in the biological sciences
with a halo effect from its top- ranked medical school; also top- notch in business.
Preprofessional orientation, yet encourages exploration.
Though it’s always been well recognized regionally, Washington University in St. Louis
long ago established itself as a truly national institution— with a friendly, relaxed
Midwestern feel that differentiates it from the high- strung Eastern Ivies. Applications
have skyrocketed, and with a hefty $12.3 billion endowment, strong preprofessional
programs, and an emphasis on research, it’s not hard to see why. An architecture
major says, “WashU is a high- end, collaborative research institution dedicated more
to the growth of its students than the growth of its own personal brand.”
WashU was founded in 1853 and given its name to honor George Washington
and his service to the country. Its 169- acre campus adjoins Forest Park, one of the
nation’s largest urban parks. Buildings are con-
structed in the collegiate Gothic style, mostly in
red Missouri granite and white limestone, with
plenty of climbing ivy, gargoyles, and arches.
The state- of- the- art Knight and Bauer Halls are
home to the Olin Business School and include classrooms designed to enhance stu-
dent and faculty interaction. As part of a major construction initiative on the east
Website: www .wustl .edu
Location: City Outskirts
Private
Total Enrollment: 14,568
Undergraduates: 7,401
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 50%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 23%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 33,214
Accepted: 11%
Enrolled: 48%
Grad in 6 Years: 94%
“WashU is . . . dedicated
more to the growth of its
students than the growth of
its own personal brand.”
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end of campus, the university built four new academic and multiuse facilities for arts
and engineering, expanded the campus art museum, and added a new dining pavil-
ion and the Sumers Welcome Center.
Undergraduates enroll in one or more of WashU’s five divisions— arts and sci-
ences, architecture, art, business, or engineering. General education requirements
vary by school and program. The university’s offerings in the natural sciences, par-
ticularly biology and chemistry, have long been notable, especially among those on
the premed track. Bio majors benefit from efforts to integrate undergraduate research
into activities at WashU’s outstanding medical school, which provides significant
opportunities to conduct advanced laboratory research with faculty. WashU’s busi-
ness, engineering, architecture, and design programs are traditional strengths as
well, and biomedical engineering has become a specialty. Double majors are encour-
aged, and interdisciplinary majors, such as philosophy- neuroscience- psychology
and business and computer science, are growing rapidly.
Each academic division offers options for incoming freshmen to acclimate to the
university environment and explore their options. In Arts & Sciences, for instance,
students may take first- year seminars on diverse topics, such as The Secret Lives of
Plants and Introduction to Memory Studies.
Similarly, the Olin Business School’s Foundations
of Business Course, taught by senior faculty,
focuses on a different topic each week. Students
in the Beyond Boundaries program take team- taught, cross- disciplinary courses on a
range of topics across the university’s five divisions in their first year before moving
into the division of their choice as sophomores. Those seeking even broader horizons
may study in their choice of more than 50 different countries, and 30 percent do so,
often through faculty- led programs during the summer. Students report that it’s easy
to get involved with WashU’s extensive research projects. “When I declared my psy-
chology major, I was handed a stack of papers with about 45 different research oppor-
tunities (in the psych department alone!),” a sophomore enthuses.
Students agree that while academics are rigorous, the university’s collaborative
atmosphere is a major factor that sets it apart from its Ivy League competitors. “It’s
not a competitive culture or a weed- out school,” comments an English and polit-
ical science major. Those who are struggling will find plenty of help from teach-
ing assistants (who conduct review sessions), academic advisors, study groups, and
even a 24- hour peer counseling service called Uncle Joe’s. Sixty- six percent of classes
have fewer than 20 students, and undergrads have uncommon access to one- on- one
mentoring relationships with top faculty. A junior says, “My professors are highly
knowledgeable and largely able to convey their knowledge to students clearly.”
“Most WashU students are really passionate about something but are rarely pre-
tentious about it,” says a junior. Eighty- one percent of undergraduates are out- of-
staters, with a large contingent from Eastern states like New York and New Jersey,
and another 8 percent are international. Black students account for 9 percent,
Hispanics/Latinos 12 percent, Asian Americans 20 percent, and multiracial students
6 percent. “The Center for Diversity and Inclusion has become like a second home
to me because of the great study space and the opportunities to have necessary dia-
logues with excellent professionals and fellow students,” says a sophomore. Students
are engaged in social and political issues, especially racial justice and renewable
energy, and tend to be moderate but left- leaning.
A limited number of academic scholarships averaging $29,416 are awarded each
year, but there are no athletic scholarships. As part of its efforts to become more
socioeconomically diverse, WashU has adopted a need- blind admissions policy for
domestic first- year applicants. The university has also replaced loans with grants for
students from families with incomes below $75,000 in addition to awarding them
(continued)
Returning Freshmen: 96%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 638- 0700
Email Address: admissions @
wustl .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Chemistry
Business
Biomedical Engineering
Architecture
Design
Philosophy- Neuroscience-
Psychology
“It’s not a competitive
culture or a weed-out
school.”
The university’s
offerings in the
natural sciences,
particularly biology
and chemistry, have
long been notable,
especially among those
on the premed track.
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more than $3,500 in grants to offset costs like the purchase of a personal computer.
WashU meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students, and in
recent years, it has doubled the proportion of freshmen who qualify for Pell Grants
(20 percent). For Pell- eligible students from Missouri and Southern Illinois, the
WashU Pledge covers the full cost of attendance for four years. A sophomore notes
that, socially, “A person who is from a low- income background may have a difficult
time fitting in due to the ‘spending’ culture at WashU.”
Seventy percent of WashU students live in campus housing, including the co- ed
dormitories known as residential colleges. “The rooms are larger than your average
dorm room, and we have Tempur- Pedic mattresses,” boasts a student. “If that doesn’t
qualify us as best housing, I don’t know what would.” Freshmen and most sopho-
mores live on the “South 40” (40 acres located on the south end of the main campus);
freshmen are guaranteed rooms, and gender- inclusive housing is available as an
option. Upperclassmen may live in university- owned apartments, and some choose
true off- campus digs in the nearby neighborhoods of University City and Clayton,
where apartments are reasonably priced. Meal plans may be used in any of the
dining centers, which students say are excellent. “Dining Services offers a wealth of
options, with international cuisine, vegetarian, gluten- free, dairy- free, kosher, halal,
and more available at each and every dining location,” cheers a junior. Students give
good ratings to campus safety, and a sophomore says, “Students are very well edu-
cated on all the resources available to address the issue of sexual assault.”
“The social life is as abundant as each student makes it,” says a junior, with
ample options both on and off campus. WashU students pride themselves on being
able to balance work and play, and on weekends, movies, fraternity parties, and
concerts tear them away from their books. Every
spring, the whole campus turns out for the
century- old Thurtene Carnival, the oldest
student- run philanthropic festival in the coun-
try. Student groups— especially fraternities and
sororities, which attract 11 percent of the men
and 9 percent of the women— build booths, sell food, and put on plays; profits are
donated to a children’s charity. Four student- led cultural shows— Diwali, Lunar New
Year Festival, Black Anthology, and Carnaval— are always well attended. Another big
event is WILD (Walk In Lay Down), held at the beginning and end of the academic
year. Everyone brings blankets and inflatable couches to the main quad, assumes a
horizontal position, and listens to big- name bands. Alcohol policies emphasize safe
and responsible drinking, and students say that, in that regard, they are effective.
WashU offers robust recreational options because of its location abutting Forest
Park: a golf course, an ice- skating rink, a zoo, a lake with boat rentals, art and his-
tory museums, an outdoor theater, and a science center are all within a short walk.
So too are the restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries of the Delmar Loop. The
St. Louis Blues and Cardinals attract pro hockey and baseball fans, and the city is
also home to the addictive Ted Drewes frozen
custard. The school runs a free shuttle service to
parts of St. Louis not within walking distance
and offers a Metro Pass for free access to the
city’s bus and light- rail systems. “St. Louis is
often described as the largest small town you will ever visit or the smallest big city
you will ever see,” says a sophomore. “I appreciate St. Louis because there is plenty
to do without it being overwhelming.” Community service programs such as Each
One Teach One, in partnership with the city’s schools, attract a sizable number of
students. The best road trips include Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, and Lake of the
Ozarks, as well as Columbia, Missouri— home of the University of Missouri.
As part of its efforts
to become more
socioeconomically
diverse, WashU has a
need- blind admissions
policy for domestic
first- year applicants.
“My professors are highly
knowledgeable and largely
able to convey their
knowledge to students
clearly.”
Four student-
led cultural
shows— Diwali, Lunar
New Year Festival,
Black Anthology,
and Carnaval— are
always well attended.
“I appreciate St. Louis
because there is plenty
to do without it being
overwhelming.”
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The WashU Bears compete in Division III, and the men’s indoor track and field
team won the national championship in 2022. Men’s and women’s soccer and out-
door track and field, men’s basketball, and women’s cross- country have claimed
University Athletic Association conference titles in recent years. Over 20 percent
of the students compete in 40 club sports or play intramural sports, ranging from
badminton, racquetball, and flag football to pocket billiards and ultimate Frisbee.
High school counselors say that your best chances of getting accepted at WashU
are either by opting for early decision or being cherry- picked off the waitlist. But
however they get there, students find WashU both academically challenging and
personally supportive. As one senior reflects, “The atmosphere is not only about
learning academically but growing as a person.”
Overlaps
Northwestern,
Duke, Vanderbilt,
Rice, Johns
Hopkins, Yale,
UPenn, University
of Michigan, Brown
If You Apply To ›
WashU: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Apply to one of five
undergraduate schools. Portfolio is required for applicants to College of Art and recommended for applicants to College of
Architecture. Please consult WashU’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA 02481
There is no better recipe for popularity than first- rate academics and a postcard-
perfect campus on the outskirts of Boston. That formula keeps Wellesley atop the
women’s college pecking order— along with superb programs in economics and the
natural sciences. Among leading women’s colleges, only Barnard accepts a lower
percentage. Just over half of undergraduates are students of color.
Wellesley College is not just the best women’s college in the nation— it’s one of
the best colleges in the nation, period. With a history dating to 1870 and an alum-
nae roster that includes Hillary Rodham Clinton, Diane Sawyer, the late Madeleine
Albright, and Madame Chiang Kai- shek, Wellesley should be at the top of the list
for high achievers who are seeking the benefits of an all- women’s college. Wellesley
women excel in whatever field they choose, including traditional male bastions like
economics and the sciences. “Wellesley is an energetic and serious place,” says a
senior. “When you come on campus, you can just feel that we’re doing very import-
ant work here.”
Nestled in a Boston suburb, the Wellesley campus, one of the most beautiful
anywhere, occupies 500 rolling acres of cultivated and natural areas, including Lake
Waban. Campus buildings range in architectural style from Gothic (with stone
towers and brick quadrangles) to state- of- the- art
science, arts, and sports facilities. A 22- acre arbo-
retum and botanical garden features a wide vari-
ety of trees and plants. The Davis Museum houses 11 galleries, a cinema, and a café.
The five campus libraries, which include an academic art library, boast more than a
million volumes. Several facilities have been renovated under the Wellesley Campus
Renewal Plan, including the student services building, studio art and performance
spaces, and the Science Center.
Wellesley has distribution requirements that include units in language and lit-
erature; visual arts, music, theater, film, and video; social and behavioral analysis;
Website: www .wellesley .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,349
Undergraduates: 2,349
Male/Female: 0/100
Financial Aid: 63%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 41%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 8,491
Accepted: 13%
Enrolled: 50%
Grad in 6 Years: 90%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (781) 283- 2270
Email Address: admission @
wellesley .edu
“Wellesley is an energetic
and serious place.”
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epistemology and cognition; religion, ethics, and moral philosophy; historical stud-
ies; natural and physical science; and mathematical modeling and problem- solving.
In addition, students must take a first- year writing class, a foreign language, and a
course on multiculturalism.
With its hefty $2.8 billion endowment (the largest among the nation’s all-
female colleges and universities) and lavish facilities, Wellesley offers a top- of- the-
line educational experience. Some of the most popular majors are economics,
political science, psychology, computer science,
and biological sciences. Economics is known as
the powerhouse; in fact, Wellesley has produced
most of the country’s high- ranking female econ-
omists. Biology is also strong, and students in
biochemistry work with faculty on DNA research. Nearly two dozen interdepart-
mental majors are available in fields ranging from peace and justice studies to chem-
ical physics to a notable program in international relations. Anything Wellesley
women find lacking in their curriculum can probably be found at MIT, where they
have full cross- registration privileges. Wellesley students can also take courses at
nearby Babson College, Brandeis University, and Olin College of Engineering.
“Wellesley has a reputation for being competitive, but I find that’s not entirely
true,” observes a mathematics major. “Most students are open to collaboration
and willing to support each other.” Under the honor system, students may take
their finals, unsupervised, at any time during exam week. Class sizes are almost
always small. Professors are highly respected and make themselves readily avail-
able. “My professors have always been engaging,” says a biochemistry major. “I
never thought a class like Integrated Biophysical Chemistry could be discussion
heavy.” First- years have both faculty advisors and peer mentors. Students give
rave reviews to Wellesley’s career services, which “place emphasis on establish-
ing connections,” according to an econ major, but complain that the counseling
center is understaffed. In an effort to alleviate first- year students’ stress about
grades as they adjust to Wellesley’s rigorous atmosphere, the college employs
a shadow- grading policy, in which their first- semester grades do not appear on
their academic transcripts.
Seventy- seven percent of students conduct undergraduate research or indepen-
dent study, and grants from private foundations have allowed Wellesley to add
innovative programs, including independent research tutorials for advanced science
students and fellowship funding for joint
student/faculty projects. About half of the stu-
dents study abroad through 180 approved pro-
grams, including Wellesley- run programs in
France and Germany. Through the Albright Institute, 40 students each year are
chosen to be Albright Fellows, attending classes with both Wellesley and visiting
professors, then completing a funded summer internship abroad; past Fellows have
interned with the U.S. State Department, the European Union Chamber of
Commerce, and the Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center.
What are Wellesley women like? A sophomore says, “Think Beyoncé: empow-
ered, smart, and driven.” Only 15 percent of students are from Massachusetts, and
although the Northeast is the best represented geographical area, students come
from every state and more than 85 countries; 14 percent are international. Eight
percent are Black, 23 percent are Asian American, 15 percent are Hispanic/Latina,
and 7 percent are multiracial. “Wellesley is very LGBTQIA+ friendly,” reports a
neuroscience major, and a psychology major adds, “We are liberal and very out-
spoken about racism, different forms of sexism and misogyny, cultural clashes,
etc.” Financial aid awards are based on need— meaning few merit scholarships— but
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Economics
Biology
Biochemistry
International Relations
Peace and Justice Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Computer Science
“I never thought a class
like Integrated Biophysical
Chemistry could be
discussion heavy.”
The closest thing
Wellesley has
to sororities are
nonresidential
societies, which
sometimes host
parties, for arts and
music, literature,
and more.
“Think Beyoncé: [students
are] empowered, smart,
and driven.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
admissions for U.S. citizens and permanent residents are need- blind, and Wellesley
meets the full calculated need of admitted students. Wellesley has also eliminated
loans for families with incomes below $100,000 per year (with typical assets) and
has reduced loans for others.
Residence life at Wellesley is a step ahead of most institutions. Virtually every
student lives on campus, and residence halls feature high- ceilinged living rooms,
hardwood floors, fireplaces, walk- in closets, kitchenettes with microwaves, and
even grand pianos. First- years are housed in the same halls as upperclasswomen,
and juniors and seniors are generally granted single rooms. Peer tutors also live in
each hall and are trained to tutor in specific subjects, as well as in study skills and
time management. Meal cards are valid in all dining halls and at the campus snack
bar, which is stocked with everything from milk and flour to Twinkies. “We have
a dining hall that is vegetarian and kosher, as well as one that is nut- free,” says a
sophomore. Campus security is strong, and a junior notes, “Sexual assault cases are
minimal on campus, but students have access to a number of resources for sexual
education and reporting.”
Wellesley’s social scene tends to be quiet, although as a sophomore explains,
“All of the student organizations have to host at least one all- campus event every
semester, meaning there is always a dance, mixer, cultural show, or movie being
shown.” The Lulu Chow Wang Campus Center, referred to affectionately as “the
Lulu,” is a hub of activity day and night, with its student- run pub, Café Hoop, and
coffeehouse. The closest thing Wellesley has to sororities are nonresidential societ-
ies, which sometimes host parties, for arts and music, literature, Shakespeare, poli-
tics, and general lectures. Service is also a key component of the Wellesley community,
dating back to the college’s inception. Wellesley’s motto, Non ministrari sed minis-
trare, translates to “Not to be served but to serve.”
Wellesley is chock- full of traditions, the most endearing of which include Flower
Sunday (where first- years are paired with older students in a welcome ceremony),
step- singing (an all- campus sing- along on the chapel steps), Spring Weekend (with
a big- name band and comedian), and a hoop-
rolling contest by seniors in their graduation
robes. The winner of this contest will supposedly
be the first in her class to achieve her goals, what-
ever they may be, and she gets off to a flying start
when her classmates toss her in the lake. The lake is also the site of Lake Day, when
students take a break from classes to enjoy a festival held on the lawn.
The town of Wellesley is an upper- crust Boston suburb without many ameni-
ties for students. “Be forewarned,” cautions a student, “Wellesley is a snobby town
of rich people.” Still, when it comes to weekend fun, Wellesley is in a prime loca-
tion. Not even half an hour away, Boston attracts students with all manner of
social opportunities. Cambridge— with Harvard Square, MIT frat parties, and lots
of clubs and cafés— is accessible by an hourly school shuttle that runs on weekdays
and weekends. There is also a commuter rail station located a short walk from
campus. Cape Cod, Providence, and the Vermont and New Hampshire ski slopes
are close by car.
Many students balance their academic schedule with Division III athletics,
intramurals, and club sports. The rowing team is a perennial contender for the
national title. Other top Blue teams include swimming and diving, soccer, and vol-
leyball. The big athletic rival is Smith College, another of the Seven Sisters group
of great women’s colleges. The sports center, named the Nannerl Keohane Sports
Center in honor of Wellesley’s 11th president (who went on to run Duke), offers
an Olympic- size pool; squash, racquetball, and tennis courts; dance studios; a
weight room; and an indoor track. Harvard’s Head of the Charles crew race and
Peer tutors live in
each residence hall
and are trained to
tutor in specific
subjects, as well as
in study skills and
time management.
“We are liberal and very
outspoken about racism,
different forms of sexism,
and misogyny.”
Wellesley has
produced most of the
country’s high- ranking
female economists.
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the Boston Marathon— Wellesley’s “Scream Tunnel” is legendary among runners
worldwide— share honors as the most popular spectator sports of the year.
When it comes to academics, Wellesley women are serious. Their school is com-
petitive with all but the top three Ivies. Many of them enjoy the traditions of the
school and appreciate the idyllic atmosphere for contemplation but know they are
poised to dominate whatever field they enter. “Female empowerment isn’t served
with dinner, and we don’t get confidence boosts for dessert,” muses one student.
“But somehow, after just a few years here, all my ideas about what’s actually possible
and how much I’m truly capable of have changed.”
Overlaps
Amherst, Barnard,
Brown, Harvard,
Swarthmore, Smith,
UC Berkeley, Yale
If You Apply To ›
Wellesley: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Accepts applica-
tions from students who live as women and consistently identify as female, as well as students who were assigned female
at birth and identify as nonbinary. Current students participate on admissions board. Please consult Wellesley’s website for
the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Wells College
Aurora, NY 13026
Note to Readers: As this edition of the Fiske Guide goes to press, the trustees of Wells
College have announced that this 156-year-old former women’s college will close its
doors at the end of May 2024. The announcement follows several years of declining
enrollments and revenues exacerbated by the pandemic. Wells has entered into a
“legacy agreement” with Manhattanville University to accept its current students
and otherwise perpetuate “the Wells College name and history.”
Wells College moved beyond its origins as a women’s college in 2005 when it began
accepting men, but it has by no means abandoned its storied history. Whether
it’s riding to graduation in an old Wells Fargo stagecoach or showing off in the
annual Odd- Even basketball game between freshmen and sophomores, the tradition
of Wells is apparent at every turn. Enrollment has been fairly stable over the last
decade, and with only 357 students, anonymity is nonexistent, and close relation-
ships with professors and peers come with the territory.
Most of the buildings on Wells’s 365- acre campus, which is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, are old, massive, and covered with ivy— the way college
ought to look, you might say. The lakeside location affords beautiful sunsets as well
as boating and fishing opportunities for those looking for a break from academics.
The renovated Sommer Student Center boasts a game room, student lounge, and pub.
Wells’s recently revamped core curriculum combines a solid grounding in the
liberal arts with hands- on experiences. Freshmen take a college writing course and a
class that introduces them to the Wells environ-
ment. In addition to a number of distribution
requirements, students take courses aimed at
developing real- world skills like financial literacy
and personal wellness. Students also undertake two experiential learning activities,
one of which must be off campus, such as internships, study abroad, service- learning
projects, or student teaching. Additionally, all students complete a senior capstone
project in their major.
Website: www .wells .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 357
Undergraduates: 357
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 61%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 92%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 2,167
Accepted: 68%
Enrolled: 9%
Grad in 6 Years: 55%
Returning Freshmen: 46%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (315) 364- 3264
Email Address: admissions @
wells .edu
“There is always someone
there to help you achieve
your goals.”
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The most popular majors include biology, psychology, business, and
English; students also give high marks to sociology and anthropology, edu-
cation, and women’s and gender studies. Majors in inclusive childhood educa-
tion and sustainability have recently been added, and there’s an unusual minor
in book arts. Individualized majors are an option for students whose needs are
not met by established programs. There are also dual- degree programs in educa-
tion with the University of Rochester, in business administration with Clarkson
University, in engineering with Clarkson and Columbia, and in pharmacy with
SUNY– Binghamton. For a change of pace, students may cross- register for up to
four courses at Cornell University or Ithaca College.
“The academic climate is very collaborative in the sense that there is always
someone there to help you achieve your goals,” says a psychology major. Eighty-
three percent of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, giving students easy access to
faculty, and most courses are discussion- based, with the professor present to mod-
erate and focus the conversation. The student- run collegiate association enforces
the honor system, and take- home and self- scheduled tests are the rule rather than
the exception. Wells uses a semester calendar with elements of the 4– 1– 4 plan,
with internships, research, and study abroad taking place in January. Foreign study
draws 30 percent of students; the college’s flagship program in Florence, Italy, is
especially popular.
“Wells students are polite and humble, and they are led by a sense of being one
community,” says a business major. Fifty- nine percent of Wells students are state
residents, while 1 percent are international. Black students make up 8 percent of
the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 13 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent, and
multiracial students 3 percent. Courses, workshops, and a support network for new
students help to educate the campus on the importance of multiculturalism. Liberal
social and political views are prominent, and women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and
immigration policies are key topics of discussion. Wells practices need- blind admis-
sions and has reduced its sticker price by about 25 percent. A notably high portion
of freshmen— 53 percent— qualify for Pell Grants. Numerous merit scholarships are
awarded each year, but not for athletics.
All students are guaranteed college housing, and only 9 percent live off campus.
There are plenty of single rooms, though first- years are typically assigned to doubles,
and substance- free and single- sex options are available. “Some of the dorms at Wells
are old, but that is what makes them special—
they add a nice touch,” says a junior. Some resi-
dences have bay windows and winding stair-
cases, while others offer lake views. Meals are served in a magnificent Tudor- style
dining hall with two working fireplaces, but the food gets lukewarm reviews. Security
is “extremely reliable,” says one student.
Though there are no Greek organizations at Wells, the school doesn’t need
them, given its bevy of other traditions. “Traditions are the backbone of Wells
College,” confirms a junior. For example, bells are rung every evening to announce
dinner and also to celebrate the first snowfall of the season. Additionally, tea and
coffee are served every Wednesday afternoon. Though the long dresses and china
cups have long since disappeared, tea is still a great time to hang out with friends,
faculty members, and staff, as well as a welcome break from long afternoon semi-
nars. On the last day of classes, there’s a celebration around the sycamore tree, where
sophomores present roses to seniors. Then, the president of the college and his staff
serve breakfast to the graduating class.
“Social life at Wells happens in the dining hall, at club/org meetings and events,
and at athletic games,” explains a computer science major. “However, there is little
to do on campus when clubs and organizations aren’t hosting anything.” Students
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Sociology and Anthropology
Education
Women’s and Gender Studies
Biology
Psychology
Business
English
Book Arts
Students also
undertake two
experiential learning
activities, one of
which must be
off campus.
“Traditions are the
backbone of Wells College.”
On the last day of
classes, there’s a
celebration around the
sycamore tree, where
sophomores present
roses to seniors.
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say the campus party scene is very low- key and alcohol policies are well enforced.
The town of Aurora has a popular bar and grill and a hotel— and that’s about it.
“It’s a small village, not a college town at all,” says a student, but the residents are
friendly and on good terms with students, especially since many student clubs par-
ticipate in community service. Those looking for a more traditional college party
scene head 30 miles south to Ithaca College and Cornell. Auburn and Syracuse are
good for shopping, while New York City and Montreal offer shows and other big-
city perks. Given the beautiful, hilly terrain, Wells students also enjoy camping in
the warmer months and cross- country or downhill skiing in the winter, especially
with the slopes of Greek Peak less than an hour away.
Varsity teams at Wells compete in Division III, and since the school is so small,
virtually anyone interested gets the chance to play. The Express men’s and women’s
volleyball and swimming teams have been the most competitive. A fledgling intra-
mural program offers kickball, dodgeball, and ultimate Frisbee, and dance is a popu-
lar club sport. Anyone may use the golf course and the college’s tennis courts, while
the field house offers a pool and other exercise equipment.
Along with its abundant traditions and close- knit atmosphere, Wells has retained
what one student calls a “liberal, progressive, feminist, and independent” spirit,
which most students say suits them just fine. “I believe the classes are good, the
community is wonderful, and Wells really prepares you for life,” says one student.
“I already feel more independent having studied at Wells.”
Overlaps
Ithaca, Hartwick,
Albion, Keuka,
Nazareth College,
Canisius, College
of Saint Elizabeth,
SUNY– Albany
If You Apply To ›
Wells: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supple-
ment. Applicants must submit a Unique Expression, any additional material that showcases unique personality and talents.
Wesleyan University
45 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown, CT 06459
Usually compared to Amherst or Williams, Wesleyan is really more like Swarthmore.
The key differences: Wesleyan is twice as big and a little more streetwise. Wes
students are progressive, politically minded, and fiercely independent. Multicultural
specialties like ethnomusicology and East Asian studies add spice to the scene.
New York and Boston are both two hours away but not easily accessible on public
transportation.
Whether they’re engrossed in academics, debating and demonstrating over social
issues, or engaged in community service, Wesleyan students seem to do things with
a passion and intensity that helps set this school apart from tamer institutions.
“There’s an energy on this campus; for me, it’s a spirit of creativity and political
energy,” a sophomore explains. In recent years, a significant number of Wesleyan
alumni have gone on to make their mark in the high- tech world and the enter-
tainment industry, including Hamilton creator Lin- Manuel Miranda, whose earlier
Broadway hit, In the Heights, had its origins as a sophomore theater production.
Wesleyan was founded in 1831 when Methodists teamed up with local citi-
zens to create a college, and diversity here begins with the campus architecture.
The nucleus of this stately university is a century- old row of lovely brownstones
that look out over the football field. The rest of the buildings can be described as
Website: www .wesleyan .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,253
Undergraduates: 3,069
Male/Female: 46/54
Financial Aid: 44%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 28%
Average Debt: $ $
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“eclectic” and range from mod- looking dorms of the ’50s and ’60s to the beautiful
and modern Center for the Arts. Dozens of Wesleyan- owned wood- frame houses
serve as senior residences that look freshly plucked from Main Street, USA. The
Gordon Career Center is situated in the heart of the campus and features a multipur-
pose career commons. The libraries have more than a million volumes, practically
unheard- of at a school this size. Whenever you happen to walk past the brightly lit,
glass- walled study room of Sci- Li (the science library), you’re apt to see numerous
students huddled over their books. Newer facilities include the remodeled Public
Affairs Center and a new art gallery.
Wesleyan’s curriculum ensures the relevance of liberal arts education in the 21st
century by offering seminars for first- year students and clustering courses to help
students reach their academic objectives. Students are expected to take a minimum
of three courses in each of three areas— humanities
and the arts, social and behavioral sciences, and
natural sciences and mathematics. Wesleyan stu-
dents can choose from among nearly 50 majors
in addition to a number of minors and certificate
programs. At the end of their freshman year, stu-
dents may apply to major in one of Wesleyan’s competitive, interdisciplinary col-
leges, including the College of Letters (European literature, history, and philosophy),
the College of Social Studies (history, government, political and social theory, and
economics), and the Science in Society Program (which allows students to do
advanced work in a science discipline while studying science and medicine through
a philosophical, sociohistorical lens). Other interdisciplinary colleges offering linked
majors include the College of the Environment, the College of Integrative Sciences,
the College of Design and Engineering, and the College of Educational Studies. The
first- rate College of Film and the Moving Image enjoys an international reputation
and the $27 million Basinger Center for Film Studies. The College of East Asian
Studies, another strength, offers advanced language courses and study abroad with
a focus on cultural fluency, and it boasts an authentic Japanese tea room.
Wesleyan’s most popular majors— film studies, economics, psychology, govern-
ment, English, and neuroscience and behavior— are also some of its strongest. Music,
astronomy, molecular biology and biochemistry, American studies, and earth and
environmental sciences are also standouts. But even the smaller departments attract
attention. Ethnomusicology, including African drumming and dance, is a stunning
specialty; students can be found reclining on the wide, carpeted bleachers at the
World Music Hall or watching a dozen musicians play the Indonesian gamelan. The
math department emphasizes problem- solving in small groups rather than intermi-
nable lectures dedicated to theory. Undergraduates in the sciences and psychology
work alongside faculty in their research laboratories and frequently earn the oppor-
tunity to publish in scientific journals. Students can also take advantage of dual-
degree programs in engineering with Dartmouth, Caltech, and Columbia.
Despite Wesleyan’s rigorous academics and heavy workload, students say the
supportive atmosphere makes for a relatively relaxed feel. The university has used its
wealth to attract highly rated faculty members who are expected to be scholar-
teachers: academic superstars who juggle ground-
breaking research, enthusiastic lectures, and
personal student attention at the same time— and
they seem to pull it off. “Professors don’t claim
to know everything and appreciate students challenging their perspectives,” says a
senior. Wesleyan strives to keep its classes small, and 73 percent of the courses have
fewer than 20 students. “With popular classes, you have to be persistent, but you
can get in,” a history major says. If beseeching is not your style, studying abroad
(continued)
Applicants: 14,521
Accepted: 14%
Enrolled: 35%
Grad in 6 Years: 93%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (860) 685- 3000
Email Address: admission @
wesleyan .edu
Strong Programs:
Film Studies
East Asian Studies
Economics
Neuroscience and Behavior
English
Music
Astronomy
Molecular Biology and
Biochemistry
“Professors don’t claim
to know everything and
appreciate students
challenging their
perspectives.”
Dozens of Wesleyan-
owned wood- frame
houses serve as senior
residences that look
freshly plucked from
Main Street, USA.
“Inclusion— both on and off
campus— is always the goal
of student activism.”
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may be a temporary tonic to registration headaches. Programs are available in all
areas of the world, and internships are also popular.
Wesleyan’s excellent reputation and strong recruiting network attract students
from all over, ensuring the mash- up of viewpoints that makes it such a vital place.
“Students at Wes are progressive and adventurous,” muses a neuroscience and
behavior major. “We’re always willing to have a conversation and explore some-
thing new.” Just 8 percent of undergraduates are Connecticut natives, and 10 per-
cent hail from foreign nations. The student body is 5 percent Black, 11 percent
Hispanic/Latino, 9 percent Asian American, and 7 percent multiracial. Students are
mostly liberal and vocal about hot social and political issues. “Inclusion— both on
and off campus— is always the goal of student activism,” says a government major.
Wesleyan has done away with legacy preference and meets the full demonstrated
need of all admitted students, most of whom are admitted on a need- blind basis,
and has a policy of waiving any loan obligation for most families with incomes
below $120,000 per year.
For housing, most freshmen are consigned to singles or doubles in the campus
dorms. Students say the Butterfield complex is the choice for quiet study, while
Clark Hall is where the party people go. Housing is guaranteed for four years, and
upperclassmen who want to live off campus
must apply for permission (very few do). “The
housing system at Wesleyan is really unique. It’s
based on a system of progressive independence,
so every year you have more freedom and more responsibility,” explains a student.
Upperclassmen enjoy townhouses for four or five students, as well as college- owned
houses and apartments. Campus dining gets good reviews: “Vegetarians love
Wesleyan and so do meat eaters. There is an option for everyone,” one student says.
Students report feeling safe on campus and say the university has taken an active
role in sexual assault prevention.
Greek membership is nominal, with just 7 percent of students joining the five
co- ed fraternities and one sorority. Consistent with the university’s encouragement
of independence, students bear a large part of the responsibility for policing them-
selves. “There is definitely a drinking/party culture, but there is absolutely no pres-
sure to participate,” says one senior. Activities abound from comedy performances
to a cappella groups, films, plays, bands, lectures, parties, and events planned by the
nearly 300 student groups. “Most students stay on campus for weekends and other
social events,” a junior says. Major events on the social calendar include WesRave, a
silent dance party on Foss Hill, and the Spring Fling outdoor festival. Duke Day and
Zonker Harris Day are two events that began with a more psychedelic, ’60s flavor, in
which students paid tribute to the infamous Doonesbury characters, which have
turned into school- wide events where dozens of student bands perform. And who
could forget Undies in Olin, when “students strip to their underwear in Olin Library
during admitted student tours in the spring,” says a senior.
Middletown is a small city within easy driving distance of Hartford and New
Haven, but it is off the beaten track of steady public transportation (like trains). It
has undergone a renaissance in recent years, and students cheer the myriad ethnic
restaurants available. “Middletown isn’t a bad
place for college,” says a student. “There are bars
on Main Street that cater to a college crowd. Plus,
there is a diverse collection of restaurants, which
is great for when the family comes to visit.” Wes
students contribute a great deal of time to community service and help maintain a
peaceful, beneficial relationship with the town. And Wesleyan’s rural surroundings
afford the much- appreciated opportunity to jog through the countryside, swim at
The College of East
Asian Studies offers
advanced language
courses and study
abroad with a focus
on cultural fluency.
“With popular classes, you
have to be persistent, but
you can get in.”
Wesleyan has
done away with
legacy preference
and meets the full
demonstrated need of
all admitted students.
“Students strip to their
underwear in Olin Library
during admitted student
tours in the spring.”
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nearby Wadsworth Falls, or pick apples in the local orchards. Good road trips include
New York and Boston, each two hours away, and decent ski areas and beaches just
under an hour away.
The Wesleyan Cardinals compete in the Division III New England Small College
Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and field 30 varsity teams. The women’s tennis team
is a frequent contender for the national title. Men’s basketball won the NESCAC title
in 2022, and baseball and men’s and women’s lacrosse are also strong. Annual
encounters with “Little Three” rivals Williams and Amherst lure even the most
bookwormish student out of the library and into the heat of the action. Recreational
sports are popular: 41 percent of students compete in four intramural and 19 club
sports. The ultimate Frisbee club (the “Nietzsch Factor,” named after a former star
player’s dog, not a misspelling of the philosopher) almost always trounces challeng-
ers. Athletics are enhanced by a complex that comes complete with a 200- meter
indoor track, a fitness center, and a 50- meter pool.
The key to Wesleyan’s success seems to be the fostering of an intellectual milieu
where independent thinking and an appreciation of differences are omnipresent. As
a junior puts it, “At Wesleyan, you’re not solely a STEM kid or a student of history;
this is a place that encourages and supports multifaceted learning.” Indeed, the
Wesleyan experience means liberal learning in a climate of individual freedom— a
freedom that requires motivated students who stay on task despite the laid- back
atmosphere. Abundant opportunities are open to students willing to take advantage
of them, which is precisely what these doers do.
Major events on the
social calendar include
WesRave, a silent
dance party on Foss
Hill, and the Spring
Fling outdoor festival.
Overlaps
Brown, Yale, Tufts,
Cornell University,
Williams, Vassar,
Swarthmore,
Haverford
If You Apply To ›
Wesleyan: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
West Virginia University
P.O. Box 6009, Morgantown, WV 26506
Surrounded by the likes of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, West Virginia has
traditionally exported its best students to other states for college. But WVU also
attracts its share of out- of- staters, some drawn to its one- of- a- kind forensics
program. The honors program is a must for top students, and the university has
solid programs in professional fields ranging from health sciences to engineering.
But serious cuts in undergraduate academic programs will determine where the
university goes from here.
West Virginia University earned the right to be the state’s flagship land grant univer-
sity in the wake of the Civil War by being the only one in the state to offer research
and doctoral- degree programs. But in September 2023 the university announced
major cuts in academic programs aimed at closing a $45 million budget shortfall and
a projected 5,000 student enrollment decline. Cuts included 143 faculty positions
and 28 academic programs— such as art history, environmental and community
planning, biometric systems engineering, and all foreign language degree programs
(although students can still take elective language classes).
Before the changes, WVU consistently had nearly 500 student organizations,
and it currently has 17 intercollegiate varsity athletic programs, not to mention
Website: www .wvu .edu
Location: Small City
Public
Total Enrollment: 22,320
Undergraduates: 18,031
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 79%
Pell Grant: 23%
Expense: Pub $ $
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leading research in petroleum and natural gas engineering, forensic science, and
rural health. How the cuts impact the school’s traditionally lively social scene and
other student services— and if it continues to be a popular choice for scholars,
researchers, and athletes— remains to be seen.
WVU is situated in the picturesque mountains of north- central West Virginia, a
few miles from the Pennsylvania border and overlooking the Monongahela River. A
driverless rail system connects the campus’s three areas— the older downtown, the
more modern Evansdale, and the health sciences
area. Ten of the ivy- covered Morgantown build-
ings, dating mainly from the 19th century, are
listed on the National Register of Historic Places;
many of their interiors have been restored or ren-
ovated. Reynolds Hall, a 186,000- square- foot business and economics complex fea-
turing academic, residential, and recreational space, opened in 2022.
All WVU students must complete the General Education Foundations program,
which consists of coursework in eight areas: English, science and technology, math-
ematics and quantitative skills, society and connections, human inquiry and the
past, artistic expression, global and diversity studies, and a special focus area draw-
ing on a subject of personal interest. For many students, fulfilling the special focus
area requirement leads to a minor or even a second major. All incoming students
take a First- Year Seminar that covers study skills, university and community support
services, goal setting, and career planning.
West Virginia’s 129 degree programs span 14 colleges and schools, the best of
which are engineering (particularly energy- related) and the allied health sciences
(medical technology, physical therapy, nursing, and occupational therapy). The most
popular majors are exercise physiology, biology,
psychology, nursing, criminology, engineering,
and business. WVU was the first school in the
nation to offer a degree in forensic science and is
the only one to offer it at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Additional pro-
grams of note include undergraduate majors in strategic communications, manage-
ment information systems, health informatics and information management physics,
and— for those interested in children’s theater— puppetry. Thirty- five percent of
undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, and students say the difficulty of
WVU academics depends largely on the classes they take. “Certain classes and a seg-
ment of the student population create a competitive climate,” explains a senior. The
Honors College offers small classes, special housing, and early registration to the top
5 percent of WVU students. Study abroad programs are available in more than 70
countries through a variety of faculty- led, partner, and exchange options.
WVU students describe their classmates as friendly, helpful, boisterous, and
“sometimes rowdy.” Though WVU attracts students from all U.S. states and more
than 100 countries, its appeal is primarily regional. Forty- two percent of undergrad-
uates are in- staters, and 1 percent are international; sizable contingents arrive from
western Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Black students represent 3 percent
of undergrads, Hispanics/Latinos 4 percent, Asian Americans 2 percent, and multira-
cial students 6 percent. The university offers thousands of merit scholarships, worth
an average of $4,700, and hundreds of athletic awards.
Twenty- two percent of WVU’s undergraduates live on campus. Most dorms are
co- ed; the older ones are known for their character, while the newer residential com-
plexes in Evansdale have larger rooms and luxuries like air- conditioning. Living/
learning communities are available in areas ranging from forensics and creative arts
to innovation and the environment. “Off- campus housing is plentiful, but rent is
high because demand is high,” cautions a senior. Students complain that meals in
(continued)
Student Loans: 61%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 17,074
Accepted: 90%
Enrolled: 28%
Grad in 6 Years: 63%
Returning Freshmen: 81%
Academics:
- -
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (304) 293- 2121
Email Address: N/A
Strong Programs:
Engineering
Health Sciences
Forensic Science
Exercise Physiology
Biology
Psychology
Nursing
Criminology
“Certain classes and a
segment of the student
population create a
competitive climate.”
“Little else can compare
to singing ‘Country Roads’
with the student body.”
WVU was the first
school in the nation
to offer a degree in
forensic science.
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the four main dining halls are “incredibly overpriced” and parking on campus can
be difficult, although the local Morgantown Mountain Line buses take students to
all university housing for free. Despite “frequent events highlighting awareness for
women’s issues, particularly sexual assault,” a sophomore says, many students feel
that the university has been doing a “less- than- satisfactory job addressing individual
cases once they have been brought to light.”
Morgantown is a small city of 30,000 with a college- town feel and plenty of
community service opportunities. “This town revolves around the university and
provides so much for the students,” says a senior. The school has worked hard to
curtail underage drinking, banning alcohol in the dorms and placing restrictions on
Greek parties and rush activities, although students report that these efforts haven’t
slowed down the off- campus party scene. WVU also banned five fraternities from
campus for at least 10 years for failing to comply with new rules. Roughly 6 percent
of the men and 5 percent of the women go Greek. Social life on campus often cen-
ters on the free food, movies, bands, and comedians offered Thursday through
Saturday by the school- sponsored Up All Night program. The annual Welcome
Week offers hundreds of activities, including a free FallFest concert, and Mountaineer
Week showcases the customs of Appalachia. For those with cars, road trips to
Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Washington, D.C., are quick and easy.
With no major sports teams to cheer for, West Virginians are passionate about
their Mountaineers. “Every football game is a festival in some way,” says a senior,
and a sophomore adds, “Little else can compare to singing ‘Country Roads’ with
the student body” after every home victory. West Virginia also fields competitive
Division I Big 12 teams in men’s and women’s basketball and soccer, along with
women’s gymnastics and men’s wrestling. Intramural and club sports are popular,
especially basketball, flag football, and dodgeball. The cricket club team has won
several national championships, most recently in 2022. Students also enjoy easy
access to nearby hiking, white- water rafting, and skiing.
UWV continues to be dedicated to academic preparation and research that will
improve the lives of citizens not only in West Virginia but also across the globe. Still,
this mission is now facing some headwinds with the recent cuts. The administration
has called the cuts an “academic transformation,” but whether the changes will
result in closing the budget gap and ensuring UWV remains a solid choice for a wide
range of students continues to unfold. Stay tuned.
The annual Welcome
Week offers hundreds
of activities, including
a free FallFest concert.
Overlaps
Fairmont, James
Madison, Marshall,
Penn State, Ohio
State, Towson,
University
of Delaware,
University of
Maryland
If You Apply To ›
West Virginia: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult West Virginia’s web-
site for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
A Christian liberal arts college, Southern California style. Westmont academics are
taught from an unapologetically Christian perspective, but overall climate is more
laid- back than at other evangelical powerhouses like Wheaton (IL) and Gordon.
Nationally known for kinesiology. Almost everyone gets financial aid, but cultural
homogeneity is an issue. Shorts and sandals are the norm, and Santa Barbara’s
picturesque surf and sand beckon nearby.
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Westmont College prides itself on offering students a strong grounding in the liberal
arts while remaining faithful to its motto, Christus Primatum Tenens (“Christ holding
preeminence”). Unlike many Christian colleges, Westmont has never had ties to any
particular Protestant denomination and sees itself as part of a worldwide evangelical
tradition embracing a range of theological perspectives. Faculty members, all prac-
ticing Christians, take pride in presenting competing lifestyles and value systems
as a way to challenge and nurture students’ faith. “Students at Westmont College
are quite welcoming and kind, partially because we are a Christian institution,”
says an economics, business, and communication studies major. “My first year at
Westmont, I got so many invites to hang out with others.”
Founded in 1937, Westmont sits on a former estate nestled in the foothills of the
Santa Ynez Mountains along the Pacific Coast. The campus, which has been periodi-
cally evacuated due to wildfires and flooding,
boasts a Mediterranean- style residence, gardens,
and buildings crafted of sandstone and other
local natural materials. All classes are taught by
regular faculty members, who are described by one psychology major as “interactive,
attentive, and highly empathetic.” Students have good things to say about Westmont’s
career advising and other support services; the psychological counseling center has
added staff and expanded its hours.
Westmont requires all students to undertake an extensive general education
program grounded in the Christian liberal arts tradition. The program includes
courses in biblical literature and history, standard distribution requirements, and
a skills component that includes writing- and speech- intensive courses and foreign
language. With their Christian heritage under their belts, students then undertake
one of two Compassionate Action options aimed at applying their faith to society.
Most majors include a capstone or senior seminar course, in which seniors reflect on
what they have learned over the previous four years.
One of Westmont’s most popular majors is kinesiology— the interdisciplinary
study of the art and science of human movement or, as Westmont faculty are wont
to put it, “God’s greatest creation: the human body.” The economics and business
major, which requires students to study abroad twice, is a noteworthy draw, as are
biology and communications. The religious studies department boasts a number of
respected scholars, which is a good thing, since so many of their courses are required
for graduation. Music is well- funded and strong, as is art, which focuses on the fine
arts and art history. Newer majors include engineering and data analytics. Sixty- one
percent of classes have fewer than 20 students; cheers a senior, “The small popula-
tion allows for students to bond closely.”
Forty- five percent of students engage in undergraduate research independently
or with a professor. Students present their work at biannual Research Symposia. The
Augustinian Scholars Program offers generous four- year scholarships to 60 incom-
ing freshmen, who engage in seminars that explore Christian intellectual traditions
and higher education as a Christian calling. A semester- long program in social
entrepreneurship based in downtown Santa Barbara involves project- based intern-
ships. Westmont prides itself on fostering global perspectives; 65 percent of stu-
dents receive academic credit for foreign study, often in programs led by Westmont
faculty, and financial aid can be applied to study abroad. Students returning from
time abroad can earn a minor in global studies by taking additional seminar and
research courses.
A sophomore describes fellow students as “generally laid- back, friendly, out-
doorsy, and bubbly.” Most Westmont students come from California (69 percent) or
other Western states, mainly from middle- and upper- middle- class Christian homes.
“At least racially, the college has been increasing its diversity over the years,” says
Website: www .westmont .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,281
Undergraduates: 1,281
Male/Female: 39/61
Financial Aid: 98%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 62%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 2,326
Accepted: 82%
Enrolled: 18%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 86%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 777- 9011
Email Address: admissions @
westmont .edu
Strong Programs:
Kinesiology
Economics and Business
English
Chemistry
Biology
Religious Studies
Music
Art
“The small population
allows for students to
bond closely.”
Faculty members
take pride in
presenting competing
lifestyles and value
systems as a way to
challenge and nurture
students’ faith.
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a senior, “but it is still predominantly white and evangelical Christian. Students
who are from abroad or who have different faiths may struggle at Westmont.” Two
percent of students come from outside the United States. Hispanics/Latinos make
up 23 percent of students, Asian Americans 7 percent, and multiracial students
7 percent, while Black students account for just 2 percent. The campus political
climate is usually low- key, although a student opines, “Issues of race, LGBTQ+, and
abortion are difficult topics at Westmont College.” The college is generous with its
financial aid. Merit scholarships average $26,900 per year, and athletic scholarships
are available as well.
The dorms at Westmont are clean, well- maintained, and conveniently located.
The Global Leadership Center, where every room has its own bathroom, gives prior-
ity to seniors and students who engage in leadership and study abroad programs. All
students are required to live on campus for all four years, with only a few exceptions.
Westmont has a single all- day dining facility, imaginatively known as the Dining
Commons, where, as a communication major puts it, “the food is pretty good as far
as cafeteria food goes.” Fridays are “Farm Fresh,” featuring veggies from the cam-
pus’s own garden, managed by students minoring in environmental studies. Students
give the college high ratings for campus safety.
Consistent with their Christian values, almost all Westmont students engage in com-
munity service projects. Through the student- run Potter’s Clay program, students spend
their spring break working with contractors, doctors, and other professionals in Ensenada,
Mexico. The Urban Initiative sends teams to work
with local nonprofit organizations in U.S. cities. On
campus, the Westmont Activities Council sponsors
intramurals, dances, and other events. “People at
Westmont are usually conservative, so socializing
may look like going swing dancing or to a movie rather than to a party,” says a chemistry
and biology major. Alcohol is banned on campus, but a communication major says that
“students are allowed to drink off campus if they are of legal age.” Students complain that
parking is a problem, but a campus shuttle allows ready access to Santa Barbara’s many
options, ranging from coffee shops and shopping to hiking, surfing, and beach volleyball.
Westmont traditions include the annual Spring Sing musical skit competition between
dorms and Midnight Madness, a rally that gets students excited about the upcoming bas-
ketball season.
Basketball is among the school’s 15 varsity teams (the Warriors), all of which are
moving into the NCAA’s Division II, a transition expected to be completed by 2026.
Previously, they competed with eight other Christian colleges in the NAIA Golden
State Athletic Conference. Baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s
volleyball and soccer are among the more successful. Popular intramural and club
sports include volleyball and ultimate Frisbee.
Westmont students laugh at their stereotypes (“drinking smoothies from the
local Blenders store”) and occasionally bristle at the chapel requirements (“more a
burden than a time with God”), but most welcome these as part of the fabric that
makes Westmont’s friendly, close- knit, and caring community possible. “There are
plenty of opportunities to push the limits of your comfort zone,” observes a senior,
“whether through global travel or local mission work.”
The Warriors are
in the process of
moving into the
NCAA’s Division II, a
transition expected to
be completed by 2026.
“Socializing may look like
going swing dancing or
to a movie rather than
to a party.”
Overlaps
Wheaton (IL),
Pepperdine,
Gordon, Point
Loma, Biola, Azusa
Pacific, Baylor,
California Baptist
If You Apply To ›
Westmont: Early action I and II, rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Applicants must
agree to Community Life Statement. Please consult Westmont’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding
standardized test requirements.
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Wheaton College (IL)
501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187
Wheaton is at the top of the academic heap in evangelical education, challenged only
by Pepperdine (with its Malibu digs) and traditional competitors such as Gordon and
Calvin. Students must not only follow Wheaton’s stringent code of conduct but also
affirm their personal faith in Jesus Christ. Wheaton’s low tuition makes it relatively
affordable. The worldly temptations of Chicago hover less than an hour away.
Wheaton College combines academic rigor and evangelical orthodoxy with a firm
commitment to the liberal arts, preparing students “to build the church and ben-
efit society worldwide ‘For Christ and His Kingdom.’” It is one of only two major
evangelical schools in the Fiske Guide with an admissions process that requires stu-
dents to be professing Christians (see also Gordon College), and its Community
Covenant prohibits the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Though most adoles-
cents would chafe under such restrictions, Wheaties take it all in stride. “There’s
an emphasis on tradition and culture,” says an elementary education major. “We
are openly Christian, and students on this campus are really passionate and really
kind and caring.”
Wheaton was founded in 1860 by evangelical abolitionists and was a stop on the
Underground Railroad. Today the college is nondenominational, and its verdant, 80-
acre campus is an oasis of sorts in the midst of one of Chicago’s oldest and most
established suburbs. The castle- like Blanchard
Hall, completed in 1927, keeps watch over the
community from atop the front campus hill;
when couples get engaged, they climb to the top
of the tower to share their news by ringing the bell. Nearby sits Billy Graham Hall,
which houses a museum and the college archives, making it a hub for research on
American evangelicalism. (The late evangelist was a Wheaton alumnus.) A $62 mil-
lion expansion of the Armerding Center for Music and the Arts has added a 648- seat
concert hall, among other performing arts spaces.
Sporting one of the largest endowments among the nation’s evangelical schools,
Wheaton offers students a generous bevy of programs and facilities. General educa-
tion requirements (“Christ at the Core”) include a broad array of thematic course-
work, as well as a first- year seminar, an advanced seminar, and a senior capstone
experience. Business and economics is Wheaton’s most popular major, followed by
psychology, communication, health science, and biology. English, music, and bib-
lical and theological studies are considered strengths. Motivated students may opt
for 3– 2 dual- degree programs in nursing and engineering or choose from 11 accel-
erated, five- year master’s degree programs ranging from teaching and theology to
Old Testament archaeology. In the classroom, there’s an emphasis on teamwork,
and a biology major calls the atmosphere “serious but collaborative.” The quality of
teaching varies, but students get “the benefit of Christian professors who provide a
stimulating intellectual experience in light of the Christian faith,” according to one
junior.
Students have the opportunity to participate in research at Argonne National
Laboratory, just down the road, and for those seeking a truly global experience,
there’s study abroad in more than 30 countries; 45 percent of students partake.
“Study abroad programs are quite common to the Wheaton experience,” a student
says, describing them as “superb and life- changing.” Those concerned with social jus-
tice, a definite focus at Wheaton, may be interested in the Human Needs and Global
Website: www .wheaton .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,307
Undergraduates: 2,082
Male/Female: 44/56
Financial Aid: 94%
Pell Grant: 22%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 57%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 1,872
Accepted: 89%
Enrolled: 30%
Grad in 6 Years: 88%
Returning Freshmen: 90%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (800) 222- 2419
Email Address: admissions @
wheaton .edu
Strong Programs:
Biblical and Theological
Studies
Philosophy
Theater
Music
Business and Economics
Communication
English
Applied Health Sciences
“Learning at Wheaton truly
does prepare you for Christ
and His kingdom.”
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WHEATON COLLEGE (IL) 771
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Resources program, which sends students to developing countries for six months
to work on projects such as building roads and schools. Summer study in several
scientific fields is available at the Black Hills Science Station. For incoming first- year
students, the required two- week Wheaton Passage program combines on- campus ori-
entation with an off- campus experience intended to facilitate community- building
and self- discovery. Options include a wilderness track (backpacking, canoeing, or
rock climbing), a Northwoods track (arts and outdoor activities or equestrian train-
ing at Honey Rock), and an urban track (city adventures and urban studies in down-
town Chicago or the city’s Woodlawn neighborhood). A Wheaton Passage track for
transfer students explores Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.
“The student body is extremely motivated and high- achieving,” says one stu-
dent. “They desire to encourage their peers to pursue excellence in their God-
given gifts.” Twenty- seven percent of Wheaton students hail from Illinois, and
3 percent come from overseas. Nine percent are missionary and third- culture kids.
Black students comprise 3 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos make
up 8 percent, Asian Americans add 10 percent, and multiracial students account
for 6 percent. With both conservative and liberal students represented on campus,
students say the political climate is active and sometimes tense. Wheaton’s
Community Covenant shuns “homosexual behavior and all other sexual relations
outside the bounds of marriage between a man and woman”; thus, LGBTQ issues
have been controversial. “LGBTQ students struggle to find a voice or place on
campus,” comments a student. There are no athletic scholarships, but merit
awards averaging $15,200 are awarded to qualified students. Wheaton ranks first
in the country in the proportion of Pell Grant recipients who succeed in paying
back their student loans.
Ninety percent of Wheaton students live in campus housing, and well- kept
accommodations range from single- sex dorms with traditional double rooms and
bathrooms down the hall to college- owned houses and apartments. Opposite- sex vis-
itation is limited to certain hours on certain days,
though “each semester, dorms are allowed two
‘raids’ to their opposite floor,” says an education
major. Everyone eats in Anderson Commons, where, one student says, “everything is
made from scratch.” Students report feeling safe on campus. “Our Title IX coordinator
on campus is an active participant in Wheaton’s discourse and daily life. Besides this,
Wheaton does not often acknowledge issues of sexual assault publicly or openly,”
remarks a senior.
Since Wheaton lacks fraternities and sororities, and because students agree to
abstain from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, the social life revolves around other pur-
suits. “We have a lot of fun here, but all alcohol- free fun,” says a psychology major.
The College Union plans events like talent shows, roller disco, and an annual
President’s Ball. A junior says, “The town of Wheaton is a friendly suburb with nice
restaurants and a good bike trail, but it’s pretty much closed down by 9 p.m.” A
commuter train near campus whisks students to downtown Chicago in 45 minutes,
where restaurants, blues clubs, theaters, museums, shopping, and professional sports
are in abundance. Favorite traditions include Missions in Focus week, which brings
missionary organizations and Christian speakers to campus, and the individual
dorm floors’ own traditions, one of which includes an annual root beer kegger.
Wheaton’s athletic teams (the Thunder) compete in Division III; football and
men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, and swimming are among the strongest teams.
Football, basketball, and soccer games “are always exciting and well attended,” says
one student, especially if the opponent is Augustana College. The debate and chess
teams are competitive too. Forty percent of students play intramural and club sports.
And while it’s not an athletic competition per se, juniors and seniors do get excited
The Human Needs
and Global Resources
program sends
students to developing
countries to help build
roads and schools.
“We have a lot of fun here,
but all alcohol- free fun.”
Students agree to
abstain from alcohol,
drugs, and tobacco, so
the social life revolves
around other pursuits.
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772 WHEATON COLLEGE (MA)
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about decorating “the Bench,” a reinforced concrete slab that is the subject of an
ongoing and often rough- and- tumble game of keep- away.
Wheaton College remains “committed to the principle that truth is revealed by
God through Christ, in whom is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowl-
edge.” Students believe that their school’s dedication to Christianity only strength-
ens the bonds they develop with one another and their understanding of the broader
world. “The Wheaton education is hard to duplicate,” says one student. “Learning
at Wheaton truly does prepare you for Christ and His kingdom.”
Overlaps
Calvin, Westmont,
Taylor, Gordon,
Hope, Pepperdine,
Biola, Baylor
If You Apply To ›
Wheaton (IL): Early action I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult
Wheaton’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Wheaton College (MA)
Norton, MA 02766
Although its address says it’s in Massachusetts, Wheaton is actually closer to
Providence than to Boston. But getting to either by train is quick and easy. One of
the few nationally known institutions in the area that is still not supercompetitive.
Curriculum includes interdisciplinary, hands- on, and project- based work in addition
to traditional courses. Smaller than Skidmore, comparable to Connecticut College.
Wheaton College offers students plenty of opportunities to make their academic
marks. Since 2000, more than 250 Wheaton students have received national
fellowships, and the college remains among the top 10 liberal arts colleges for
Fulbright scholars. Increasingly focused on experiential learning, Wheaton
makes sure its students shine outside the classroom too. Says one satisfied senior,
“Wheaton’s commitment to supporting its students to leverage their liberal arts
education and change the world permeates all aspects of life on campus.”
The college was founded in 1834 by Laban Wheaton, a judge and U.S. congress-
man, in memory of his daughter. Established to offer high- quality education to
women, Wheaton has been co- ed since 1988. The
school’s relatively rural location offers few dis-
tractions from intellectual pursuits. Its 400- acre
campus blends Georgian brick buildings and
modern structures set among beautiful lawns and
shade trees. The two halves of the campus (upper and lower) are separated by Peacock
Pond, which probably qualifies as the only heated duck pond on any American
campus. Recent campus projects include a major renovation of the Science Center.
Wheaton’s Compass curriculum supports a broad foundation of knowledge and
shows students how to make linkages between disciplines. In their first year, all
students take a reading- and writing- intensive, interdisciplinary course taught by a
faculty team representing different academic fields. As sophomores, students under-
take a required hands- on learning experience, such as a research or service project,
a study abroad program, or an internship. In addition, throughout their four years,
students pursue a Mentored Academic Pathway— a personal academic plan guided
by faculty and staff advisors— and develop a portfolio reflecting on their experiences
and showcasing their work.
Website: www .wheatoncollege
.edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,656
Undergraduates: 1,656
Male/Female: 36/64
Financial Aid: 100%
Pell Grant: 23%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 66%
Average Debt: $ $ $ $
Applicants: 4,031
Accepted: 80%
Enrolled: 15%
Grad in 6 Years: 80%
Returning Freshmen: 81%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (508) 286- 8251
Email Address: admission @
wheatoncollege .edu
Strong Programs:
Visual Art
“Critical thinking, intensive
writing, and collaborative
projects are part of almost
every class.”
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WHEATON COLLEGE (MA) 773
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Business and management, psychology, biology, economics, and politi-
cal science are Wheaton’s most popular majors. Programs in the arts are well
recognized— impressive given the school’s small size— and the chemistry depart-
ment is also strong. A new B.S. in nursing offers a state- of- the- art simulation center
and labs. Students interested in interdisciplinary study can choose majors like neu-
roscience or theater and English dramatic literature, or they may design their own
majors. Dual- degree programs with Dartmouth, Emerson, and other institutions are
available in engineering, business, communication, religion, and optometry. The
Center for Global Education offers more than 100 approved study abroad programs
in more than 45 countries around the world; the new WheaGo program allows
students to start their first semester in Spain, Switzerland, Australia, or France. One
unique option sends students and a faculty member to Royal Thimphu College in
Bhutan for a semester; the king of Bhutan happens to be a Wheaton alumnus.
According to a psychology major, “Critical thinking, intensive writing, and col-
laborative projects are part of almost every class, which allows for in- depth explora-
tion of concepts, themes, and lessons.” Fifty- eight percent of Wheaton’s classes have
fewer than 20 students. “Professors are open to
feedback and are available to talk outside the
classroom,” says a junior. Aside from a faculty
advisor, students get a staff mentor and two peer advisors, known as preceptors. The
Filene Center for Academic Advising and Career Services gets high marks from stu-
dents seeking internships— and jobs after graduation. The center awards summer
fellowships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to students pursuing unpaid internships,
research opportunities, or service projects, ensuring that, in the words of one senior,
“students never have to worry about choosing between a paycheck and a profes-
sional experience.”
Thirty- six percent of Wheaton students come from Massachusetts, and 4 per-
cent hail from foreign nations. The student body is largely white and affluent; “I was
often the only student in my classes without a MacBook,” observes a senior. Black
students account for 6 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 7 percent, Asian Americans 4 per-
cent, and multiracial students 5 percent. Students are said to be friendly and open to
differing views; politically, the campus leans left. “Wheaton’s legacy as a former
women’s college means that people are very attuned to feminist and gender issues,”
explains a senior. “These are issues that students rally around.” Merit scholarships
averaging $27,200 are available, but there are no athletic awards.
As might be expected on this small, suburban campus, virtually everyone
(96 percent) lives in one of Wheaton’s dorms or theme houses. All students are guar-
anteed housing for four years; freshmen live in doubles or triples, and upperclass-
men try their luck in the lottery system. “Housing
is livable, but some of the facilities are getting
old,” comments a sophomore. The recently ren-
ovated dining halls are bright and spacious, and the biggest winners of all are the
ducks, which thrive on the leftover bread students toss into Peacock Pond. “There’s
a big push for local, fresh, and organic produce,” says a junior. Students say they feel
safe on campus and that campus safety officers are visible and active. A film and new
media studies major notes, “Many local people walk around campus, and I never feel
unsafe with the openness of the campus.”
Social life at Wheaton includes dances, concerts, lectures, parties on campus, and
other activities organized by the more than 100 student groups. Students unwind
at the college’s student center, which offers a café, dance studio, and sun deck for
afternoon study breaks. There are no sororities or fraternities here, but there is a party
scene, as a junior explains: “Theme houses and suites do throw down quite often.”
Students say they appreciate the school’s “Safety Always Matters Most” approach
(continued)
Chemistry
Business and Management
Psychology
Biology
Economics
Political Science
Neuroscience
“People are very attuned to
feminist and gender issues.”
The new WheaGo
program allows
students to start
their first semester in
Spain, Switzerland,
Australia, or France.
“Theme houses and suites
do throw down quite often.”
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774 WHITMAN COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
to drinking. The biggest event of the year is Spring Weekend, featuring live bands,
outdoor barbecues, and the Head of the Peacock race, where students build vessels
(no boats allowed) and race them across Peacock Pond. “The winner gets to take our
president on a victory lap around the pond,” cheers a freshman. And it’s an unofficial
tradition to go for a swim in the pond at least once before graduation.
The town of Norton, just outside campus, draws students with services opportu-
nities, such as a Big Brother Big Sister program, hospital visits, and academic tutor-
ing, but there’s little to do otherwise, students say. “It’s a very quiet town, and most
students stay on campus rather than venture off into Norton,” says a student.
Relatively convenient access to two state capitals livens up the social scene. “We’re
20 minutes from Providence and 40 minutes from Boston. If you can’t find some-
thing to do on the weekend, you’re just looking for something to complain about,”
remarks a student.
The Wheaton Lyons compete in Division III. The Lyons nickname honors Mary
Lyon, the 19th- century educational pioneer who established Wheaton’s first curric-
ulum and later founded Mount Holyoke. Recent conference champs include baseball
and synchronized swimming. The athletic facility boasts an eight- lane swimming
pool, a field house, and an 850- seat arena for basketball or volleyball. Popular club
and intramural sports include rugby, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and basketball.
Students at Wheaton take an active role and are involved in campus planning
and college operations, as well as in their community. “We don’t just have coffee in
the café,” says a political science major. “We text with deans, have lunch with pro-
fessors, coffee with advisors, a beer with our favorite professor. These kinds of rela-
tionships are the Wheaton way. They supplement the intellectual energy and debate
that takes place among students.” Indeed, students here take pride in their achieve-
ments inside and outside the classroom while striving to preserve the school’s
friendly, small- town feel.
Aside from a faculty
advisor, students get a
staff mentor and
two peer advisors,
known as preceptors.
Overlaps
Stonehill,
Connecticut
College, Clark,
Colby, Skidmore,
Mount Holyoke,
Bates, Hobart and
William Smith
If You Apply To ›
Wheaton (MA): Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common
Application. Application includes question on gender identity.
Whitman College
345 Boyer Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Whitman has quietly established itself as one of the West’s leading liberal arts
colleges. Don’t bother with the umbrella: Walla Walla is in arid eastern Washington.
Whitman’s isolation breeds community spirit and alumni loyalty. True to its liberal
arts heritage, Whitman has no business program. Combines outdoorsy camaraderie
with the slower pace of life in the rural Northwest.
You don’t have to own a Frisbee to succeed at Whitman, but if you’ve got one, bring
it along— you’ll find a campus full of friendly students eager to toss it back to you.
Though it isn’t well- known outside the Pacific Northwest, Whitman offers a solid lib-
eral arts education along with plenty of fun for outdoorsy types. Students are down- to-
earth and friendly and feel a deep loyalty to one another— and to their school.
Whitman was founded in 1882, initially under religious auspices, and named in
honor of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, missionaries who ministered to the Cayuse
Website: www .whitman .edu
Location: Small Town
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,447
Undergraduates: 1,447
Male/Female: 43/57
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WHITMAN COLLEGE 775
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Indians and settlers on the Oregon Trail. (Unfortunately, they were killed by Cayuse
who accused them of causing a fatal measles epidemic.) Even today, everything
important is within walking distance of campus, including the main drag of Walla
Walla, which once won a national Best Main Street award. The 117- acre campus,
which features colonial buildings and modern facilities, sits at the foot of the Blue
Mountains, surrounded by golden wheat fields and vineyards. Beyond Walla Walla
(which means “many waters” in the Cayuse language) are gorgeous mountains,
rivers, and forests. Newer facilities include a residence hall housing 150 sophomores
and a 500- seat dining hall.
All Whitman students complete the General Studies Program, which includes both
a first- year seminar and distribution requirements in various disciplines. The first- year
program revolves around a two- semester sequence of courses that emphasizes analyti-
cal reading of common texts— such as Plato’s
Symposium, Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, and
Toni Morrison’s Belovedas well as discussion
skills and effective writing. Depending on their
major, all seniors must either complete a written
senior thesis and oral defense or pass comprehensive written and oral exams in their
major; Whitman was the first U.S. college or university to require seniors to do so.
Biology, psychology, economics, politics, environmental studies, English, and the
interdisciplinary major in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology are some
of the best (and most popular) programs at Whitman; the school also boasts an astron-
omy program, unusual among small colleges. Whitman has an extensive Asian art col-
lection, and additional coursework in Chinese language and Asian studies is available
through a summer program in China. Whitman has 3– 2 programs in engineering,
oceanography, forestry, and environmental management, offered in partnership with
institutions like Caltech, Columbia, Duke, and the University of Washington.
Fifty- six percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. “Students are very
immersed in their academic life and follow- up conversations outside of the class-
room,” comments a senior. An environmental studies major reports, “Professors are
extremely knowledgeable in their fields and are excited to get to know their students.”
Forty- five percent of Whitman students study off campus, most packing their
bags for one of the more than 80 semester- and yearlong programs that are offered
in 45 countries. Short- term Crossroads courses, which are led by faculty during
the summer, are another option, and financial aid packages can be applied to all
approved programs. Students may also take urban studies terms within the U.S.
in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. “Semester in the West is Whitman’s signa-
ture program,” explains an environmental studies and politics major. “Students
travel across the American West and meet with activists, environmentalists, ranch-
ers, Native Americans, and lawmakers to discuss local issues.” During the daylong
Whitman Undergraduate Conference, student scholarship and creativity are cele-
brated with presentations, posters, and performances. Highly competitive Whitman
Internship Grants award $3,000 to selected students to pursue unpaid internships.
Thirty- six percent of students are from Washington State, and many of the rest
hail from the suburbs of Western cities, notably San Francisco and Portland; 12 per-
cent arrive from overseas. Whitties are “outdoorsy activists,” says a psychology
major. “Generally, students are kindhearted and authentic.” The student body leans
liberal, and recent activism has focused on increasing diversity on campus. Currently,
6 percent of students are Asian American, 9 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 3 percent
are Black, and 7 percent are multiracial. The Intercultural Center and Glover Alston
Center help support diversity and intercultural awareness on campus. There are
numerous merit scholarships averaging $16,300 but no athletic awards. Whitman
now meets the full financial need of students from Washington State.
(continued)
Financial Aid: 91%
Pell Grant: 14%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 43%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 5,497
Accepted: 48%
Enrolled: 13%
Grad in 6 Years: 90%
Returning Freshmen: 88%
Academics:
- - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (509) 527- 5176
Email Address: admission @
whitman .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Psychology
Economics
Politics
Environmental Studies
English
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and
Molecular Biology
Astronomy
“Students are very immersed
in their academic life and
follow- up conversations
outside of the classroom.”
The Intercultural
Center and Glover
Alston Center help
support diversity
and intercultural
awareness on campus.
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Seventy- two percent of Whitman students live in campus housing; freshmen and
sophomores are required to do so. In the newest residence hall, Stanton, “the accom-
modations feel like a resort,” says a student, who adds that “the older buildings are
comfortable and in good shape.” A number of
theme houses are available for students who
share interests such as fine arts, community ser-
vice, and global awareness. Meals in the main
dining hall get enthusiastic reviews. “I rarely get
tired of the food, and it’s easy to stay healthy on the meal plan, which is a rare find
at a college,” cheers a psychology major. A junior reports that “Whitman security is
available 24/7 to support students,” and measures like safety escorts, bystander inter-
vention training, and “sober roamers” who watch over their classmates at registered
on- campus parties help keep the campus community safe.
The social life at Whitman revolves around on- campus activities, such as theat-
rical productions and events held by more than 80 student clubs, as well as frater-
nity or off- campus house parties. Nineteen percent of the men and 12 percent of the
women go Greek, and according to a physics major, “Greek life at Whitman is very
relaxed.” When the weather is nice, students gather on Ankeny Field to study, toss
a Frisbee, or relax, and watching the sun set over the wheat fields is a popular pas-
time. “There is a surprisingly large population that smokes marijuana socially,” says
a student, noting that the substance is legal for those 21 and over in the state of
Washington. “It’s very accepted, yet people don’t feel pressured to smoke.” Big
annual events include the spring Renaissance Faire and the Whitsquatch music and
art festival, featuring student bands and popular musicians.
The town of Walla Walla (population 34,000), located in an arid valley in the
center of agricultural southeastern Washington, supports a symphony, community
playhouse, art galleries, two rodeos, and a hot- air balloon festival, not to mention a
state penitentiary. “The Walla Walla area is small
and quaint— a great place to explore local winer-
ies or try out new restaurants,” says a senior.
About 70 percent of students get involved in community service opportunities.
Outdoor pursuits are important in this part of the country, where autumn is gorgeous,
winter sporadically snowy, and spring delightfully warm. Hiking, biking, and back-
packing are minutes away, and white- water rafting and rock climbing are popular on
weekends. Two ski centers and other recreational areas are within an hour’s drive, and
Seattle (260 miles) and Portland (235 miles) offer a welcome change of scenery.
The Whitman Blues compete in Division III. Men’s tennis has brought home a
dozen Northwest Conference championships in recent years. Men’s and women’s
basketball are nationally competitive, and everyone looks forward to the annual
rivalry game against Whitworth University (the “Battle of the Whits”). Men’s and
women’s swimming, women’s tennis, women’s golf, and baseball are solid too. The
majority of students play club and intramural sports. Club lacrosse and rugby tour-
naments draw crowds, as does “Onionfest,” a regional ultimate Frisbee tournament.
Rock climbers can challenge themselves at the world- class Climbing Center.
“If you’re choosing a liberal arts school in the Northwest,” says a student,
“choose Whitman!” Indeed, students seeking a traditional liberal arts education
with a strong sense of community and a healthy dose of outdoor fun would do well
to heed this enthusiastic Whittie’s advice. And they don’t need an umbrella.
“[Whitties are] outdoorsy
activists. Generally,
students are kindhearted
and authentic.”
The Whitsquatch
music and art
festival features
student bands and
popular musicians.
“The accommodations feel
like a resort.”
Overlaps
Colorado College,
Kenyon, Macalester,
Occidental, Reed,
Lewis & Clark,
University of Puget
Sound, Willamette
If You Apply To ›
Whitman: Early decision I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with supplement.
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WHITTIER COLLEGE 777
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Whittier College
13406 East Philadelphia Street, Whittier, CA 90608
Whittier’s Quaker heritage brings a touch of the East to suburban L.A. Less selective than
Occidental and the Claremont Colleges, Whittier lures ethnically and socioeconomically
diverse students with a bevy of academic scholarships and a welcoming community.
Whittier’s functional campus lacks the opulence of the Claremonts and the panache of
Pepperdine. Check out the Whittier Scholars option.
Founded in 1887 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Whittier
College is a global training ground for a diverse student body interested in standing
up for social justice and making a positive impact in the world. Whittier students
can be found all around the world, studying in dozens of foreign countries. And
when they return to the Whittier campus, they have access to caring faculty and
classmates who “want to be liberally educated and enjoy the small- campus vibe,”
says a mathematics- business major.
Located just 18 miles away from downtown Los Angeles, the college, whose
name is inspired by Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier, is perched on a hill
overlooking the town of Whittier, California, with the San Gabriel Mountains
rising up from the horizon. The 73- acre
campus is a pleasant mixture of modern build-
ings tucked between the red- roofed, white-
walled Spanish traditionals. Its landmark
building, Deihl Hall, includes a digital audio/
video computer lab for languages. A four- foot- high granite monument stands
on the north campus lawn honoring Whittier’s most famous alum, former pres-
ident Richard Nixon. The state- of- the- art Science & Learning Center is the
latest addition to campus.
Whittier offers its undergraduates two major curricular programs: the tra-
ditional Liberal Education Program and the Whittier Scholars Program. Most
students take the first option, in which they fulfill distribution requirements
that emphasize an interdisciplinary focus, cultural perspectives, and critical and
quantitative thinking. They also choose a major from among more than 30
options, the strongest and most popular of which include business adminis-
tration, psychology, political science, kinesiology, English, biology, and child
development.
The second curricular option, the Whittier Scholars Program, is the college’s
signature program and a path taken by 12 percent of the undergraduates. They are
relieved of most general requirements and start from square one with an “educa-
tional design” process. With the help of an academic advisor, Whittier Scholars
carve their majors out of standard offerings by taking a bit of this and a bit of that.
Recent self- designed majors have included urban community studies, cultural nutri-
tion, and film and humanities. The program is highly regarded because of the more
active role it allows students to play and the freedom it affords them in pursuing
their interests.
All students, no matter which curriculum they choose, must fulfill a yearlong
freshman writing requirement, choosing their preferences from a variety of semi-
nars. First- years also attend a series of speakers who discuss topics relevant to student
coursework and take part in the Exploring Los Angeles series, which includes trips to
museums and cultural events. Seniors complete a capstone requirement.
Whittier ended its formal affiliation with the Quakers in the 1940s, but the
Website: www .whittier .edu
Location: Suburban
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,113
Undergraduates: 1,090
Male/Female: 45/55
Financial Aid: 93%
Pell Grant: 33%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 73%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 2,533
Accepted: 94%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 66%
Returning Freshmen: 69%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (888) 200- 0369
Email Address: admission @
whittier .edu
Strong Programs:
Business Administration
Psychology
Political Science
Kinesiology
English
Biology
Child Development
“[Whittier students] want to
be liberally educated and
enjoy the small- campus
vibe.”
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778 WHITTIER COLLEGE
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prevailing spirit of community hearkens back to their traditions. A biology major
says, “Whittier provides a positive learning environment where students are actively
encouraged to get involved.” Fifty- one percent of classes have fewer than 20 stu-
dents, and freshmen are taught by full professors. “For the most part, the quality of
the teaching has been very intense but very rewarding,” says a student. For those
looking to add global scope to their college experience, as 47 percent of students do,
semester- long and short- term study abroad options include destinations like Paris,
Rome, Cape Town, and Beijing; many programs are faculty- led. What’s more, every
student who studies abroad in a Whittier- approved program receives an automatic
Global Poet Scholarship worth $2,000.
“Students at Whittier are mostly liberal and are passionate about social justice
and national politics,” says a senior. Seventy- eight percent of undergraduates
come from California, while 7 percent arrive from abroad. Diversity is taken seri-
ously here. Whittier draws a good portion of students— including many
commuters— from nearby communities east of Los Angeles, and the school’s
Latino population has grown by more than 20 percent in the last decade as local
demographics have shifted. Currently, Hispanic/Latino students represent 53 per-
cent of the student body, while Black students add 4 percent, Asian Americans
6 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent. “Tolerance is a big watchword on
campus,” a junior says, and the college’s Office of Equity and Inclusion provides
an array of resources and programming to support diversity. Forty percent of stu-
dents are the first in their families to go to college, and 33 percent of incoming
freshmen receive Pell Grants. In addition to need- based aid, the college awards
merit scholarships averaging $26,700.
Half of Whittier students live on campus. The Turner Residence Hall entices
many students with panoramic views of Los Angeles. “The first- year residence halls
are older with limited air- conditioning,” reports a history and music major. Many
freshmen choose to participate in living/learning
communities organized around particular aca-
demic or social interests. Campus residents take
their meals at the Campus Inn dining hall
(known as the CI), where the food is said to be typical college fare. The Spot,
Whittier’s popular campus coffeehouse, includes a nightclub called— logically
enough— the Club. Students give high ratings to campus safety.
Ten social societies (they’re not called fraternities or sororities here) attract
10 percent of the men and 10 percent of the women but hardly dominate the social
scene. Their dances, however, which frequently feature live entertainment, are
welcomed by all. Whittier has a fairly strict alcohol policy, students say. Popular
annual events include the Whittfest concert in the spring, the Midnight Breakfast
served by professors during second- semester finals, and Sportsfest, which is a cam-
puswide competition in which dorms compete in a variety of athletic, intellectual,
and wacky games and events. The most important campus landmark is the Rock,
which sits near the front of campus and is given a fresh coat of paint by countless
aspiring artists.
For many, a favored diversion is road tripping, everywhere from Disneyland to
the California beaches. Other common destinations include Joshua Tree, San
Diego, and Las Vegas. For nightlife closer to campus, Los Angeles looms large. The
local community, known as Uptown Whittier, offers quaint shops, restaurants, a
movie theater, and cobblestone sidewalks, and a senior calls it “a perfect place for
a night on the town with friends.” It’s also a place for community- minded stu-
dents to get involved. The Center for Engagement with Communities provides
course- based service- learning internships and research, in which the majority of
students participate.
The most important
campus landmark
is the Rock, which
sits near the front
of campus and is
given a fresh coat of
paint by countless
aspiring artists.
“The quality of the teaching
has been very intense but
very rewarding.”
With the help of an
academic advisor,
Whittier Scholars
carve their majors out
of standard offerings
by taking a bit of this
and a bit of that.
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WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY 779
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Johnny Poet is Whittier’s pen- wielding mascot (inspired by the school’s name-
sake). The Poets compete in Division III, where softball and men’s and women’s
water polo are competitive. In 2022 the school eliminated its 115- year- old football
program as well as men’s and women’s golf and men’s lacrosse. Intramurals are a big
draw, especially the Halloween dodgeball tournament.
The students at Whittier have created a supportive, intimate environment where
people work together and celebrate their diversity. And with the opportunity to
design their own majors, students here are active in their own education but get
plenty of support along the way. Says a sophomore, “I have no doubt that I have
faculty, staff, and administrators advocating for me and cheering me on toward my
personal goals.”
Overlaps
University of La
Verne, University
of Redlands,
Occidental, Pitzer,
California Lutheran,
UC Riverside, UC
Irvine, Chapman
If You Apply To ›
Whittier: Early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Willamette University
900 State Street, Salem, OR 97301
Willamette is strategically located next door to the Oregon state capitol and 50 minutes
from Portland. Bigger than Whitman, smaller than U of Puget Sound, and more civic-
minded than Lewis & Clark, Willamette offers extensive study abroad enhanced by
ties to Asia. Well- known in the West but is still developing a national reputation to
equal that of competitors such as Lewis & Clark.
Willamette University was founded in 1842 in the Willamette Valley by a Methodist
missionary to the Oregon territory as the first university in the West. Students fre-
quently take advantage of their proximity to the state’s executive, judicial, and legis-
lative offices as well as a nearby hospital for internships, jobs, or off- campus learning
experiences. A comprehensive study abroad program carries students to destinations
around the globe. On campus, students find a more personal atmosphere than larger
universities nearby and appreciate the low- key yet challenging academic milieu.
One satisfied chemistry major says, “This is the place where you can grow as a stu-
dent, leader, and person as you pursue your passions.”
The 61- acre campus is home to abundant trees (testimony to Oregon’s frequent
rain), small wildlife, and occasionally steelhead salmon that splash around in Mill
Stream, which runs between WU’s redbrick aca-
demic buildings. The college- owned forest at
Zena is a 305- acre outdoor laboratory about a 10-
minute drive from campus that hosts regular stu-
dent and faculty research in biology, sustainability, art, and other fields. The
university’s LEED Gold– certified Ford Hall features large, collaborative learning
spaces and faculty offices.
All students at Willamette (pronounced “Will- AM- it”) take the freshman College
Colloquium seminar, study in a language other than English, and satisfy an equity,
diversity, and inclusion course requirement. They also complete coursework in five
liberal arts categories: math and sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, human-
ities, and arts. In addition, students take capstone senior seminars, often culminat-
ing in research or thesis projects. The most popular majors are economics, exercise
Website: www .willamette .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,883
Undergraduates: 1,335
Male/Female: 40/60
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 59%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 3,995
Accepted: 80%
Enrolled: 16%
Grad in 6 Years: 76%
Returning Freshmen: 83%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (844) BEARCAT
Email Address: bearcat @
willamette .edu
“Professors are committed
to their students as their
first priority.”
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780 WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
and health science, environmental science, and psychology. Other particularly
strong programs include politics, policy, law, and ethics; chemistry; Japanese stud-
ies; music; theatre; and history. The college recently added undergraduate majors
in business and public health, and three combined degree programs in business
(3– 2 B.A./M.B.A.), law (3– 3 B.A./J.D.), and data science (3– 1 B.S./M.S.) integrate the
liberal arts and professional education. In 2021, Willamette merged with Pacific
Northwest College of Art, the region’s oldest school of art and design, significantly
expanding offerings in these areas.
Academics are rigorous, but students don’t compete for grades. “Students are
expected to work hard, read copious amounts, and actively contribute in class,”
says a senior. “That being said, the climate is very collaborative.” Classes are small;
80 percent have fewer than 20 students on the roster. “Professors are committed to
their students as their first priority,” says a math major. And for those seeking addi-
tional support, “Tutors are available in every subject, for free, and there is a writing
center within which students can arrange appointments for help with papers or
academic projects,” reports a senior.
When students aren’t reading or writing papers, undergraduate research
opportunities in every discipline beckon; the university awards more than 75
undergraduate research grants each year. Students can participate in a robust
study abroad program that sends them to their choice of more than 45 nations,
and Willamette also benefits from its colocation with the U.S. campus of Tokyo
International University.
“Willamette students are positive, motivated, smart individuals,” says a senior.
“They want to give back but also achieve highly.” Twenty- nine percent of WU stu-
dents are native Oregonians, and much of the remainder comes from Western
states, notably California and Washington; less than 1 percent are international.
Black students make up 2 percent of the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 15 per-
cent, Asian Americans 5 percent, and multiracial students 8 percent. Social justice
issues spark discussion on campus, and the Student Center for Equity and
Empowerment supports students from underrepresented groups. Says a sophomore,
“Willamette tends to be very involved in state and city political issues.” Willamette
offers talent and academic merit scholarships each year averaging $19,600; there
are no athletic awards.
Sixty- seven percent of Willamette students live in campus housing, which is
social and convenient to classes and parties. “Willamette’s dorms are not remark-
able, but they provide incredible experiences for fostering community,” says a stu-
dent. Students may move off campus starting
junior year, and “living in Salem is quite cheap,”
says an upperclassman. The student- owned and
- operated Bistro offers a coffeehouse atmosphere
and is a popular alternative to cafeteria fare. “All
of the food is fresh, local, and made on campus by staff that students grow to know
personally,” explains a senior. Students report that the university has taken a strong
stance on responding to and educating the community about sexual assault.
Social life tends to center on campus, whether it’s free movies and lectures,
open- mic nights at the Bistro, dance parties (salsa or swing), or performances by the
music and theatre departments. Six percent of Willamette men and 7 percent of the
women go Greek, but students say that Greeks don’t dominate the social scene.
When it comes to drinking, “Parties happen, but [students] are remarkably well-
behaved,” a student says. Annual social highlights include the Black Tie Affair formal
dance, a spring music festival, and a student- run luau held by the Hawai‘i Club for
more than three decades. “There is a tradition of throwing your friends into Mill
Stream on their birthday,” says a junior.
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Exercise and Health Science
Chemistry
Japanese Studies
Music
Theatre
History
Economics
Biology
The university
awards more than
75 undergraduate
research grants
each year.
“There is a tradition of
throwing your friends
into Mill Stream on their
birthday.”
A student- run luau
has been held by the
Hawai‘i Club for more
than three decades.
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WILLIAM & MARY 781
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Downtown Salem is a short walk from campus, and while students say it’s no
college town, it does have movies, shopping, restaurants, bars, and coffeehouses.
Riverfront Park provides a pleasant place to enjoy a concert or festival in the warmer
months or to go ice skating in the winter. Also nearby are the Cascade Mountains
and beaches of Newport and Lincoln City (an hour’s drive), skiing and snowboard-
ing on Mount Hood or in the high desert town of Bend (three hours), and the
cosmopolitan cities of Portland (50 minutes) and Seattle (about four hours north).
Willamette students remain true to the school motto, “Not unto ourselves alone are
we born,” volunteering tens of thousands of hours each year with various commu-
nity organizations.
The Willamette Bearcats compete in Division III, and men’s golf and soccer are
recent Northwest Conference champions. Men’s and women’s cross- country, base-
ball, and women’s lacrosse are also strong. The annual football game against Linfield
draws big crowds, and games against Pacific Lutheran are also well attended. Club
sports range from the competitive (soccer, rugby, and ultimate Frisbee) to the rec-
reational (badminton, volleyball, table tennis, eSports, and more), and intramurals
are another popular option.
Willamette may be the best little school you’ve never heard of, at least if you’re
from outside the California– Oregon– Washington corridor. “Willamette is unabash-
edly itself,” says one student. “Community members from all backgrounds feel very
comfortable being themselves and embracing who they are.” The school’s close- knit
community is strengthened by its emphasis on service and by warm, supportive
faculty members who push students to achieve.
Overlaps
Lewis & Clark,
University of Puget
Sound, Whitman,
Reed, Occidental,
Gonzaga, Linfield,
University of
Oregon
If You Apply To ›
Willamette: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Applicants have the option of providing information about their gender and sexual identity.
William & Mary
P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187
Founded in 1693 by royal charter and named after the reigning British monarchs at
the time, William & Mary is the original “public Ivy.” With 6,500 undergraduates, it
is larger than Mary Washington and Richmond, smaller and more intellectual than
the University of Virginia. W&M boasts one of the top graduation rates among public
universities and sends one of the highest proportions of graduates on to Ph.D.s.
Williamsburg, capital of the former colony of Virginia, is more exciting for tourists
than for college students.
Traditions abound at William & Mary, yet this historic university— the second-
oldest in the nation after Harvard— continues to evolve. It has graduated three
former U.S. presidents— Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler. Rival
UVA prides itself on being “Mr. Jefferson’s” university, but W&M is quick to remind
the Cavaliers that it educated Mr. Jefferson in the first place. “Students at William &
Mary choose to attend the university for its intense academic rigor, strong sense of
community, rich history, and legacy of traditions,” says one senior.
A profusion of azaleas and crape myrtle adds splashes of color to William
& Mary’s finely manicured campus, located about 150 miles southeast of
Website: www .wm .edu
Location: Small Town
Public
Total Enrollment: 8,403
Undergraduates: 6,711
Male/Female: 42/58
Financial Aid: 55%
Pell Grant: 9%
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782 WILLIAM & MARY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Washington, D.C. The campus is divided into three sections and includes Lake
Matoaka, the oldest human- made lake in Virginia, and a wooded wildlife pre-
serve, which is filled with trails and widely used by the science departments. The
Historic Campus is a grouping of three colonial structures still in use. The oldest
and most striking is the Wren Building, which was constructed between 1695 and
1700 and is the country’s oldest college building and arguably one of the love-
liest. The Old Campus buildings date from the ’20s and ’30s, and New Campus,
where ground was first broken in the ’60s, is home to a recreation center and the
Integrated Science Complex now under construction. Crim Dell, a wooded area
with a small pond spanned by an old- style wooden bridge, is one of the most
romantic spots on any campus.
William & Mary, which was founded as a private college and did not go public
until 1906, created Phi Beta Kappa in December of 1776. The honor code, estab-
lished by Thomas Jefferson in 1779, demands much from the university’s students.
W&M’s College Curriculum includes two first-
year seminars: one “big ideas” course and one
reading- and writing- intensive course, both of
which are offered in every academic discipline.
Students must also take coursework in a range of
liberal arts areas, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives, and
fulfill requirements in global perspectives; difference, equity, and justice; and for-
eign language proficiency. All seniors complete a capstone project. The Charles
Center for Academic Excellence facilitates honors programs, research opportunities,
and interdisciplinary majors like American studies, environmental science, and
women’s studies. “Through this summer research program, I gained skills related to
statistical analysis, writing, presenting, and study design,” raves a psychology major.
Not surprisingly, the history department is a signature program at William &
Mary, but 65 percent of students now major in STEM or computational fields, and
a data science major has been added. Government, biology, psychology, and health
sciences are among the most popular majors, and business (especially accounting),
economics, neuroscience, and international relations are well regarded. New majors
include business analytics and linguistics. Aspiring engineers can sign up for a 3– 2
program with Columbia University. W&M’s innovative joint degree program with
the University of St Andrews in Scotland is one of the few international under-
graduate joint degrees available in the U.S. “It changed my life,” raves a senior. “St
Andrews is my favorite place on earth.”
At W&M, “courses are rigorous and extracurricular research opportunities are
competitive,” reports a sociology major. Adds another student, “It is not ‘cool’ to do
poorly in class.” A notable side effect is what is generally described as a “stress cul-
ture,” in which, as a senior explains, “students will try to one- up each other with
their stress levels, lack of sleep, or amount of work left to do.” Nevertheless, students
say the prevailing culture is also one of cooperation and support. “There’s a phrase
here: TWAMP. It stands for the Typical William
& Mary Person,” explains a music major. “This
kinda sums up the fun- loving, caring, thought-
ful, and passionate nature of students here. Everyone cares about academics but is
also happy and supportive of others.” Faculty members are said to be supportive as
well. “Professors have often encouraged me to be bold and controversial with my
ways of thinking,” says a junior. Forty- four percent of classes have fewer than 20
students, although a few introductory lectures have more than 100. Teaching assis-
tants are used for grading or lab purposes only.
Students rave about W&M’s study abroad options. “There are tons of opportu-
nities to study abroad that are fit for every student: from semester- long programs
(continued)
Expense: Pub $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 33%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 18,087
Accepted: 33%
Enrolled: 27%
Grad in 6 Years: 91%
Returning Freshmen: 95%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (757) 221- 4223
Email Address: admission @
wm .edu
Strong Programs:
History
Business
Accounting
Economics
Neuroscience
International Relations
Government
Biology
“There’s a phrase here:
TWAMP. It stands for the
Typical William & Mary
Person.”
W&M’s College
Curriculum includes
two first- year
seminars: one “big
ideas” course and one
reading- and writing-
intensive course.
“It is not ‘cool’ to do poorly
in class.”
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WILLIAM & MARY 783
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
to programs over summer and winter breaks that last between two and eight
weeks and even spring break study abroad opportunities,” reports a senior. The
top 10 percent of freshmen are designated Monroe scholars and receive summer
research stipends to support independent projects. Eighty- five percent of students
participate in some sort of faculty- mentored research experience. Students cheer
the Cohen Career Center, which helps freshmen and sophomores identify and
pursue career interests.
Because William & Mary is a state- supported university, 65 percent of its under-
graduates are Virginians, hailing largely from wealthier counties in the northern
part of the state; 4 percent are international. Competition for the nonresident
spots— mostly taken by students from the Mid- Atlantic and farther north— is stiff.
Despite administrative efforts to improve the situation, a lack of socioeconomic and
racial diversity is both a problem and a hot- button topic on this left- leaning campus.
“The student body is not diverse,” says one senior. “As a first- generation and low-
income student, coming to William & Mary and living in Williamsburg was a major
culture shock. It is difficult to fit in.” Asian Americans now account for 11 percent
of the students, Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Black students 6 percent, and multira-
cial students 7 percent. Only 9 percent of incoming freshmen are Pell- eligible. Like
many older colleges, W&M has begun to grapple with its historical ties to slavery,
including the renaming of several buildings and restoration of the recently discov-
ered Bray School, said to be the oldest existing schoolhouse for Black children. Merit
scholarships averaging $9,100 are disbursed to qualified undergrads, and athletic
scholarships are also offered.
William & Mary recently embarked on a comprehensive 10- year plan to over-
haul 80 percent of its housing and to improve dining services with, among other
things, two new dining facilities. “There is so much construction going on right
now to add more facilities to the school— which
we desperately need,” shares a junior. Sixty- six
percent of undergrads occupy campus housing,
which is required for the first two years and
guaranteed for all four. Dorms range from stately
old halls with high ceilings to modern structures and are conveniently located
throughout the campus. Nevertheless, “Housing is not W&M’s strong suit,” reports
a senior. “Most dorms are outdated, and some lack air- conditioning.” Special-
interest housing is available— there are eight language houses— and life in a frater-
nity or sorority house is an option. As for campus dining, the less said the better.
“The food is below average. It is probably the number one area that needs improve-
ment,” says a history major.
Students report feeling safe on campus. “There is a relatively large vocal group
who voices their opinions on pro- LGBTQ, pro- choice, and pro- union causes,”
reports a sociology major. Several student- led groups address issues of sexual assault.
The Haven program features peers trained to talk to sexual assault survivors. The
McLeod Tyler Wellness Center houses health, counseling, recreation, and other ser-
vices ranging from mindfulness workshops and yoga sessions to fitness classes. It
operates the Counseling Center and Student Health Center, though students claim
that wait times for the former can be long.
On campus, students can enjoy the soothing voices of one of the many a cap-
pella groups, dance the night away at fraternity parties, grab a midnight snack at the
Sadler Center, or watch the latest dance or theater performance at Phi Beta Kappa
Theater. Thirty- one percent of the men and 29 percent of the women join Greek
organizations, which host most of the on- campus parties. “Greek life is an option,
but it by no means dictates social life, which is nice,” says a government major.
A senior counsels, “Don’t come to William & Mary if you’re looking for a party
W&M has begun
to grapple with its
historical ties to
slavery, including
the renaming of
several buildings.
“Professors have often
encouraged me to be bold
and controversial with my
ways of thinking.”
On Charter Day,
bells chime and
students celebrate the
distinguished history
of their 330- year-
old institution.
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784 WILLIAMS COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
school!” The university has strict policies against underage drinking, but students
say as long as they behave safely, they stay out of trouble.
Traditions are the stuff of which William & Mary is made. “It’s honestly why
I’m still here,” gushes an English major. “I love the lore and the cute town.” Perhaps
the most cherished is the annual Yule Log Ceremony in the Wren Courtyard, where
students sing carols and hear the president read a holiday story. On Charter Day,
bells chime and students celebrate the distinguished history of their 330- year- old
institution. Each year, freshmen walk through the Wren Building for Opening
Convocation, where they’re greeted by cheering upperclassmen and faculty. Four
years later, as they graduate, they pass through the Wren in the other direction.
Multiple secret societies are known to exist; their activities are, well, secret, but
rumored to be generally philanthropic in nature.
Anyone who gets restless can always step across the street to Colonial Williamsburg
to picnic, jog down Duke of Gloucester Street (a.k.a. “Dog Street”), or study in a beau-
tiful garden. “Eventually, you don’t raise an eyebrow when colonial reenactors are
behind you at the grocery store buying beer,”
quips one senior. Its appeal to tourists notwith-
standing, Williamsburg leaves much to be desired
as a college town. “It’s boring,” explains an English
major. Nightlife is a hit- or- miss affair (mostly
miss), although volunteer opportunities abound
and 70 percent of students participate. Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach— a
favorite springtime mecca— are about an hour’s drive; Washington, D.C., and the
University of Virginia are also popular road trips.
Each year, more than 500 Tribe athletes compete on 23 Division I teams.
Women’s swimming and diving, men’s cross- country, football, and women’s tennis
have been consistently competitive in recent years. Intramurals and more than 40
club sports, such as rowing and ultimate Frisbee, attract a large percentage of the
student body.
William & Mary is reminiscent of the dual- faced Roman god Janus, ever mindful
of its rich historical legacy but also keenly aware of new academic and cultural forces
swirling about. As a place to look both ways, W&M is, as one student puts it, “happy,
quirky, intelligent, and proud.” A senior sums up her experience: “The academic
climate can be a bit aggressive at times. But overall, I am proud to attend an institu-
tion at which academics are important.”
The Cohen Career
Center helps freshmen
and sophomores
identify and pursue
career interests.
“Eventually, you don’t raise
an eyebrow when colonial
reenactors are behind you
at the grocery store buying
beer.”
Overlaps
University of
Virginia, UNC
at Chapel Hill,
Cornell University,
Boston College,
Georgetown,
Mary Washington,
University of
Richmond, Virginia
Tech
If You Apply To ›
William & Mary: Early decision I and II, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please con-
sult William & Mary’s website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Williams College
Williamstown, MA 01267
Running neck and neck with Amherst on the selectivity chart, Williams sits on a
campus of surpassing beauty in the foothills of the Berkshires. Making serious efforts
to broaden racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. The campus art museum,
one of the best anywhere, anchors strong arts programs. Locals hail the splendid
isolation of Williamstown as a way to build community.
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WILLIAMS COLLEGE 785
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Williams College vies with rival Amherst for possession of both the color purple— they
each use it on team uniforms and in their logos— and the distinction of being one
of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. (Amherst was founded in 1821
by a breakaway group of Williams students, along with the school’s then- president.)
Nestled in a small hamlet in the Berkshires, Williams is the more isolated of the two,
but students say that makes for a more intimate sense of community. “I wanted an
environment where I could share ideas and debate with my friends over a meal or a
late- night snack, and I’ve certainly found that at Williams,” says a freshman. School
spirit abounds, and when not gazing at the purple mountains’ majesty, students at
Williams are digging into their studies with fervor.
Williams was established in 1793 as a “western counterpart” to Harvard and
Yale under a bequest from the estate of landowner Ephraim Williams. The college’s
buildings constitute a veritable omnium- gatherum of architectural styles, from the
elegantly simple Federal design of the original
West College to contemporary structures by
Charles Moore and William Rawn. The brick and
gray stone buildings are arranged in loosely orga-
nized quads, which are both enclosed and open to nature. Newer additions include
the 113,000- square- foot, eco- friendly Wachenheim Science Center, housing the
mathematics and statistics, psychology, and geosciences departments.
The Williams curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and personalized
teaching. Distribution requirements include at least three courses in each of the
school’s three divisions: languages and arts, social studies, and sciences and math-
ematics. Students must also fulfill requirements in writing, quantitative and formal
reasoning, and difference, power, and equity; pick a major from 35 options; pass
four quarters of phys ed; spend at least six semesters in residence; and participate
in Winter Study every January, when they may take a course, complete a research
project, or travel abroad.
One of Williams’s greatest strengths is in art, which benefits from the Williams
College Museum of Art (one of the finest college art museums in America), the Clark
Art Institute, and MASS MoCA, a nearby center for contemporary visual, performing,
and media arts. Williams was one of the first lib-
eral arts colleges to establish an environmental
studies program, which is enhanced by fieldwork
opportunities in the 2,600- acre, college- owned
Hopkins Forest. Popular majors include economics, mathematics, psychology, com-
puter science, political science, and English. Students seeking a change of pace, espe-
cially during the bitter and blustery winter, can pack their bags for more than 250
programs, including short- term, faculty- led study tours and an innovative yearlong
program organized with Oxford’s Exeter College in England.
There are only two small graduate programs at Williams— in art history and
development economics— so graduate students are few and far between, and you’ll
never find them behind a lectern. Roughly two- thirds of Williams students sign up
for courses taught in the Oxford tutorial format: two students and a faculty member
meet each week, with the students alternating who has to do independent work, like
an essay, lab report, or art piece, and who gets to critique it. “Tutorials are basically
all critical engagement all the time,” explains a political science major, because stu-
dents learn to communicate, collaborate, and defend their ideas. And while academ-
ics at Williams are rigorous, the environment is supportive. “My professors always
try to form personal connections with every single one of us,” says a junior. About
half of the students conduct research with faculty, often in funded positions. A
senior says alumni “go out of their way to help Williams students succeed” by set-
ting them up with internships and other opportunities.
Website: www .williams .edu
Location: Rural
Private
Total Enrollment: 2,181
Undergraduates: 2,129
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 58%
Pell Grant: 19%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 32%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 15,321
Accepted: 9%
Enrolled: 44%
Grad in 6 Years: 95%
Returning Freshmen: 97%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (413) 597- 2211
Email Address: admission @
williams .edu
Strong Programs:
Studio Art
Art History
Environmental Studies
Economics
Mathematics
Biology
Computer Science
Political Science
“My professors always try to
form personal connections
with every single one of us.”
“Tutorials are basically all
critical engagement all the
time.”
One of Williams’s
greatest strengths
is in art, which
benefits from the
Williams College
Museum of Art, the
Clark Art Institute,
and MASS MoCA.
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786 WILLIAMS COLLEGE
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Students at Williams are accomplished. One student says, “I know people who
can read Harry Potter in Latin, translate rap songs into Arabic, and sight- read ‘Rocket
Man’ perfectly on the piano.” Just 15 percent of students are in- staters, and another
11 percent are international. Black students make up 5 percent of the student body,
Asian Americans add 14 percent, Hispanics/Latinos represent 13 percent, and multi-
racial students comprise 8 percent. Politically, Williams leans left, and students say
there is a small but dedicated group of student activists on campus. Many students
come from affluent backgrounds, which, according to a junior, lends a certain “New
England boarding school” vibe to campus, but Williams has a need- blind admis-
sions process for domestic applicants, and socioeconomic diversity has been slowly
increasing. All financial aid is need- based— there are no merit or athletic
scholarships— and the college guarantees to meet the full demonstrated need of all
admitted students. Furthermore, Williams offers all- grant financial aid packages,
meaning that students who receive financial aid no longer have to borrow loans or
fulfill work- study requirements.
Ninety- three percent of students live on campus; housing is guaranteed for four
years, and only seniors are eligible to move out. “You can’t go wrong with any hous-
ing here,” says a student. First- years live in groups of 25 to 35 students each (known
as “entries”) along with three or four junior advisors, who serve as big siblings,
mentors, and sounding boards. After the first year, students have an affiliation with
one of four upperclassmen residential neighborhoods and enter their housing draw.
Campus dining offers three dining halls with friendly staff and satisfying meals, and
small co- ops are available for seniors who want to cook for themselves. In addition
to required trainings and other college programming, a student says, “Multiple stu-
dent groups host events throughout the year to keep up the conversation surround-
ing the prevention of sexual assault.”
Fraternities and sororities were abolished long ago, but that hasn’t stopped
Williams students from partying. “The party culture is centered around athletic
teams, performance groups, and cultural affinity groups,” explains an economics
major. The college requires registration of parties
over a certain size and mandates availability of
food and nonalcoholic beverages whenever alco-
hol is present. Favorite traditions include home-
coming, Winter Carnival, and Spring Fling. The
most beloved tradition is Mountain Day, held on a Friday in October. Which day it
will be is a well- kept secret, broken only when the college president sends out an
email canceling classes and church bells begin tolling at 8 a.m. Students picnic on
the campus’s main lawn, then choose from a variety of hikes, including one to the
top of Mount Greylock, where hot cider and doughnuts are waiting on the summit.
The small village of Williamstown (population 7,800), adjacent to campus, is
“sort of the quintessential New England town,” says a student. The Log is a popular
hangout for pizza and live performances, and students frequent a few cafés and an
independent movie theater, but the town isn’t exactly a hot spot for social life. The
Clark Art Institute, within walking distance of campus, possesses one of the finest
collections of Renoir and Degas in the nation, as well as a great library. The college
theater is home to the Williamstown Theatre Festival in the summer, which often
features Broadway stars. Nearby slopes and trails beckon, offering skiing, cycling,
and backpacking. Civilization— in the form of Albany, New York— is just an hour’s
drive. Other popular destinations include New York City and Boston (both accessi-
ble by train from Albany or three hours by car).
With 32 varsity teams and an active club sports program, athletics are more
like an established religion here than an extracurricular activity. The Ephs (short
for founder Ephraim) are a perennial winner of the Division III Directors’ Cup,
All financial aid is
need- based— there are
no merit or athletic
scholarships— and the
college guarantees
to meet the full
demonstrated need of
all admitted students.
“I know people who can
read Harry Potter in Latin
[and] translate rap songs
into Arabic.”
Any contest with
archrival Amherst
ensures an especially
enthusiastic crowd.
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN– MADISON 787
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
awarded annually to the school with the strongest overall athletic program. Recent
New England Small College Athletic Conference champions include football, men’s
rowing, men’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s cross- country.
Williams competes against Amherst and Wesleyan in the “Little Three,” and any
contest with archrival Amherst ensures an especially enthusiastic crowd. Intramurals
are a popular option for those seeking less competitive athletic diversions.
It takes a special kind of student to be happy at Williams. Those who delight in
the life of the mind and don’t mind trading the amenities found at more urban
schools for a small, intimate community will no doubt bleed purple by the time they
leave. Says a senior, “I’ve never been more engaged in what I’m learning than here
at Williams.”
Overlaps
Brown, Amherst,
Dartmouth,
Yale, Harvard,
Middlebury,
University of
Pennsylvania,
Cornell University
If You Apply To ›
Williams: Early decision, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Williams’s
website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
University of Wisconsin– Madison
702 W. Johnson Street, Suite 1101, Madison, WI 53715
Madison draws nearly a third of its students from out of state, a higher proportion than
some other leading Midwestern public universities. Why brave the cold? Reasons
include top programs in an array of professional fields and several innovative living/
learning programs. There’s also the pleasure of life in Madison, a combination state
capital/college town in the mold of Austin, Texas. Sky- high retention rates.
For 175 years, the University of Wisconsin has been guided by the Progressive- era
philosophy of the “Wisconsin Idea” that the purpose of a great state university is
to seek truth and apply the resulting knowledge to the benefit of the students and
society as a whole. Such a philosophy has turned Wisconsin, which dates to 1848,
into one of the world’s leading universities— one where more than 30,000 full- time
undergraduates take advantage of high- level academics and a rich array of resources.
State funding is back on the rise after years of deep budget cuts, and Wisconsin
remains a place where professional and other programs are outstanding. Just bring a
strong desire to learn— and a very warm coat.
Described by one Madison student as “architecturally olden with a modern
touch,” the mainly brick campus is distinctive. It spreads out over 936 hilly, tree-
covered acres and across an isthmus between two glacial lakes, Mendota and
Monona. From atop Bascom Hill, the center of
campus, you look east past the statue of Lincoln
and the liberal arts buildings, down to a library
mall that was the scene of many a political dem-
onstration during the ’60s. Farther east, you see
rows of State Street pubs and restaurants and the bleached dome of the Wisconsin
state capitol. On the other side of the hill, another part of campus, dedicated to the
agricultural and health sciences, twists along Lake Mendota. But students from both
sides of the hill congregate in the old student union, Memorial Union, where polit-
ical arguments and backgammon games can rage all night. Outside on the union’s
veranda, students can look out at the sailboats in summer or iceboats in winter.
Website: www .wisc .edu
Location: City Center
Public
Total Enrollment: 43,963
Undergraduates: 33,547
Male/Female: 47/53
Financial Aid: 60%
Pell Grant: 17%
Expense: Pub $ $
Student Loans: 37%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 60,260
Accepted: 49%
Enrolled: 29%
Grad in 6 Years: 89%
Returning Freshmen: 94%
Academics:
- - - -
½
Social:
% % % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (608) 262- 3961
Email Address: onwisconsin
@ admissions .wisc .edu
“It’s easy to get lost in the
crowd here, so you have
to be fairly strong and
confident.”
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788 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN– MADISON
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Distribution requirements vary among the different schools and academic
departments, but they are uniformly rigorous, with science and math courses
required for B.A. students and a foreign language for virtually everyone. All students
must fulfill a three- part graduation requirement in quantitative reasoning, commu-
nication, and ethnic studies. Students who prefer the academic road less traveled
can opt for the Integrated Liberal Studies certificate program, which allows them to
fulfill several gen eds with a series of related, interdisciplinary courses rather than
taking electives at random.
Madison’s academic climate is demanding. “There are a lot of smart people
studying here,” notes one student. A list of first- rate academic programs at Madison
would constitute a college catalog elsewhere. Some 70 programs are considered in
the top 10 nationally. Some highlights include education, agriculture, communica-
tion, biological sciences, and social sciences. The most popular majors are computer
science, economics, psychology, and political science. Due to overcrowding, some
of the strongest fields, such as business and engineering, have more selective admis-
sions criteria than others. Although many classes are large, 44 percent have fewer
than 20 students. Professors at Madison are certainly among the nation’s best, with
National Academy of Science members and Guggenheim fellows scattered liberally
among the departments.
While the university’s size can be daunting, harried freshmen aren’t left to fend
for themselves. The university offers a number of first- year programs designed to
ease the transition into college life. A first- year seminar encourages students to
examine learning strategies; connect with faculty, staff, and peers; and become
familiar with campus resources. First- Year Interest Groups (FIGs) consist of 20 first-
year students who may live in the same residence hall or “residential neighborhood”
and who also enroll in a cluster of three classes together. Each FIG cluster of courses
has a central theme; the central or “synthesizing” course integrates content from the
other two classes. After freshman year, many students participate in internships,
and 21 percent choose to study abroad in countries ranging from France, Brazil,
India, and Israel to Thailand. Forty- three percent conduct undergraduate research.
If there is a common characteristic among Madison undergraduates, it is assertive-
ness. “It’s easy to get lost in the crowd here, so you have to be fairly strong and confi-
dent,” declares one student. “No one holds your hand.” The flip side is that “anyone
can fit in, you just have to find your own niche.”
Fifty- four percent of undergraduates hail from
Wisconsin, and 10 percent are international. The
school is a heartland of progressive politics, and
Madison’s reputation as a haven for liberals remains intact. “Students here are called
liberal because they are eager and willing to change and are continually looking for
newer and better ideas,” explains one activist. Asian Americans make up 10 percent of
the student body, Hispanics/Latinos 8 percent, Black students 2 percent, and multira-
cial students 4 percent. Academic merit scholarships averaging $6,300 are awarded
each year, along with more than 300 athletic scholarships. Students who finish in the
top 5 percent of their high school class are guaranteed admission.
Twenty- six percent of undergrads, mostly freshmen, reside in university housing.
Dorms are either co- ed or single sex and come equipped with laundry facilities, game
rooms, and lounges. Most also have a cafeteria. The student union offers two meal
plans, and there are plenty of restaurants and fast- food places nearby. Escort services
for those walking and those needing a ride help keep students safe on campus. A vari-
ety of programs and groups, such as U Got This! and We’re Better Than That, are work-
ing to educate the community on preventing sexual assault and supporting survivors.
One old standby for social life that is still as popular as ever is the student union,
which hosts bands, shows, and so forth and provides a great atmosphere in which
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Education
Agriculture
Communication
Biological Sciences
Business
Engineering
Computer Science
Economics
All students must
fulfill a three-
part graduation
requirement
in quantitative
reasoning,
communication, and
ethnic studies.
“[Madison is] diverse,
intellectual, fashionable,
and moderately hedonistic.”
The student union
hosts bands, shows,
and so forth and
provides a great
atmosphere in
which to hang out.
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WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY 789
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
to hang out. There are more film clubs than anyone can follow, and everyone has a
favorite bar. Nine percent of the men and 8 percent of the women go Greek. “Frat
parties are a very popular break from the bar scene,” quips one expert on both
options. Madison (a.k.a. Madtown) is an excellent college town and has been the
stomping ground for many fine rock ’n’ roll and blues bands on the road to fame.
Volunteering is a tradition here; the university consistently tops the list for provid-
ing the Peace Corps with the most entrants of any college or university in the nation.
Nature enthusiasts can lose themselves in the university’s 12,000- acre nature pre-
serve or hit nearby ski slopes.
The students at this Big Ten school show “tons of interest” in sports, especially
hockey and football, and especially when the Badgers try to rout the University of
Michigan’s Wolverines. The formidable women’s ice hockey and volleyball teams
claimed recent national titles, and the school has produced its share of Big Ten
champions as well, most recently in men’s cross- country and ice hockey. Bucky
Badger apparel, emblazoned with slogans ranging from the urbane to the decidedly
uncouth, is ubiquitous. However, the much- acclaimed marching band may outdo
all the teams in popularity. Recreational sports are another favorite pastime, with
dozens of intramurals and more than 40 club sports offered at varying levels of
competitiveness.
Despite fervent efforts in recent years by politicians with narrow and instrumen-
talist views of higher education to scuttle the Wisconsin Idea, Madison remains one
of the best and most well- rounded flagship state universities anywhere. It is a school
that students sum up as “diverse, intellectual, fashionable, and moderately hedonis-
tic.” And these are the qualities that attract bright and energetic students from
everywhere. “You feel you’re accepted for who you are no matter what,” says one
student. “It’s so nice to just be yourself.”
Overlaps
University
of Michigan,
University of
Minnesota, U of I at
Urbana– Champaign,
Purdue, Indiana
University, Ohio
State, UC San
Diego, University of
Washington
If You Apply To ›
Wisconsin: Early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application. Please consult Wisconsin’s website for the
most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Wittenberg University
P.O. Box 720, Springfield, OH 45501
Wittenberg is an outpost of cozy Midwestern friendliness. Less national than Denison
or Wooster, Witt has plenty of old- fashioned school spirit and powerhouse Division
III athletic teams. Top students should aim for the honors program, which provides
a chance for independent research. Witt doles out plenty of merit scholarships to
above- average students.
Founded in 1845 by German Lutherans, Wittenberg University remains true to its
faith by emphasizing strong student/faculty relationships— and making sure that
students don’t get too settled in their campus comfort zone. In fact, Wittenberg
requires all students to complete a community service experience before they grad-
uate. “The campus is beautiful, it’s a great school, and it’s so obvious how much
everyone here loves it,” gushes an education major.
The Wittenberg campus is classic Midwestern collegiate, with a mixture of
1800s and Gothic- inspired buildings on 100 rolling acres in southwestern Ohio. The
Website: www .wittenberg .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,220
Undergraduates: 1,210
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 99%
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790 WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
redbrick Myers residence hall, with picturesque white pillars and an open- air dome
dating from the 19th century, stands at the center. Many of the campus’s buildings
are showing their age, although the $40 million Health, Wellness, and Athletics
Complex features a full- size indoor turf field surrounded by a running track, among
other facilities.
Launched in fall 2021, Wittenberg’s Connections core curriculum emphasizes a
solid liberal arts background, with coursework ranging from scientific inquiry to
U.S. diversity and equity to creative process. A required First- Year Seminar in the fall
helps students transition from high school to
college. All students must complete one civic
engagement experience, such as an academic
course that incorporates volunteer work, as well
as two other hands- on learning experiences, which may include research, intern-
ships, study abroad, or leadership experiences. Finally, seniors create a culminating
reflection that connects their experiences over their four years.
Wittenberg students give high marks to the education program, which is among
the most popular majors, along with biology, business, and various offerings in the
social sciences. Health- related fields, especially nursing and other prehealth pro-
fessional programs, are particularly well regarded. Other notable programs include
music, international studies, East Asian studies, sport management, and data sci-
ence. Wittenberg also offers 3– 2 engineering programs with Columbia University
and Case Western Reserve. The academic climate is described as “challenging but
friendly,” and study groups are common, according to one junior. Professors are
roundly praised for their teaching styles and willingness to make themselves avail-
able outside the classroom. “Students take advantage of having professors who
are extremely knowledgeable by getting help with class problems or even career
advice,” one senior says. Fifty- nine percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.
As long as students declare their major on time and complete all courses with a C
or better, the college guarantees a degree in four years— and will pay for any addi-
tional necessary courses.
The Compass program combines nine different student support services in
one collaborative space in the Thomas Library and is intended, in part, to improve
the college’s retention and graduation rates. In addition to offering academic
support, Compass connects students to research, community service, and intern-
ship opportunities. A University Honors Program enrolls 20 percent of students,
who conduct independent research culminating in a senior thesis, and individ-
ual departments offer ample opportunities to work on research with faculty
members. In fact, 50 percent of students partake in undergraduate research.
Wittenberg encourages students to take a semester or a year away from campus,
and 20 percent do so, both in the U.S. and abroad. Most students pack their bags
for the college’s own faculty- led semesters in Germany and Costa Rica, although
a multitude of other partner programs are available. Wittenberg’s Local
Government Management Internship Program is an option for those interested
in public service.
“Witt students are proactive,” says a junior. “We are constantly championing
new causes, whether through community service or fundraising. We are always on
the go!” Nowadays, Lutherans represent just 6 percent of the student body. Seventy-
six percent of Wittenberg students are native Ohioans, and less than 1 percent hail
from other countries. Many others are from nearby states like Indiana, Michigan, and
Pennsylvania. Black students make up 10 percent of the student body, Hispanics/
Latinos 6 percent, Asian Americans 1 percent, and multiracial students 6 percent.
The Diversity Center houses student awareness organizations to help support under-
represented groups on campus. Students say the campus is fairly evenly split between
(continued)
Pell Grant: 30%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 97%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 2,998
Accepted: 94%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 64%
Returning Freshmen: 75%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (937) 327- 6314
Email Address: admission @
wittenberg .edu
Strong Programs:
Education
Nursing
Music
International Studies
East Asian Studies
Sport Management
Data Science
Biology
“Witt students are proactive.
We are constantly
championing new causes.”
The Compass program
combines nine
different student
support services in one
collaborative space in
the Thomas Library.
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WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY 791
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
conservatives and liberals, and both groups are vocal. Wittenberg is generous in
awarding merit scholarships, which average $26,200; there are no athletic schol-
arships. Thirty percent of incoming freshmen receive Pell Grants. The Wittenberg
College Access Program provides special financial aid packages to academically tal-
ented students from low- income families.
Eighty- six percent of students reside on Wittenberg’s hilly campus; freshmen
and sophomores are required to do so. After that, most upperclassmen choose
houses and apartments owned by the school in the surrounding neighborhood— the
“Wittenburbs,” as students like to say. “Dorms are spacious and air- conditioned,”
a student explains, “with options for all- girl, honors, and substance- free hous-
ing.” Those in need of sustenance (perhaps to fuel all- night study sessions) select
from a variety of dining options that students call “acceptable,” including
vegetarian and low- fat items. In an effort to mitigate sexual assault on campus,
the university has implemented bystander awareness and response training
programs.
When not working hard at their studies, students at Wittenberg can choose
among more than 100 student organizations, performing arts groups, and intramu-
rals. Greek life is a big emphasis, with 27 percent of men and 30 percent of women
belonging to fraternities and sororities. When the
weekend rolls around, social life centers on par-
ties in houses, dorm rooms, and apartments on or
near campus. Greek groups, the Union Board,
and the Residence Hall Association bring in guest
speakers, movies, comedians, and concerts. Favorite annual events include Greek
Week, homecoming (“the alumni involvement is incredible”), W Day, and Wittfest,
a campus festival and concert with games, food, prizes, and socializing before finals.
“It is open to the community, but all the students go,” a senior says. “It resembles a
carnival, and at night there’s a big concert on the lawn.” Springfield (population
59,000) is a struggling blue- collar city, but it’s beginning to show signs of revival. The
city offers movie theaters, restaurants, a brewery, a performing arts center, and plenty
of service opportunities. “There are definitely some gems in Springfield, and every
now and then, my friends and I like to get off campus to explore,” comments a
finance major. Popular road trips include Dayton (30 minutes), Columbus (45 min-
utes), and Cincinnati (90 minutes).
Wittenberg’s athletic teams (the Tigers) are competitive in Division III, and
rivalries with Allegheny, Wabash, and the College of Wooster really get students
riled up, especially when the football team takes the field. The women’s volleyball
team dominates the North Coast Athletic Conference and claimed its 26th NCAC
title in 2023. Men’s and women’s basketball, football, and men’s and women’s cross-
country are also competitive. Intramurals and club sports are a huge draw, too, with
sports such as crew, racquetball, and rugby. Nearby state parks offer swimming,
camping, biking trails, and picnics in the warmer months and skiing in the winter.
While not as well- known as many of its bigger Midwestern brethren, Wittenberg
has plenty to offer those students who decide to attend, including a solid honors
program, an active Greek scene, and serious Division III athletics. And with an
increased focus on student support and diversifying its academic offerings, the
school is slowly extending its regional reach.
Athletic rivalries
with Allegheny,
Wabash, and
the College of
Wooster really get
students riled up.
“[Wittfest] resembles a
carnival, and at night
there’s a big concert on
the lawn.”
Overlaps
Capital University,
Ohio Northern,
Ohio Wesleyan,
Otterbein, College
of Wooster, Miami
(OH), Denison,
Baldwin Wallace
If You Apply To ›
Wittenberg: Early decision, early action, rolling admissions. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application with
supplement.
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792 WOFFORD COLLEGE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Wofford College
429 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303- 3663
Wofford is about three- quarters the size of Furman and larger than Presbyterian.
It is strong in the life sciences and study abroad. Wofford is one of the smallest
institutions to compete in Division I football, and Greek life dominates the traditional
social scene. Diversity is a constant challenge. Where else do first- year students get
their own personal librarian?
Wofford students take pride in combining a well- rounded curriculum built on tra-
ditional strengths in the sciences with career- related internships and study abroad.
The college has taken bold steps to increase— and diversify— enrollment while low-
ering the student/faculty ratio. Legend has it that a pair of green eyes can be seen at
night over a painting in Main Building, where every student takes at least one class.
Students study hard under the “eyes of Old Main” and form lasting friendships with
peers and faculty members. “We are bright, driven individuals who learn to utilize
our skills to the best of our potential to make the world around us a better place,”
says a junior.
Wofford is located near the heart of Spartanburg (population 38,000), a mid-
sized city in the northwest corner of South Carolina, and it is affiliated with the
United Methodist Church. Founded in 1854, it’s one of fewer than 200 existing
American colleges that opened before the Civil
War, and it still operates on its original campus,
a National Historic District. Azaleas, magnolias,
and dogwoods surround the distinctive, twin-
towered Main Building and four original faculty
homes on the 180- acre campus, which is also a nationally recognized arboretum.
Recent additions to campus include the sustainably designed Chandler Center for
Environmental Studies and a 150- bed residence hall.
Wofford requires courses in English, fine arts, foreign languages, humanities,
science, history, philosophy, cultural perspectives, math, and physical education.
First- years take a required Liberal Arts Seminar 101 course in the fall that hones their
reading, writing, and discussion skills; recent offerings have included Confronting
Climate Change, Victorian Women Behaving Badly, and Muslims in America. All
first- years are also assigned a Student Success Team that includes an academic advi-
sor, a student peer leader, a staff guide, and a personal librarian.
Traditionally, Wofford’s strongest and most attractive programs have been in the
life sciences, which account for about a third of its graduates. Every year, two dozen
of the school’s graduates go on to graduate medical or dental programs; another two
dozen go on to law school. Business programs (especially when combined with a
second major in Chinese, French, German, or Spanish) and English, with its emphasis
on creative writing, are solid, and government is also strong. Creative writing stu-
dents end by writing a novella, the best of which is given the Benjamin Wofford Prize
and published in paperback. Some of the most popular majors are biology, finance,
English, psychology, and Spanish. Prospective engineers may apply for 3– 2 programs
with Clemson or New York’s Columbia University. Sixty- two percent of classes enroll
fewer than 20 students, and students agree that, across the board, the workload tends
to be heavy. “I would say the academic climate at Wofford is very competitive in the
sense that students feel pressured to excel,” says a sophomore.
“Professors encourage students to come visit their office about both class and
personal concerns,” says a psychology major. “Many help students secure research
Website: www .wofford .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,803
Undergraduates: 1,803
Male/Female: 48/52
Financial Aid: 95%
Pell Grant: 18%
Expense: Pr $ $
Student Loans: 54%
Average Debt: $ $ $
Applicants: 4,425
Accepted: 60%
Enrolled: 19%
Grad in 6 Years: 83%
Returning Freshmen: 89%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (864) 597- 4130
Email Address: admission @
wofford .edu
Strong Programs:
Biology
Business
English
Government
Finance
Psychology
Spanish
“Many [professors] help
students secure research
positions, internships, and
other opportunities.”
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WOFFORD COLLEGE 793
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
positions, internships, and other opportunities.” Indeed, special enrichment oppor-
tunities abound at Wofford. The Presidential Seminar brings together 20 outstanding
seniors from different disciplines to discuss readings from classical and contempo-
rary essays on philosophy, politics, and the complexities of human nature. The
Career Center connects students to internships, entrepreneurship opportunities,
and other career services. Sixty- three percent of Wofford students participate in
some form of study abroad, embarking on programs in more than 70 countries on
all seven continents. Short- term, faculty- led programs are offered during the January
term, while semester- and yearlong options are available through approved partners;
students can often apply financial aid toward program costs. Every year, one lucky
Presidential International Scholar travels around the world, all expenses paid, to
study an issue of global importance for a semester.
Fifty- three percent of students hail from South Carolina and just 3 percent from
abroad. Black students make up 7 percent of the student population, Asian Americans
2 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 6 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent.
Conservative white students from middle- to upper- class backgrounds make up the
majority, and students note that the low level of racial diversity has been a source of
tension on campus. “Wofford’s administration is a lot more liberal and encourages
diversity, whereas Wofford students and alums often show distaste or frustration
toward more socially liberal and inclusive endeavors,” comments a student. Merit
scholarships averaging $22,400 are available to qualified students, and there are also
athletic scholarships in 19 sports.
Eighty- seven percent of Wofford’s students live on campus, where first- years get
doubles in Greene Hall and the recently renovated Marsh Hall or four- person suites
in Carlisle Hall. A biology major explains, “Each year that you are at Wofford, the
housing situation gets better and better, culmi-
nating in the Village— a fantastic apartment
community for the seniors.” About a quarter of
first- years join living/learning communities so they can live with classmates who
share their academic interests. A senior says meals in Wofford’s three main dining
facilities are “getting better each year.” Campus security gets mixed reviews. “Sexual
assault is an issue on Wofford’s campus because most cases go unreported,” says a
junior, who also credits the administration with increasing the visibility of Title IX
staff and resources “so more cases will be reported.”
The Greek system is a huge force in Wofford’s social life, enlisting 31 percent of
the men and 41 percent of the women. The Greek Village features individual houses
for fraternities, sororities, and multicultural organizations and serves as the social
center of campus. Most Greek groups host parties every Friday and Saturday— with
some kicking off the weekend on Thursday. “The school wants to shut down under-
age drinking, and they’re cracking down on it,” warns one student. The Student
Affairs Committee offers campuswide events like comedians and music for those
uninterested in the Greek system. “Spring Weekend is much anticipated at Wofford,
as there are bands, cookouts, shaving- cream fights, and a beach volleyball tourna-
ment,” says a student. Off campus, Spartanburg is home to six other colleges.
Students say it’s not a great college town, but there are some fun hangouts and occa-
sional street fairs and concerts. Almost every Wofford student participates in some
type of volunteer work. Terrier Play Day brings kids from the community to campus
for a fair with booths and games. For a change of pace, students can head to
Greenville, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
The Wofford Terriers compete in the Division I Southern Conference and have
produced a number of competitive teams, including football, men’s basketball, and
women’s volleyball; games against rival Furman always draw crowds. The school’s
quiz bowl and chartered financial analyst teams are nationally competitive. Students
All first- years are
assigned a Student
Success Team that
includes an academic
advisor, a student
peer leader, a
staff guide, and a
personal librarian.
“You don’t come to
Wofford— you join it.”
The Greek Village
features individual
houses for fraternities,
sororities, and
multicultural
organizations and
serves as the social
center of campus.
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794 THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
are also active in intramural, recreational, and club sports, and some of the most
popular programs include Terrier Tag, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.
A former Wofford chaplain was fond of saying, “You don’t come to Wofford— you
join it.” And students say that’s true, citing the close- knit community and intimate
student/faculty relationships fostered by the school’s small size. Although adminis-
trative efforts to build a more diverse, inclusive campus have been met with some
resistance, the status quo here is slowly changing. “Wofford is in a period of transi-
tion currently, but I don’t think that’s a negative,” reflects an English major.
“Wofford is interested in creating citizens of our world who will foster improve-
ment, and I see Wofford as an institution focused on moving forward while still
preserving tradition.”
Overlaps
Furman,
Presbyterian, College
of Charleston,
Sewanee, Clemson,
University of South
Carolina, UNC at
Chapel Hill, Wake
Forest
If You Apply To ›
Wofford: Early decision, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
The College of Wooster
Wooster, OH 44691
Despite its status as a modest Midwestern college with fewer than 2,000 students,
Wooster is renowned in academic circles around the globe. Access is relatively
easy, but graduating requires students to complete an independent study project
in their senior year— earning a coveted Tootsie Roll. More intellectually intense than
competitors such as Denison. Prioritizes mentorship and prides itself on turning
students into real scholars.
Instead of telling students what to think, the College of Wooster focuses on teach-
ing students how to do it themselves through what it calls its “research- based lib-
eral arts curriculum.” From the first freshman seminar to the final day when seniors
hand in their theses, the college paves each student’s path to independence. The
emphasis here is on global perspectives, mentored research, and the heritage that
stems from its origin as a college founded in 1866 by Scottish Presbyterians. The
one- on- one attention from faculty makes Wooster an intellectual refuge in the
rural countryside of Ohio. “Wooster is a school that really celebrates hard work,”
says a senior.
Located in the city of Wooster, Ohio, the college’s hilltop campus is spread over
240 acres, with many campus buildings designed in the English– collegiate Gothic
style and constructed of cream- colored brick. More recent buildings are trimmed in
Indiana limestone or Ohio sandstone. The cen-
tral arch and two towers of Kauke Hall (the cen-
tral building in Quinby Quadrangle, the square
around which the college grew) make it stand
out. The Gault Library for Independent Study offers a private carrel for each senior
in the humanities and social sciences. Completed in spring 2023, a $40 million ren-
ovation of the student center has centralized student support services, updated the
dining hall, and expanded space for student clubs and relaxation.
What goes on behind the facades of Wooster’s attractive buildings is more
impressive than the structures themselves. The required First- Year Seminar in Critical
Inquiry, limited to 15 students per section, introduces students to intensive writing,
Website: www .wooster .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 1,958
Undergraduates: 1,958
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 23%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: 52%
Average Debt: $ $
Applicants: 7,251
Accepted: 56%
Enrolled: 14%
Grad in 6 Years: 74%
Returning Freshmen: 84%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (330) 263- 2322
Email Address: admissions @
wooster .edu
“Wooster is a school that
really celebrates hard
work.”
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THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER 795
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
critical thinking, and interdisciplinary study. In addition to the first- year seminar,
three semesters of independent study, and six cross- discipline courses, Wooster
mandates coursework in writing; foreign language; global engagement; diversity,
power, and privilege; social justice or religious perspectives; quantitative literacy;
and seven to nine classes in the student’s major.
At Wooster, “students develop specific and deep academic interests,” says an
English major. The most popular majors are also some of the strongest: political
science, biology, psychology, communication studies, and neuroscience. Business
economics and global and international studies
are also strengths. The chemistry department
has traditionally ranked near the top among pri-
vate colleges in the number of graduates who go
on to earn Ph.D.s. Several optional Pathway pro-
grams in interdisciplinary areas allow students
to explore broader academic and career interests. Sixty percent of classes enroll
fewer than 20 students, and only a few introductory courses have teaching assis-
tants, who run review sessions and offer extra help. Students praise faculty mem-
bers for their devotion to teaching, and a history major says, “Mentorship and
collaboration are pervasive across campus.”
Indeed, mentored undergraduate research is the heart of a Wooster education,
highlighted by paid opportunities in the Applied Methods and Research Experience,
APEX Fellowships, the Sophomore Research Program, and other internships. The
Independent Study (IS) required of all seniors lets students explore subjects they’re
passionate about with one- on- one faculty guidance. “The research skills you
develop are second to none,” affirms one student. IS has become such a part of
Wooster that each year, seniors celebrate IS Monday— the day they turn in their
projects— with a campuswide parade led by bagpipers. Completion of the IS earns
you a Tootsie Roll, to eat or keep for posterity next to your diploma. “It’s a day all
Wooster graduates will always remember!” a senior says. The college even awards
nearly $100,000 each year for student research, travel, or materials to support thesis
work. The APEX (Advising, Planning, and Experiential Learning) center combines
several offices related to student and career services and helps coordinate intern-
ships, study abroad, tutoring, and peer mentoring. When Wooster’s remote locale
gets too confining, students may choose from semester- long programs in more
than 60 countries worldwide or short- term TREK programs led by Wooster faculty
during spring and summer breaks.
Wooster students are “creative and independent, but not to the extent that it
feels overly eccentric,” says an English major. As the college’s reputation spreads, it’s
becoming more selective. Black students consti-
tute 10 percent of the student body, Asian
Americans 4 percent, Hispanics/Latinos 6 per-
cent, and multiracial students 4 percent. Wooster
has a notable international flavor— 15 percent of students hail from more than 60
foreign nations, while 32 percent come from Ohio. Politically, the campus is “over-
all quite liberal,” says a junior. Merit awards averaging $34,100 are available, and
students are admitted without regard for financial need.
All students live on Wooster’s campus in 14 co- ed dorms, where rooms are small
but mostly “acceptable.” “Wooster is in the process of updating older dorms so they
can be modern and ADA friendly,” reports a communication studies major. Students
seriously committed to service may apply to live in one of the college’s 30 residential
program houses, each of which is affiliated with a community group. Meals are
served in the Lowry Center dining hall and get average reviews. When it comes to
responding to the issue of campus sexual assault, a neuroscience major says, “The
(continued)
Strong Programs:
Political Science
Biology
Psychology
Communication Studies
Neuroscience
Business Economics
Global and International
Studies
Chemistry
“Having that big project on
the horizon from the day
you enroll changes the
way you engage with your
education.”
The required First-
Year Seminar in
Critical Inquiry
introduces students
to intensive writing,
critical thinking, and
interdisciplinary study.
“Every student leaves
Wooster with a love for
bagpipes.”
Seniors celebrate IS
Monday— the day
they turn in their
independent study
projects— with a
campuswide parade
led by bagpipers.
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796 WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
school is constantly improving and is transparent about its effectiveness.” But in
general, students say that given Wooster’s location “in the middle of cornfields,”
safety isn’t an issue.
Despite the school’s rural location, students say they enjoy the “quaint and
friendly” town of Wooster, a 10- minute walk from campus. “The downtown area
offers an excellent social scene for daytime events like going to brunch, hanging out
with friends, and going to the farmers market on Saturdays,” says a senior. Still, the
vast majority of social life is campus- based, especially at night. Visiting lecturers and
student performances keep students busy on weekdays, and the Wooster Activities
Crew organizes events like craft and karaoke nights, movies, and cookouts on week-
ends. Two major weekend hangouts on campus are the Underground, a bar and
dance club that hosts well- known bands, and the Alley, featuring multipurpose
activity space and free arcade games. The college has no national Greek organiza-
tions, but local “sections” draw 13 percent of the men and “clubs” attract 20 percent
of the women. Students say the party scene is low- key and no one is pressured to
drink alcohol. Cleveland is a one- hour drive.
The school’s Scottish heritage is on display in its kilted bagpipe band and its
Scottish dancers, who perform during Scot Saturdays, Scot Spirit Day in the fall, and
other big events throughout the year. “Every student leaves Wooster with a love for
bagpipes,” enthuses a sociology major. Other annual traditions include an outdoor
music festival and the Culture Show during International Education Week in the
fall. When it snows— which it does quite often in Wooster— students descend upon
the Kauke arch and fill it with snow, a tradition that goes back nearly 60 years.
Wooster fields a number of competitive Division III teams. Fighting Scots basket-
ball is a spectator favorite, especially when the opponent is rival Wittenberg. Baseball
and women’s soccer are recent North Coast Athletic Conference winners, and wom-
en’s lacrosse has also been strong of late. Moot Court and Model UN have been
successful in regional and national competitions. Club and intramural sports sign up
students in droves; soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and rugby are particularly popular.
The College of Wooster is nationally recognized for its commitment to men-
tored research, its international focus, and its encouragement of independent think-
ing. The distinctive independent study requirement actively shapes both the
individual student experience and the campus atmosphere. As a political science
major explains, “Having that big project on the horizon from the day you enroll
changes the way you engage with your education. That brings an element of inten-
sity, dedication, and commitment to the academics at Wooster.”
The school’s Scottish
heritage is on display
in its kilted bagpipe
band and its Scottish
dancers, who perform
during Scot Saturdays.
Overlaps
Denison, Oberlin,
St. Olaf, Dickinson,
Kalamazoo,
Kenyon, Macalester,
Miami (OH)
If You Apply To ›
Wooster: Early decision I and II, early action, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: optional. Accepts the Common Application.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609- 2280
Small, innovative, and undergraduate- oriented, WPI is anything but a stodgy technical
institute. The WPI Plan is hands- on and project- based and takes a humanistic view
of engineering. Emphasizes teamwork instead of competition. Global focus unusual
for an engineering school. WPI is smaller than Rensselaer and has roughly the same
number of undergraduates as MIT.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
As a pioneer in STEM education, Worcester Polytechnic Institute has built a solid
reputation, particularly for its engineering programs. But with its ever- expanding
academic curriculum (including business studies), surprising devotion to music and
theater, and dedication to hands- on undergraduate experiences, WPI has broad-
ened the definition of what it means to be a techie haven. More than anything, it’s
WPI’s intentionally humanistic approach to engineering that really sets it apart. As
a mechanical engineering major explains, “We all have one common denominator
that brings us together: we all love STEM and we all want to design, build, and inno-
vate to make the world better.”
WPI, established in 1865, is the third- oldest independent science and engineer-
ing school in the nation. Its compact 95- acre campus is set atop one of Worcester’s
“seven hills” on the residential outskirts of town and borders two parks and the
historic Highland Street District, where local
merchants and students come together to form
the neighborhood community. Old English
stone buildings complete with creeping ivy are focal points of the architecture, but
modern facilities have moved in to claim their own space on the immaculately kept
grounds. The $49 million Innovation Studio features high- tech classrooms, maker-
spaces, and labs, as well as a 140- bed residence hall. Unity Hall, a 100,000- square- foot,
interdisciplinary academic and research facility that also houses several student ser-
vices, opened in 2022.
WPI’s curriculum remains remarkably broad and flexible for a high- powered
technological university. The intent of WPI’s unique educational philosophy of
theory and practice is to build self- confidence and social skills, to nurture well-
rounded students interested in using their knowledge to improve the world,
and, especially, to develop teamwork. First- years have the option of signing
up for a two- term Great Problems Seminar, which a junior calls “a great way
to get one’s feet wet with project- based learning.” Standard course distribution
requirements vary by major but include classes in engineering, math, and sci-
ence, as well as a humanities and arts requirement. The Interactive Qualifying
Project (IQP) is a distinctive requirement that has students apply technical
knowledge to one of society’s problems, usually working in teams of two to four
students with a faculty advisor. The Major Qualifying Project (MQP) require-
ment serves as a capstone in which students work on a truly professional- level
problem in their major course of study. “It is a great opportunity to actually
create something and also a great project to put on your résumé for post col-
lege,” cheers a sophomore. Many IQPs and MQPs involve corporate, nonprofit,
or government sponsors, to whom students present their research findings and
recommendations.
The most popular majors are mechanical engineering, computer science, bio-
medical engineering, and electrical and computer engineering. Aerospace
engineering and architectural engineering are traditional strengths, as are inter-
disciplinary programs such as interactive media and game development (IMGD),
and bioinformatics and computational biology. The school launched the nation’s
first undergraduate robotics engineering program, which has grown to include
M.S. and Ph.D. programs, making it the first university to offer all three levels.
WPI also offers a rare fire protection engineering combined B.S./M.S. program.
Many biomedical engineering majors do their projects at UMass Medical and
Tufts Veterinary, as well as at local hospitals. Math and science types can pick up
middle or high school teaching credentials through the university’s STEM
Education Center. Creative writing, music, and drama are offered as minors, and
well over 300 students participate in 30 musical and theatrical groups on
campus.
Website: www .wpi .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 5,903
Undergraduates: 5,058
Male/Female: 63/37
Financial Aid: 97%
Pell Grant: 13%
Expense: Pr $ $ $
Student Loans: N/A
Average Debt: N/A
Applicants: 11,599
Accepted: 57%
Enrolled: 20%
Grad in 6 Years: 89%
Returning Freshmen: 91%
Academics:
- - -
½
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
H
Admissions: (508) 831- 5286
Email Address: admissions @
wpi .edu
Strong Programs:
Aerospace Engineering
Architectural Engineering
Interactive Media and Game
Development
Bioinformatics and
Computational Biology
Robotics Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Biomedical Engineering
“We are goofy, determined,
hardworking, and just fun.”
In the Global Projects
Program, students
travel to more than
50 off- campus project
centers across the
U.S. and around
the world, working
in teams to solve a
real- world problem
for a local sponsor.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
An academic year at WPI consists of four terms, each lasting seven weeks, which
means courses are fast- paced and intense, but a chemical engineering major calls it
“a big attractor: It’s a good system if you’re an organized person.” Students take
three courses per term, and although some intro-
ductory classes enroll more than 100 students,
most classes are small— 64 percent have fewer
than 20 students. Professors are praised for their
approachability and willingness to establish rela-
tionships, especially when it comes to research opportunities. “Professors have a
very good mix of theoretical knowledge and practical workplace experience,” notes
an aerospace major. To further promote cooperation and cohesiveness, the only
recorded grades are A, B, C, or No Record. Failing grades do not appear on tran-
scripts, and the school does not compute GPAs or class ranks. “The grading system
allows students to take more risks in their curriculum by taking harder classes when
they want to,” says a chemical engineering major. As of fall 2021, WPI began pilot-
ing an eight- year test- blind admissions policy.
WPI also offers a distinctive Global Projects Program, in which students travel to
more than 50 off- campus project centers run by resident faculty advisors across the
U.S. and around the world, working in teams to solve a real- world problem for a local
sponsor. About 85 percent of students take advantage of the program, most of them
to fulfill their IQP or MQP requirements. Every incoming freshman is eligible for a
Global Project Scholarship of up to $5,000 to support participation in the program.
Super motivated students can also complete Individually Sponsored Residential
Projects, in which they design their own independent, off- campus study project
under the direction of a faculty member, in addition to their other project work. The
co- op program enables students to take time away from the classroom to pursue paid,
full- time work experience, which may add on extra time to their degree program.
Of the students, a senior says, “We are goofy, determined, hardworking, and
just fun. We all know what we want and really work toward it but have a lot of fun
in achieving that goal.” Forty- five percent of undergraduates are Massachusetts
natives, and 7 percent come from abroad. Black
students account for 3 percent of the students,
Hispanics/Latinos 9 percent, Asian Americans
12 percent, and multiracial students 4 percent.
Men outnumber women 3 to 2. A chemical engi-
neering major calls the student body “relatively apolitical,” since “students in gen-
eral are much more interested in impacting the world through science, technology,
and engineering than through political activism.” Merit scholarships averaging
$20,400 are doled out annually, but there are no athletic scholarships.
First- year students are required to live in the university residence halls, “but past
your first year, it is harder to get housing,” says a sophomore. Co- ed halls offer tra-
ditional and suite- style options, while on- campus apartments and smaller houses
make for more homelike living. Upperclassmen tend to move to Greek houses or
off- campus apartments; 53 percent of all undergrads live in campus housing.
Students can take their meals in the main dining hall, food court, or on- campus
restaurant. A junior notes, “Offices that support students dealing with sexual assault
have a much greater presence than they did when I started here.” WPI established
the new Center for Well- Being in 2022 to provide cohesive wellness programming
and mental health support for the school’s community.
Social life is usually a good mix of on- and off- campus activities. Student-
organized coffeehouses, game nights, concerts, improv shows, and movies are
popular, as are Greek parties. Twenty- five percent of the men join fraternities, and
27 percent of the women enter sororities. On campus, “Parties hosted by Greek
“[The Great Problems
Seminar is] a great way
to get one’s feet wet with
project- based learning.”
The Major Qualifying
Project (MQP) is a
capstone in which
students work on a
truly professional-
level problem in their
major course of study.
“Professors have a very
good mix of theoretical
knowledge and practical
workplace experience.”
A century- old campus
tradition is the
Goat’s Head Rivalry,
a yearlong grudge
match between
the freshman and
sophomore classes.
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
organizations are monitored and safe,” shares a student. A century- old campus tra-
dition is the Goat’s Head Rivalry, a yearlong grudge match between the freshman
and sophomore classes that includes the Pennant Rush, a rope pull next to Salisbury
Pond, and a WPI trivia competition. The prize? A bronze goat’s head trophy with the
winning class’s year engraved on it.
While not exactly a tourist destination, Worcester does offer a large number of
clubs and restaurants, an art museum, and a large multipurpose arena that hosts
concerts and sporting events. “The Student Activities Office will have weekend day
trips [to the] Wachusett Mountains, all different types of fruit picking, bowling, the
Boston Aquarium, etc.,” a sophomore says. Several nearby colleges, including Clark
and Holy Cross, provide even more social and academic opportunities. Boston and
Hartford are both an hour’s drive, as are ski resorts and beaches.
The WPI Engineers compete in Division III sports and field a number of strong
teams. Women’s rowing is a recent NEWMAC conference champion, and men’s bas-
ketball advanced to the quarterfinals of the national championship in 2022. Softball,
men’s soccer, and men’s and women’s swimming and diving are also competitive.
Sixty percent of the student body participate in intramural and recreational sports,
with underwater hockey being a particular favorite among more than 40 club sports.
One of WPI’s chants is fittingly mathematic: “E to the x, d-y, d-x, e to the ix, d-x;
cosine, secant, tangent, sine; 3.14159; e-i, radical, pi; fight ’em, fight ’em, WPI!” If
you know what any of that stuff means, you’ll fit right in.
Overlaps
Carnegie Mellon,
Northeastern,
Stevens Institute
of Technology,
Rensselaer,
Rochester Institute
of Technology, MIT,
UMass Amherst,
Purdue
If You Apply To ›
WPI: Early decision I and II, early action I and II, regular decision. SATs or ACTs: not considered. Accepts the Common
Application.
Xavier University of Louisiana
1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125
BEST
BUY
The only historically Black college with Roman Catholic ties, Xavier is bigger than
a small college but smaller than most universities. Competes with Howard, LSU,
Morehouse, and Spelman. Strong in pharmacy and the physical sciences and
nationally known for turning out medical students and science teachers. Eight
percent of students are Catholic. Location in New Orleans is a big plus.
As the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic college, Xavier University of
Louisiana has a stellar reputation for graduating a wealth of scientists, aspiring med-
ical professionals, and science teachers. A small New Orleans college, Xavier pre-
pares students for their chosen careers while providing a strong foundation in the
liberal arts and a supportive community. Says one English major: “Xavier is where
future leaders are made.”
Xavier, a.k.a. XULA, was established as a university in 1925 by Katharine Drexel
and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Drexel, a former Philadelphia socialite (see
Drexel University), devoted her life to the education of African Americans and Native
Americans, and she was canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II. Xavier is located near
the heart of New Orleans in a quiet neighborhood dotted with bungalows. The focal
point of the campus is the Library Resource Center, which, with its green roof and
stately neo- Gothic architectural style, has become a landmark for those traveling by car
Website: www .xula .edu
Location: City Center
Private
Total Enrollment: 3,295
Undergraduates: 2,603
Male/Female: 22/78
Financial Aid: 99%
Pell Grant: 53%
Expense: Pr $
Student Loans: 99%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 8,803
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800 XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
from the New Orleans airport to the French Quarter. An enclosed campus green mutes
the urban feel of the encroaching city, and yellow- brick buildings have been erected
among the historic limestone structures. Since 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, XULA has
gone on a $130 million renovation and building spree that includes the state- of- the- art
Pharmacy Pavilion, the Convocation Center, and the stunning St. Katharine Drexel
Chapel designed by renowned Argentine architect César Pelli.
Xavier’s core curriculum, known as XCore, consists of three stages, beginning
with Foundations courses in the first year that orient students to the university, basic
skills like college writing, and the city of New
Orleans. The second stage, Explorations, requires
classes in several liberal arts categories ranging
from theology and scientific reasoning to African
American heritage and legacies. In the third stage,
Engagements, students take two interdisciplinary seminars, each focusing on a differ-
ent “big idea” or global issue, such as corporate social responsibility and food secu-
rity. Finally, all students complete a senior capstone course in their major.
The university maintains its reputation as one of the most effective teaching
institutions anywhere; the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty
Development works to improve pedagogy across the curriculum and encourages
Black students to become teachers and researchers, especially in the sciences. Sixty
percent of undergraduates major in a science- related field; biology and psychology
are the most popular majors, along with public health sciences, chemistry (includ-
ing prepharmacy), and business. “If you want to go into medicine, I would rec-
ommend Xavier,” explains a student. “They have one of, if not the best, premed
programs for minority students.” Xavier has frequently led the nation in the number
of Black alumni who graduate from medical school and in the number of undergrad-
uates who go on to earn Ph.D.s in science and engineering— and the university has
announced plans to establish its own medical school. Xavier is also among the top
producers of Black pharmacists and high school science teachers. Political science is
a small but solid department. New programs include majors in robotics and mecha-
tronics engineering and African American and diasporic cultures studies. In addition
to the many internships available, Xavier offers cooperative education programs in
all fields and study abroad programs around the world; 7 percent of students sign up
for international study.
“I would describe the academic climate as competitive in terms of obtaining
internships,” says one student, “but collaborative as well because most students here
are willing to help one another with their studies.” Priests and nuns teach and help
run the school, though the notably diverse faculty and staff are composed of laypeo-
ple. Forty- eight percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. “Teachers are acces-
sible and give personalized attention,” says one senior, “especially in upper- level
courses.” Academic and career advising are well received, and there is a strong
emphasis on community service.
“Students are focused, self- motivated, driven, engaged, empowered, and very
straightforward about what they want to achieve,” comments a biology major. For a
historically Black college, XULA’s student body is quite diverse. Eighty- six percent of
undergrads are Black, 2 percent are Asian American,
4 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 4 percent are multi-
racial, and 1 percent are white. Xavier has achieved
a national reputation for its programs to reach out
to local high schools to identify and nurture talented students of color. Most students
come from the Deep South; 29 percent are from Louisiana, and many are second- or
third- generation Xavierites. Two percent come from abroad. Frequent forums and
town- hall meetings give students a chance to discuss social and political concerns. A
(continued)
Accepted: 95%
Enrolled: 10%
Grad in 6 Years: 48%
Returning Freshmen: 68%
Academics:
- - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (504) 520- 7388
Email Address: apply @ xula
.edu
Strong Programs:
Education
Biology
Psychology
Public Health Sciences
Chemistry
Prepharmacy
Business
Political Science
“Xavier students from all
over the country revel in
the New Orleans culture
and bond over it.”
The Center for
the Advancement
of Teaching and
Faculty Development
encourages Black
students to become
teachers and
researchers, especially
in the sciences.
“[Xavier has] one of, if not
the best, premed programs
for minority students.”
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YALE UNIVERSITY 801
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limited number of academic awards, worth an average of $13,000, are available to qual-
ified students, as are athletic scholarships. A substantial 57 percent of incoming fresh-
men are eligible for Pell Grants.
Sixty- two percent of Xavier students live in the contemporary- looking residence
halls, three of which are same- sex. Students report being mostly satisfied with the
campus dining options: “The dining hall gets the job done,” says a student. As a
major city, New Orleans experiences a fair amount of crime, so campus security is a
top priority, with highly visible officers who provide rides back to the dorms after
late- night study sessions; the XULASafe App includes safety options such as a mobile
blue light location alert, emergency preparedness resources, and more.
Athletic events and activities organized by student clubs offer some entertain-
ment on campus, and, as a junior explains, “Every Friday, we have Live Music Friday,
where we have music on the yard during lunchtime.” Popular annual events include
Homecoming and Spring Fest. Otherwise, given the endless options for socializing
and nightlife in New Orleans, the social scene on campus tends to be quiet. “Xavier
students from all over the country revel in the New Orleans culture and bond over
it,” remarks a sociology major. Fraternities and sororities attract just 1 percent of the
men and 5 percent of the women, and since Xavier is a dry campus, Greek parties
usually happen at off- campus venues. When Mardi Gras rolls around, the university
takes two days off to celebrate the holiday. As for road trips, students head to Baton
Rouge, Tallahassee, Houston, and Miami.
Xavier’s Gold Rush (men’s) and Gold Nuggets (women’s) varsity sports teams com-
pete along with the 2022 conference winning co- ed cheer team in the NAIA Division
I and are enthusiastically supported, especially when the opponent is crosstown rival
Dillard University. Competitive teams include men’s and women’s basketball (recent
Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champions) and track and field, baseball, softball,
women’s cross- country, and women’s volleyball, with new additions of men’s and
women’s soccer. The newest additions are the reestablished baseball program, which
had been absent since 1960, and a newly established softball team. Those interested in
recreational sports can sign up for intramural basketball, flag football, and volleyball.
“Xavier is a cradle for overachieving Black students to come together and chal-
lenge each other,” opines a history major. “It is an environment that celebrates and
supports high academic performance and achievement.” With a mind for the future,
Xavier stays true to its beginnings as a historically Black and Catholic university and
to its mission of preparing students to work toward “a more just and humane
society.”
When Mardi Gras rolls
around, the university
takes two days off to
celebrate the holiday.
Overlaps
Benedict,
Bethune– Cookman,
Claflin, Tuskegee,
Hampton, Howard,
Morehouse,
Spelman
If You Apply To ›
Xavier: Rolling admissions. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Xavier’s website for the most
up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
Yale University
38 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520
Yale is the middle- sized member of the Ivy League’s big three: bigger than Princeton,
smaller than Harvard. Its widely imitated residential college system helps Yale strike
a balance between being a research university and an undergraduate college. New
Haven isn’t New York, but it has a relatively lively urban scene. Plan to work hard.
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Founded in 1701 by Connecticut Congregationalists concerned about “backsliding”
among their counterparts at a certain school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Yale has
long been recognized as one of the world’s finest private universities and one of
the few Ivy League schools focused on undergraduates. Students here remain as
dedicated to their studies as ever and tend to carry their achievements lightly. And
thanks to Yale’s residential college system, this huge research university feels like
more of a home for its students. “Yale students are truly happy to be here,” says a
sophomore. “Everyone has a massive crush on Yale, and that makes all the differ-
ence in living and working here for four years.”
Yale’s campus looks like the traditional archetype— magnificent courtyards,
imposing quadrangles, Gothic buildings designed by James Gamble Rogers, and
Harkness Tower, a 216- foot spire once washed with acid to create its aged, stately
look. Most of the residential colleges date to the
1930s. The university, which bears the name of
early benefactor Elihu Yale, has increased its full-
time undergraduate enrollment over the last
seven years and opened two new residential col-
leges, built in the traditional collegiate Gothic
style. The Greenberg Engineering Teaching Concourse offers state- of- the- art spaces
for undergraduate teaching and collaboration; together with the Yale Center for
Engineering Innovation and Design and the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at
Yale, it forms an “innovation corridor” on campus. The Yale Schwarzman Center
student union, which includes the historic Commons dining hall, recently under-
went a major renovation.
Inside Yale’s wrought- iron gates, academic programs are superb across the
board, with arts and humanities programs especially outstanding. With tradition
ever- present on campus, the Puritan work ethic remains. Graduating from Yale
demands 36 courses— nine a year— rather than the 32 courses required at most other
colleges. Students agree that despite all the hard work, the academic environment is
not based on competition. “Students are not only willing but eager to work together
to complete problem sets and study for tests,” explains a junior. “Being in such a
supportive environment really facilitates learning.”
Although Yale has 13 professional schools and a Graduate School of Arts and
Sciences, Yale College— the undergraduate arts and sciences division— remains the
university’s heart and soul. Virtually all professors teach undergraduates, and the
professional schools’ resources— especially architecture, fine arts, drama, and
music— are available to them as well. Yale’s superb economics department, replete
with budding hedge fund managers and management consultants, offers the most
popular undergraduate major, followed by life sciences, political science, computer
science, engineering, history, psychology, global affairs, and English. History offers
one of the most demanding programs, including a mandatory 30- to 50- page senior
essay. The English department is routinely at the vanguard of literary theory, while
an outstanding interdisciplinary humanities major includes the study of the medie-
val, Renaissance, and modern periods. Most science labs and classrooms are located
on Science Hill (the sciences were latecomers to all of the oldest U.S. universities and
had to find space outside campus cores). Yale has spent half a billion dollars on sci-
ence and engineering facilities in recent years, and nearly half of incoming students
now arrive at Yale with an interest in a STEM major. The biological science depart-
ments are excellent, and its students’ interests range from biomedical engineering
research to preparation for medical school. Architecture and modern languages,
especially French and Chinese, are first- rate, and the school’s Center for the Study of
Globalization is renowned as well.
High- achieving first- years with a particularly strong appetite for the humanities
Website: www .yale .edu
Location: Small City
Private
Total Enrollment: 14,499
Undergraduates: 6,588
Male/Female: 49/51
Financial Aid: 56%
Pell Grant: 20%
Expense: Pr $ $ $ $
Student Loans: 14%
Average Debt: $
Applicants: 50,060
Accepted: 5%
Enrolled: 68%
Grad in 6 Years: 98%
Returning Freshmen: 98%
Academics:
- - - - -
Social:
% % %
Q of L:
H
H
H
Admissions: (203) 432- 9300
Email Address: student
.questions @ yale .edu
Strong Programs:
Architecture
Fine Arts
Drama
Music
Economics
English
Engineering
Biological Science
“Everyone has a massive
crush on Yale, and that
makes all the difference in
living and working here for
four years.”
Yale’s colleges
provide intimate
living/learning
communities, creating
the atmosphere of
a small liberal arts
college within a large
research university.
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YALE UNIVERSITY 803
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
can enroll in Directed Studies, a yearlong, three- course program that examines the
literature, philosophy, history, and politics of Western tradition. Prospective DSers,
who must apply in May or June of their senior year in high school, should be prepared
for some serious bonding with their books— they don’t dub it “Directed Suicide” for
nothing. Ninety- five percent of science and engineering majors do research with
faculty members in any of the more than 1,200 labs on campus; many are doing
their own research as early as the summer after their freshman year. “Professors love
having undergrads in their labs as mentees,” says a molecular, cellular, and develop-
mental biology major. Yale’s Science, Technology, and Research Scholars Program
offers research and mentorship opportunities, career planning, and other specialized
support for historically underrepresented students, including women, minorities,
and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Despite its reverence for tradition, Yale doesn’t require any specific courses for
graduation, and it doesn’t have a core curriculum. Instead, students must take two
classes in humanities and arts, social sciences, and sciences, along with two courses
that emphasize writing and another two that emphasize quantitative reasoning.
Yale also mandates intermediate- level mastery of a foreign language. Students pre-
register and have a two-week add- drop period at the beginning of each term before
finalizing their schedules. Seventy- one percent of undergraduates take advantage of
hundreds of study, internship, and research opportunities offered around the world.
“Yale works hard to make study abroad affordable for every student,” says a political
science major. “I spent a summer abroad in Siena, Italy, and, best of all, the entire
experience was covered by my Yale financial aid.” The Yale in London program is
popular, as are summer sessions abroad for intensive language study.
Introductory- level classes at Yale can be large lectures, accompanied by small
discussion sections typically led by graduate teaching fellows, although first- year
seminars are offered each year on a wide range of topics, allowing first- year students
to interact with professors and peers in small
groups. Upper- level seminars are small and plen-
tiful. Of the 1,000 classes offered each semester,
72 percent have fewer than 20 students. The
quality of undergraduate teaching at Yale is as high as it gets at elite schools, and
“professors are extremely accessible,” says one junior. Some of the most popular
courses, such as John Gaddis’s Cold War history class, seem more like performances,
students say. Nobel laureate William Nordhaus teaches introductory economics,
and James Rothman, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, lives in
one of Yale’s residential colleges.
“Yalies are passionate about the things they are involved in and fully invest
themselves in those passions,” observes a junior. Nevertheless, a first- year adds,
“The student body is amazingly down- to- earth, especially given the insane accom-
plishments and talents of the students.” Ninety- three percent of undergraduates
are from outside of Connecticut, including many from the Northeast and 10 per-
cent from other countries, and the student body is evenly split along gender lines.
Black students make up 8 percent of students, Hispanics/Latinos 15 percent, Asian
Americans 22 percent, and multiracial students 7 percent. Yalies aren’t shy about
expressing their opinions. “Students are politically active and strive to make
changes they feel are necessary,” says a chemical engineering major. No merit or
athletic awards are available, but the university admits students without regard to
financial need and meets the full demonstrated need of all its undergraduate stu-
dents, who are not expected to take out loans. Families making less than $75,000 a
year don’t pay any portion of the cost of their child’s education, and these students
also receive a $2,000 grant in their first year to help cover expenses like school sup-
plies or winter clothing.
Graduating from
Yale demands 36
courses— nine a
year— rather than the
32 courses required at
most other colleges.
“Students are not only
willing but eager to work
together.”
First- years gather for
an annual holiday
dinner that features a
procession of culinary
treats known as the
Parade of Comestibles.
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804 YALE UNIVERSITY
Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
The 14 residential colleges that serve as Yale’s dorms are the focal points for
undergraduate social life and central to the distinct culture of Yale. “Yale’s dorms are
like palaces,” cheers one student. Endowed by Yale graduate Edward S. Harkness
(who also began the house system at Harvard)
and modeled on those at Oxford and Cambridge,
Yale’s colleges provide intimate living/learning
communities, creating the atmosphere of a small
liberal arts college within a large research university. A senior says they are “similar
to the house system at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.” Each college has a
library, dining hall, “butteries” that sell late- night food, and special facilities such as
a gym, photography darkroom, or small theater. All colleges also have their own
head of college and dean who live in the college, as well as affiliated faculty mem-
bers who can help undergraduates struggling to adapt to the rigors of life at Yale.
Residential colleges organize social and cultural events, such as teas where promi-
nent public figures meet with groups of students. The dining halls serve good meals
and multiple options. A senior notes, “We have an iPhone app that tells you the
menu in each dining hall each night.”
Much of each residential college’s distinctive identity comes from its architec-
ture. Some buildings are fashioned in a craggy, fortress- like Gothic style, while
others are done in the more open colonial style, with red brick and green shutters as
the prevailing motif. All colleges have their own special nooks and crannies with
cryptic inscriptions paying tribute to illustrious Yalies of generations past. First- years
in 10 of the 14 colleges live together on the Old Campus, the historic 19th- century
quadrangle, before moving into their colleges as sophomores; first- years in the other
four colleges live in their college from the start. Students generally live in suites with
a living room and single or double bedrooms, but many seniors get singles. Some
upper- level students move into New Haven, although 80 percent of students choose
to stay on campus all four years. Despite New Haven’s urban character, students say
that they feel physically safe. A female biochemistry major adds, “There have been
sexual assaults on campus, and, fortunately, the school’s administration has been
responding swiftly and appropriately to discipline the assailant.”
In addition to identifying with their colleges, many Yale students identify
strongly with extracurricular groups, clubs, and organizations, spending most of
their waking hours outside class at the newspaper, radio station, or computer center.
Particularly clubby are the a cappella singing
groups, whose members do everything from
drinking together on certain weeknights to tour-
ing together during spring break. Many of Yale’s
mysterious secret societies, such as Skull and Bones, have their own mausoleum- like
clubhouses and issue invitations to those with the right qualifications (like being a
Bush). There are also the Yale Anti- Gravity Society (jugglers), improv comedy groups,
and a multitude of other organizations.
Though studying takes the lion’s share of their time, students find ways to
unwind. About 10 percent of Yalies belong to a fraternity or sorority, and Greek
parties are open to all. “There is no pressure to get involved in a party culture,” says
a first- year. The undergraduate Yale Symphony Orchestra puts on an original show
every Halloween that fills Woolsey Hall with students in costume. First- years gather
for an annual holiday dinner that features a procession of culinary treats known
as the Parade of Comestibles. The evening of the first large snowfall of the season
brings the annual snowball fight on Old Campus. Each residential college mounts a
spring “fun day” likely to include, in the words of a senior, “a petting zoo, free food,
and bouncy castles.” For the artistically inclined, there are numerous concerts and
film screenings on the weekends. The Tony Award– winning Yale Repertory Theater
“Professors love having
undergrads in their labs
as mentees.”
Nearly half of
incoming students
now arrive at Yale
with an interest in
a STEM major.
“Yale works hard to make
study abroad affordable for
every student.”
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Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
depends heavily on graduate school talent but always brings in a few top stage stars
each season and offers reduced- price student passes.
The Yale campus is in the middle of downtown New Haven (population 135,000),
a once- gritty small city that is riding the crest of a resurgence that, in the words of a
junior, has made it “the perfect blend of manageable quaintness and urban opportu-
nity.” Natural history and art museums on and near campus, especially the Yale
University Art Gallery and the British Art Center, are excellent. The city’s long-
standing theatrical tradition continues at two grand old theater and concert halls a
block from campus. Shops, bars, and restaurants lie within easy walking distance.
Locals will swear that Pepe’s on Wooster Street was the first (and best!) pizza parlor in
the country, while Louis’s Lunch was the first true hamburger joint. Once- testy rela-
tions between students and locals are improving. “The city definitely caters to stu-
dents to make them feel welcome and safe,” says a biochemistry major, and about
60 percent of Yale undergrads reciprocate by doing volunteer work in town through
Dwight Hall, the largest student- run college community service organization in the
country. “Community service is part of the fabric that makes Yale what it is,” says a
senior. “It’s a major part of student life and culture.” For those seeking big- city excite-
ment, Metro North trains run almost hourly to New York, and visiting Boston is
nearly as easy.
Yale fields a full complement of 34 athletic teams (the Bulldogs), which play in
Division I. Recent Ivy League champions include men’s basketball and golf. The
co- ed and women’s sailing teams claimed recent national titles. More than half the
student body takes part in intramural competi-
tion among the residential colleges; the winning
college gets the coveted Tying Cup. The annual
Harvard– Yale football game— known simply as
The Game— is an occasion for tailgating by thou-
sands of blue- clad students, whether it takes place in New Haven or Cambridge.
Yale’s Mock Trial team is consistently a top performer at national championships.
Yale is one of America’s oldest institutions of higher learning, and students and
graduates here take seriously the intonation, “For God, for country, and for Yale.”
For proof, just remember that among its alumni, Yale counts the presidents or
former presidents of about 70 other colleges and universities and five U.S. presi-
dents. As the university progresses into its fourth century, its past and former stu-
dents continue to make their marks on the world. “When I meet other Yalies abroad,
we can immediately connect by talking about our residential colleges and other
shared Yale traditions, such as the Halloween show,” says one student. Yale has
found a way to pursue world- class teaching and learning with what one senior
describes as “a collegial and relaxed atmosphere that makes your four years here
some of the most enjoyable times of your life.”
The university
mandates
intermediate-
level mastery of a
foreign language.
“[New Haven] definitely
caters to students to make
them feel welcome and
safe.”
Overlaps
Harvard, Princeton,
Stanford,
Columbia, Duke,
MIT, University
of Pennsylvania,
Brown
If You Apply To ›
Yale: Single choice early action, regular decision. Accepts the Common Application with supplement. Please consult Yale’s
website for the most up- to- date information regarding standardized test requirements.
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